I want to be an RN soooo bad!!!!

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I have wanted to be a nurse since I was in high school. I always thought it would be too hard, I couldn't do it...so I got an associate degree in computers....that was in 2001 and I STILL want to do nothing more than be a nurse. I currently work in the billing department of a medium sized law firm. I wake up thinking about nursing, I go to bed thinking about nursing. I feel that it is my calling.

I have 2 children- a 10 year old and a 19 month old...I also have a VERY un-supportive husband. I am the breadwinner in the household. I take care of every single aspect of life.

I have found a few part time evening LPN programs in the area, but I am worried that if I cut my hours back from work that I won't be able to afford a 2nd babysitter for the evenings. I also worry about not seeing my boys much.

I do not have any family here in Florida, so I have also considered moving back home (Indiana) where my boys and I could stay with my father and I could go to school full time and work part time. I do have a really good job here in Florida and it does pay the bills and allows me the opportunity to take care of my family but it is not my dream...it is not nursing!!!!

I would love anyone's suggestions, point of view, comments. Sometimes when you are inside the box you miss very important details. I feel stuck. I am going to be 35 this year and just feel like I am wasting valuable time. I want a career not just a job, I want to help people...it is in me..it is what makes me.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? What did you do? What would you do?

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Specializes in Allergy and Immunology.

I have not been in that situation. I am sorry that you do not have a good network of support. Nursing school is very challenging and almost impossible without the support of people around you. If you think it is your calling I say you need to try and get your husbands support first and foremost, otherwise it may be impossible to continue on. Once you get into nursing school you pretty much can not have any distractions. Make sure everything is in order (childcare, bills, chores, reliable transportation, and a supportive spouse) before embarking on your journey. I do have 1 question though? You mentioned moving back to Indiana with your father would your husband go with?

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I feel for you. I think that since you and your family are independent right now, it is something you and your husband should research how you can start this journey. First things first; speak with your husband about sharing the workload so you can spare time from work to study. Secondly, find out what prerequisites you need to take in the mean time and focus on those. Then, once you have passed those courses you can figure out a way to do whichever program you want. I don't find what you are asking to be too much. It is all about compromise. Wish you the best and stick to your dream.

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Ella26- honestly....probably not. He has his family and ties here in Florida. Our relationship is not a healthy one but it does push me to try to do better for my kids and show them that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

Hugs!! When you say you're THE breadwinner, do you mean your husband is a stay-at-home dad? If so, why do you need a babysitter? I agree that nursing school is very difficult without support, and I'm not an advocate of breaking up a marriage...but since you're the one working, shouldn't you have a say in how you earn that bread? Have you discussed this with him yet? Does he realize that happy wife=happy life? ;)

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Specializes in Allergy and Immunology.

I'm sorry to hear that about your relationship. I hope things can work out in your favor, even if that means going back to Indiana. Sometimes we have to make those sacrifices that will better our lives in return. Definitely follow your dreams to be a good example for your kids. Good luck on your journey.

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He does work a part time job...but that's his spending money. I work full time, pay the bills, raise the kids, etc. Its not ideal at all...but to keep the peace I keep my mouth shut. I've talked. I was taking online classes for a respiratory therapy program and couldn't study because I couldn't find any quiet time. I have always been the independent one so asking for help is hard.....especially with no friends or family.

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Sounds like you need to decide if you want to be a nurse or be his stomping mat. You're only treated as well as you demand in this world.

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Sounds like you need to decide if you want to be a nurse or be his stomping mat. You're only treated as well as you demand in this world.

I second this. If this is truly what you want, then you need to take a stand in your personal life to make a change, or you'll never make it.

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I'd suggest shadowing an RN/LPN to see if this is something you truly want to pursue since it would be such an undertaking. As for your relationship with your husband, no one deserves to be treated with such disrespect, ESPECIALLY since you are raising two young men who should have a positive male role model. I hope you find the strength to believe you deserve better to put change in motion. XO

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Sounds like you need to decide if you want to be a nurse or be his stomping mat. You're only treated as well as you demand in this world.

I third this girl he shoulda been long gone time ago!!! Forget what people have told you that is hard, trust me you will make it!!! It's the WILL that gets things in motion and you have that!!!! You can take all your Prerequisites online so u can have more time with your kiddos and just keep them in check more often or sleep them at 7 to 8pm it's better for them and you can study better. My advice only do a maximum of 3 classes per semester with your situation this plan will work!!!! Best of Luck to You....

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We have some similarities. I am also 35 with two children 10 and 14 months. I want to be a nurse really bad. Right now I am in between jobs and have been looking onto nursing programs. I have two weeks before I am a cna and hope that I can support my family doing this while attending nursing school at a local community college in Louisville, Kentucky. My boyfriend is currently supporting our household. He is very reluctant about nursing school. I have a bachelors degree and he feel I need to get a job and bring in money. I feel like a nursing career can change our lives for the better. I am moving forward and hope to be a nurse soon. It comes a time when you have to believe in yourself. You only live once. Best of luck to you.

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