Just wondering how I could do this...any advise? Come on moms and dads ; )!

queenjean · Dec 13, 2008

I would explore your options more thoroughly. First of all, not all nurses work 12 hour shifts. Office nurses often work anywhere between 4-10 hour shifts; public health and public school nurses usually work 8s, and there are many part time positions that have you working anywhere from 4-8 hour shifts.

Secondly, have you contacted physical therapists in your area? Are they hiring physical therapists who only have their bachelors? In my area, most new physical therapists have to have their Masters to be hired. All the PTs in my hospital either have their Masters or are on tract to complete it. All new hires must have their masters. You might not be able to do much with an undergraduate PT degree. Different areas may have different offerings, though.

In this economy, I would point out that nurses have a lot more employment options than physical therapists. Look in the classified ads. How many do you see for nurses vs physical therapists? What are the baseline educational requirements that the physical therapists need in these ads?

I don't know if there are any bachelors degree programs for either PTs or RNs that are entirely on line. Once again, I think you will have to actively contact schools and employers and see what options there are for you. Have you looked for a forum for physical therapists? Since this is a nursing forum, you probably aren't going to get much information from the PT point of view.

mb1949 · Dec 13, 2008

IF you work in a clinic your hours are pretty steady, say 8-4 and you usually have sunday if not the whole weekend off, PT is a great career don't get me wrong but with nursing there is so much you can do. My friend works for a malpractice attorney, makes great money and reviews charts all day, writes a report for the attorney's etc.

So there are lots of ways to be a nurse without working a 12 hour shift.

HapEgirl · Dec 14, 2008

You are so young. Do what you want to do, regardless of how hard you think it might be. I put off nursing school for the same reasons, but thinking back on it now, I know I could have done it then too , and it might have even been easier, more finanial aid, daycare assistance pregrams and so on for single mothers. You wanted to be a nurse, GO FOR IT! Excellent future in nursing, and you can do it!!!

I am about to start my last semester and now married and my boys are 9 & 10. I really think it might have been easier when I was single!!!

Good luck! :wink2:

Mommy_of_3_in_AL..RN · Dec 14, 2008

I would say that the best route would be an associate degree, with which you could get a great job, and a flexible one at that. The you could go back and do bachelor's online. At least here in AL, the associate degree is classroom/clinical, but once i graduate (in 5 days!!!!) i plan to go back and do bachelor's, which is entirely online. That was i can work, raise a family, and still advance my education.

I agree that there are much more opportunities for nurses than for PT. In todays economy, it is a stable career, becuase, face it..there will always be sick people. ALWAYS.

I started school from scratch, with no previous classes, when my kids were ages 8 mos, 2 and 4. I am not a single mom, and i did not work, but my husbands job requires him to work 60-70 hours a week, so most of my work was done with no help..i managed by the Grace of God, and it is now paying off. I graduate in 5 days, and my kids are 7, 5 and 4. I havent missed a beat, and have not had to repeat any classes. I will graduate with a 3.5 GPA and scholarship to get my bachelors. It is possible, if it is something you want. Know that you are doing this to better your family's future. If nothing else, having children while in school gives you REALLY good time management skills, that you will need in nursing!!

martinyv · Dec 14, 2008

Your story is very encouraging for me. I to have 3 children & returned to school. I have not yet applied to the nursing program due to my 3.3 GPA that I am not at all satified with. This program is an associate nursing prog as well, and very competitive. I know that I will do well on the net test. However, I'm nervous about not getting accepted due to my GPA. What is your advice? thank you

kalley · Dec 14, 2008

Honestly, if you even remotely have a tug at your heart for nursing I would go that way instead of PT, unless PT is your dream. I have 3 PTs in my family. They all work full time and then some. Plus, lots of schooling. Most employers require a masters level education and a lot of those are moving to a Doctorate level requirement. My BIL just graduated last week with his DPT and it wasn't an easy road. He started straight out of high school and I believe it took him 7 yrs and he is a great student.

With nursing you can be done in 2-3 yrs and have a good paying job. There is flexibility with the hours, you don't have to do 12's (though I am hoping for 3 12s with 4 days off with my family when I finally graduate). The pay is also good and there is always opportunities available, even in the slowing economy. Make sure you do all your homework regarding PT before you put all of your eggs in that basket, it may not be everything you hoped for.

kristyb · Jan 5, 2009

Thank you guys for your comments, I really appreciate it! I'm just trying to weigh my options. Physically, Emotionally I'm not sure if we are readdy for this right now...AGAIN. lol, I started when my son was 6mths old in 2005, we have come along way from high chairs and strollers quoting med term..lol. The reason why I was thinking about pt is because it is a good income, and I alreaddy have my associates. I would :heartbeat to go into nursing school. But I have HAVE to work full time, even if I took out student loans...we need the money not to mention insuraunce, etc. We have no help from family or otherwise(even when I was making hardly anything an hr we got turned down for ANY kind of help) so that is not an option. And, how much student loans did you take out? My first degree I worked and did online classes after my lil' one went to bed, the thought of going into debt scares the EEEE outta me, but if thats what it takes I am going to have to do it!! I just wish there was an online option where I could work too, kill two birds with one stone ya know :wink2:...I would rather do a bachelors program since I have all the pre-reqs....

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jan 5, 2009

Physical therapy is a great (and growing) field, but the entry into practice is Master's level. However, you could be a PTAssistant with a Bachelor's. Like previous posters, I would advise you to explore this option a little more carefully. In Texas, PT programs are even harder to get into than nursing - and there are really no online options.

I know it's not a popular idea, but I really think that the era of "nothing but 12 hour shifts" is drawing to a close. There are too many people who just don't/can't function that way, including those of us who just don't have the stamina to do it. Organizations are even talking about creative ideas like shortened "granny shifts" and "phased retirement" options to keep experienced nurses working longer -- so I am sure that enlightened organizations will be able to provide you with more options.

Good luck!