I want to go to nursing school, but have little support

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A quick basic background-I am divorced, in my 30s, raising 2 small children. Father is in another state. I have parents who are elderly, one is still working the other is retired. The one who is retired does not wish to watch the kids full time once I actually get into nursing school.

My friends all work during the day.

How exactly does one go to nursing school on such little support? How do you find someone to watch your kids when you work little to no hours in order to pay them?

I am pretty discouraged right now I admit...but I have waited so long to go back to school that I don't want to wait until they are grown up to do so.

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You just do it!!

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See what you can do online. Take some online stuff until the kids are in school, then an option would be to go to LPN school which has hours that are like a regular school day in a vocational school setting. Then you can bridge to RN--again mostly online, or by then the kids will be old enough for you to be in school when they are. Or essentially, take online core courses until your kids get into school, then you can take classes when they are there.

See what kind of aid you are eligible for. See if the local community college has a daycare. (and a number of them do). See if the local welfare office has funding that you can apply for to help with daycare while you are in school.

Good luck with this endevour.

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Do an online program!! Look into UTA or WBU, these programs are generic BSN programs. U'll have to figure out how to do clinicals. I don't know what state ur in these schools are in Texas. WBU does its clinicals in Texas once a month. UTA has partnered hospitals everywhere.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Some good advice by previous posters, but as woman to woman, I hope you're getting $$$upport from kiddos' father. I know it may just be another burden to think about, but you and the little ones are due it. And you're WORTH IT!

Good luck!

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

Our community college has childcare on campus, worth checking out.

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I went to a diploma school where the hours were pretty close to what a school day for the kids would have been. I am shocked by how high childcare costs are (I don't know how anyone affords raising kids and going to work!). I understand your frustration....some diploma schools offer weekend/night part-time programs that take four years to complete

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic.

You may be able to swap child care with a classmate or friend in a similar boat. Maybe someone in another semester so your classes didn't compete. Good luck!!

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Like others said... try online classes, go to a school that offers daycare services, apply for financial aid. If you go to a community college your tuition will be cheaper and you will probably quality for more loans and grants than needed for tuition so this may help you financially if you only work part time.

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And just another thought--do you have a cousin, other family member, a good friend or a college age friend who would like a room in exchange for childcare while you are in school part time?

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