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?
Thank you for all your comments, suggestions, and most of all honesty. I have decided to go after my dream of nursing, but do it here in sunny Florida. I have decided to start my prerequisites (slowly) and at a pace that will introduce me back to going to school and allow me and my family (kids) the opportunity to get use to mom being gone. I found a great program that offers a 2 day a week evening program with Saturday clinicals. Of course nothing is set in stone as I am just starting but that is my plan. I also agree that the family dynamics/drama is a huge stressor, so that is another reason for starting out slowly and taking my time.
Not sure what is going to happen between myself and my husband. He is completely unsupportive of anything that has to do with me, school, or bettering our family or financial situation…….
Thank you for all your comments suggestions, and most of all honesty. I have decided to go after my dream of nursing, but do it here in sunny Florida. I have decided to start my prerequisites (slowly) and at a pace that will introduce me back to going to school and allow me and my family (kids) the opportunity to get use to mom being gone. I found a great program that offers a 2 day a week evening program with Saturday clinicals. Of course nothing is set in stone as I am just starting but that is my plan. I also agree that the family dynamics/drama is a huge stressor, so that is another reason for starting out slowly and taking my time. Not sure what is going to happen between myself and my husband. He is completely unsupportive of anything that has to do with me, school, or bettering our family or financial situation…….[/quote']
I find it difficult to give advice as I never want to pretend I have all the answers or make a decision for someone. I'm not a psychologist and this is purely opinion based on limited facts...but this forum seems to be a platform for support... After reading your posts throughout this thread, I feel compelled to say a few things. It was really difficult for me to read about a woman who is caring for two children, the bread winner and not receiving support when you're trying to better your family, challenge yourself and find fulfillment in every aspect of life. It seems like there's some realization that your current situation isn't to your liking and maybe not one you deserve. Please consider your safety/well being when making your decision (short and long term). You are 35, this is still young adulthood. If you feel this is your calling and you have nothing else on your mind. Maybe you should listen to what your heart and mind are already telling you.
I found a great program that offers a 2 day a week evening program with Saturday clinicals. Of course nothing is set in stone as I am just starting but that is my plan.
The first step to achieving one's dream is to make a plan. Of course, sometimes adjustments to the plan need to be made as you go along, but you have completed the first step. Good for you Lady!
Specializes in Emergency, Tele, Med Surg, DOU, ICU.
Good luck to you. That is exactly what I did, I started my prereq slooowly. One or two classes at a time. Time flies and befeore you know it, you are ready to apply to nursing school.
Thank you!!! Sometimes it really does help to hear others opinions as when you are the one in the situation it is hard to think outside the box. I always thought nursing would be impossible with 2 children, working, etc. But seeing that others have done it...and doing my research on the vast options for nursing students these days I am pleasantly surprised to find that it is very possible...with hard work, determination, and a ton of studying LOL.
How long did it take you to complete? Sometimes I feel that I am too old to be starting over again LOL. But I have read that there are all age ranges of nursing students so I have a feeling I will be ok :-)
klwinkleman
20 Posts
Thank you for all your comments, suggestions, and most of all honesty. I have decided to go after my dream of nursing, but do it here in sunny Florida. I have decided to start my prerequisites (slowly) and at a pace that will introduce me back to going to school and allow me and my family (kids) the opportunity to get use to mom being gone. I found a great program that offers a 2 day a week evening program with Saturday clinicals. Of course nothing is set in stone as I am just starting but that is my plan. I also agree that the family dynamics/drama is a huge stressor, so that is another reason for starting out slowly and taking my time.
Not sure what is going to happen between myself and my husband. He is completely unsupportive of anything that has to do with me, school, or bettering our family or financial situation…….