Is nursing school worth the strain on family

[mnursingMT]

I am currently a stay-at-home mom, although I have recently been accepted to an ADN program which commences mid-January. I have been very sure for many years now that I want to be a nurse. Despite my great desire to be a nurse I do not want to do it if it will be to the detriment of my family. I am somewhat nervous about leaving my 15-month-old with a sitter/daycare, and my situation is fairly complicated. My daughter and I will be living with a family friend during the week for class and then home with my husband on the weekends. I am wondering if anyone out there has had a similar experience, or if anyone can offer advice whether or not in the end it was worth the strain on the family, or if they would do it again. Thank you for your insight!

[37changes, ASN, RN]

I've been home with my kids for the past 16 years, and we have dug quite the financial hole. I was so busy during that time just taking care of them (and homeschooling) ~ I didn't have the time or mental clarity to stop and think of what I was going to do with the rest of my life.

The fact is, the day will come when they no longer need you 24/7/365. And that day comes a lot sooner than you think it is going to.

I agree with the idea of looking into your future and seeing where you picture yourself if you don't do this now. Is there anything else you will be happy doing? I personally look through the job postings in my area and I see NOTHING that interests me for a long-term career. There are things I am qualified for, sure ~ but nothing that really interests me. That further confirms for me that this is the right choice for me, for now.

Only you know what your financial situation is like, as well. How stable is your husband's career? What plans or dreams do you have? How do things look in black & white on a spreadsheet?

We've always felt pretty secure in my husband's job of 21 years -- until he started having serious back issues... and all of a sudden, things have felt anything but stable. If I could go back and talk to myself, say ~ a few years ago...? Our financial situation could be a very different picture. But that's the thing about life: You don't know what's coming. My recommendation would just be to prepare for those things you can't see coming. What that looks like -- whether it is nursing school now, or in the future, or not at all -- is something only you can answer. In our situation, there is going to be a strain either way. At least the strain of going back to college gives me light at the end of the tunnel.

[foggnm]

My nursing school was only 16 months in a state university and I think most ADN programs are similar length or at least less than 2 years. Short-term sacrifice. If you need to postpone for your family, then do so. But the real question to ask is what sacrifices in life are you willing to make to advance your career/finances/family's success? If your family doesn't need the second income then you could always wait and go after your kids are in school. By the way, nursing school is EASY. It is just annoying...the stupid papers, clinicals, weird nursing instructors. It isn't intellectually hard, it is just takes some perseverance. You don't have to get a 4.0, you just have to get your work done.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

"I have been very sure for many years now that I want to be a nurse. " Are you not part of the family? Your needs, wants, and goals need to be included. It's not like you want to be a stripper on the weekends.

Advancing yourself is not a "detriment" to the family. You have been accepted to nursing school, that in itself is an accomplishment. You may never get that chance again.

Nursing school will take some of your time and attention away from them, they will adjust. You deserve to go for your "great desire".