Juggling Nursing School and Motherhood

[Frecklestoo]

I've been a stay at home Mom for 9 years and I want to go to nursing school. I am considering doing an LPN program, getting a job, and then bridging to RN. After reading all these threads about nursing school and how rigorous and time-consuming it is, I'm concerned how it can be done while still be being an effective parent. My kids will be 10, 8 and 6 when I start school.

Does anyone else have young children to care for and also attend nursing school? How do you do it all? Do you have any advice?

Renee

[nursinghereicome1112]

I posted about this in another thread, but I think I was mis-interpreted there, so here I am rephrasing.

I am currently taking pre-reqs that will meet the requirements for almost all the nursing programs in my area (RN & BSN programs). I already have a BA, so I am most interested in an accelerated BSN program, however the SOONEST start date for any program after I've completed pre-reqs is August 2011, over 18 months from now.

I am also currently a stay at home mom with a 2 year old. I am considering trying to conceive number two, now, IMO ahead of the game before actually starting a nursing program. If conception happens in the next month or two, I'd be looking at entering the nursing program with a 3.5-4 year old, and possibly 7-8 month old.

I don't want my kids to be too far apart in age, and I'm know I'm not old, but not getting any younger either...I'll be 27 soon. But since the program I'd really like to get into is accelerated, would I be jeopardizing attempting it with two young children? Is it going to be that much more difficult then with one child already? ANY other moms out there going through this?

I don't know if having another child, then waiting ANOTHER year until 2012 to start the program would actually be better? Might an older infant/preschooler be easier or the same as a toddler and a kindergartener ...thoughts?

Staying home with my firstborn was very important to me. I was at a point in life that I was to, and my hubby was the breadwinner. However, he was laid off last April, and is now working again, but no longer making the kind of $ he used to....SOOO for our future I do need to get a career going. But I favor the idea of still being able to stay home with #2 for at least 7-8 months before starting NS. As far as being a mom goes I would feel less guilty then if I waited 3+ years for #2, and ended up having to put him or her in daycare as an 8 week old or younger, AFTER becoming a nurse.

Any thoughts, suggestions, maybe from any other moms? Has ANYONE gone this route, or been in this position? I had one fellow friend/nurse say "try now!" to me (b/c of the wait lists on programs) but it's been awhile since she went to school, and she did a 4 year track.

Unfortunately I am one of those who has done things "backwards" and did not have my whole life planned out ahead of time, obviously we're talking about getting a 2nd Bachelor's degree/but also wanting a 2nd child....