looking for other single moms

VannVann2008 · Nov 29, 2010

I am a single mother. I don't know how to answer the question about "my sane time" because I don't get any :) My daughter is 2 and its my first semester back after about 3 years. It's really hard because she doesn't understand that mommy has to study or do homework. If I don't get it done late at night or during my 2 hour break at school or when she is taking a nap, it will not get done.

Each day is something new and something exciting. I wouldn't change it for the world.

ErinDel, ASN, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2010

Hi, im a single mom, my daughter is turning ten this week. Im a 2011 nursing school hopeful. Im finishing up stats right now. My daughter understands I need to study but I sometimes find its hard to focus because she may ask questions, or need something, or she may wait patiently while I study but I feel bad taking long so I stop and pay attention to her, then i finish later when shes in bed. I dont really have a support group to help me so its extra hard on me. This week my school is mailing out acceptance letters for next fall so i hope I get mine. Goodluck with your schooling and I hope you get accepted too!!

SF2009 · Nov 29, 2010

Hello,

I am a single mom and my son will be turning three in February. I completed all of my pre req's online while working 6 days a week, which was such a blessing. I start my nursing program in January and I will driving an hour each way to school five days a week. I live in Florida with my boyfriend (whom is not my son's father) and son. My closest friend or family member is 14 hours away, so my support system is limited. Since I currently work 6 days a week and will be working/going to school 7 days a week starting in January my time with my son is also very limited. It is extremely hard to have him at daycare so much, but I know that in the long run my education will be very beneficial to him. I have pretty much put all of my faith in God to carry me through these next few years.

timidangel82 · Nov 29, 2010

I have four children ages 2, 4, 5 and almost 7. So I know exactly how you feel! I got became a CNA first so I could start working, but was shocked to find that I would only be able to get hired in LTC, and only be making a little over $8 "11 to 7 shift". I work 5 nights a week while trying to finish up the prereq to start the ADN program. My parents live 4 hours away, and I live in a small town. No 24 hr daycare here. I get so frustrated sometimes. I do not get any govt assistance and pay all my own bills but sometimes don't know how I'm going to make it.

SC APRN, DNP, APRN, NP · Nov 30, 2010

I'm a single mom, my daughter is 16. She helps out around the house but she isn't good at supporting me. I was in school when she was a baby and I was going through a divorce. That was much harder. Being away from home is a different challenge.

oklahomagal · Nov 30, 2010

VannVann, I didnt realize you were a single mother too! I have been following you in the other thread. Nice to see you here.. :-)

Erindel, 10 is a good age, if for some reason nursing didn't work out I always thought 5th grade would be a good grade to teach. Keep us updated on your application status. Hoping you get in!

SF, Your faith in God will get you through the roughest parts, remember God has a Plan for you! Your little one is lucky to have a mom that is working hard to make a good future for him. Just keep pushing for it mama, you can do it!

Timidangel, Wow mama, you sure have your plate full! I personally know how hard it is to have so many little ones to care for. Have you chosen to not use gvt assistance or did you just not qualify? I know if it wasnt for my foodstamps there would be days that my children would have gone hungry. I know alot of people dont like other people to get govt assistance, but I see it as a means to get where I need to be, making enough money for my family to survive comfortably. Honestly if it weren't for FS, I wouldnt have continued college because I would have gotten a second job. But thats a whole different story.

Studentnurse, I think its awesome that your daughter can wittness you going through school, hopefully even if she isnt much help around the house one day she will appreciate what you have done.

Blue Cat · Nov 30, 2010

I'm a single mom to 7 year old twin boys. They are in first grade this year and I am starting my ADN program in January. I've been divorced since 2008 and started working on my pre-req's in August of 2009. I had my nursing program orientation 2 weeks ago and was a little freaked out when the instructor was talking about allowing the people in your family to take over as much of your duties at home as possible. She suggested posting a calendar in the kitchen and blocking out study time for yourself. Um, that will not be an option for me! I usually do my homework/studying after my boys are in bed or when they are with their father every other weekend. I really have no idea how I will manage nursing school. I'm anxious to get started to see if it will be as hard as I keep hearing it will be. I don't have any family nearby, so I'm pretty much on my own. My ex doesn't take any extra time with the kids than what is set out in the visitation schedule, so I am just hoping I will have the strength to get through this.

I was glad to see this thread. It will be good to know other women going through the same challenges.

Blue Cat

oklahomagal · Nov 30, 2010

I'm anxious to get started to see if it will be as hard as I keep hearing it will be. I don't have any family nearby, so I'm pretty much on my own. My ex doesn't take any extra time with the kids than what is set out in the visitation schedule, so I am just hoping I will have the strength to get through this.
I was glad to see this thread. It will be good to know other women going through the same challenges.
Blue Cat

I am glad you could join us, my hopes is that we will all keep in touch over the next few yrs and help encourage each other. I know that is what this whole site is about :-)

Just talk to the kids about how much you are going to have to study for the next few yrs and tell them how hard it is going to be. Hopefully they will help keep each other entertained and you can get in good study time at home with them.

My ex joined the military and moved 1400 miles away. :-/ My mom lives about 45 minutes away, but she is getting older and it is hard on her to come help. It is so hard sometimes. I know though that if I just try to look at my short term goals and acheive them then I will do fine.

One of these days we will be nurses and it will all be worth it.... :-)

MissRnToYou · Nov 30, 2010

I'm a first year Nursing student and my daughter just turned 5 months. It's hard because babies don't really understand why you can't pick them up all the time or just cuddle them all day. It use to tear me up inside when I had to go to class and watch her stare me down as I left. However, things have gotten slightly better. It's not that she understands that her mom is a student, but she's growing so lovely and when I have to go to class, she doesn't throw fits anymore. Now I read my Nursing texts and lectures to her, so by the time she is 2 years old...she will know all about Nursing :-) :redbeathe

SC APRN, DNP, APRN, NP · Nov 30, 2010

OKgal, I wish there were more people like you at my school

2ndyearstudent, CNA · Nov 30, 2010

I thought I might start a single mom support thread.
My name is carla, I am a single mom to 5 kids. 4 of them live with me and they are all under 10, my 12 yr old elected to try living with dad this yr.
So lets talk! How do you all get your school work done and manage to have time to stay sane?
Carla (2011 fall nursing student hopeful)

Not to worry, you'll have plenty of company in nursing school. You cannot swing a dead A&P student without hitting a platoon of single moms at my school. Hell, at least three of my classmates *became* single moms after the dang nursing program started.