Just found out I'm starting the nursing program in 2 weeks, need advice!

[B's mama]

Well my long wait is over...I got the call yesterday. I am finally a nursing student! I have been so busy telling myself that it's ok if don't start this semester that I now have no idea what to do! I am so excited but am definetly feeling nervous, I have so much to buy, organize and do in the next two weeks. I am a wife and mom of a wonderful 14 month old, plus I work part time (15 hours a week) so I feel like my schedule is already so full. My husband is very supportive and super helpful with out son so I know I am ok there. But I definetly don't want to spend less time with our son. So, any advice for getting organized? What should I absolutely have for the first day? Any tips on studying with a little one and still trying to get some kind of sleep so I can function at work at 6 am? And of course any advice for my nervousness about starting?

[mamayogibear]

Congratulations mama! I have an 11 month old and my secret to studying (which worked for his older sister when i was in school doing pre-reqs) is babywearing and yoga balls! Not a cheap-o bjorn or moby but a good sturdy carrier like an ergo or beco or woven wrap. Put your toddler on your back and sit on the yoga ball instead of a chair infront of your computer or at desk with book and bounce, bounce bounce! Oh and for A&P I got some washable kids markers and drew on and labeled my daughter, she loved it, so if you have any more A&P to take that might be fun for your toddler too.

LOL if anyone has any better advice I am open to it as I took a year off of school to have my baby (programs only start in the fall) and am starting a program this fall that is 24 hours a week and I plan on working part time as a CNA so I need to figure out how to maximize study time with my family!

[mamayogibear]

Oh yeah and...

Also I hear good things about meal planning. Like cook a few days worth of meals over the weekend and freeze it so if you want to spend time studying instead of cooking just toss in the oven or crockpot to reheat. Or maybe if your lucky you can get your hubby to cook for you;) I have no hubby so I am going to get into the meal planning as much as I can. However I eat a lot of salads so I guess those will just go in the fridge instead.

For things you 'need' I would say a recorder so you can listen to lectures while going for walks or playing at the playground or even washing dishes. I am pondering getting a livescribe pen but I am not sure if it is worth/if i can make the investment in to one. Oh and a giant waterbottle so you can keep hydrated during lecture.

Best wishes to you and yours!

[Al.ginger]

OMG! Is it my thread???? I was late to find out that I'll be nursing student too. Also have a 15-month old boy and 16 hours of work weekly!

I'm studding during his naps and after he goes to sleep at 10.

For food - I stock on the frozen food such as stir-fries, frozen veggie etc. Otherwise I'll just go with a flow.

Good luck to you!