Mom guilt

[bsprinkle15, BSN, RN]

I was just accepted into a highly competitive accelerated BSN program. I really thought I wouldn't get in and now I'm finding that I'm not as excited as I thought I would be. I have a 15 month old that I stay home with much of the week, I'm currently only working 3 days a week. The program starts in August and it's an hour commute from where we live. The schedule for the first half of the first semester isn't bad, but clinicals pick up the second half so I will have class 2 days a week then 12hr clinicals 3 days a week. I'm already feeling guilty about the time I won't be getting to spend with him. I'm 30 and I know nursing school is challenging but I was hoping to get some insight from moms that have been in my shoes.

[Nurseinprocess]

I think you are smart to do it now. I went through a regular 2 yr ADN program 10 years ago and my youngest was 4 and oldest was 8. I pushed off my kids a lot onto their dad (thank God he was so helpful!). I feel like it definitely has an impact on our relationships today (guess who is the favorite parent). Get it done while your baby won't remember that the books came first for a year. He will be fine! Don't put it off.

[TruvyNurse]

It is an awful feeling. I agree with the above poster, your LO is young and won't really remember your absence. You're doing it to make a better life for all of you. I often feel the mom guilt too but I promise it will be okay!!

[mantidqueen1]

I'll give the perspective of someone who's mom worked while commuting to school for her masters in nursing, it was fine. It was harder on my Mom and what she though she should be doing than my brother and I. We are very close.

I returned to school to change careers and got my ASN in December. Same thing. My kids (3 & 5 when I started) are fine and we are close. There will be times it gets to both of you, but for good and bad time goes by quickly.

[andrea3434]

Do it now before your babe is old enough to really make you feel guilty! :)

I entered nursing school after being a SAHM for 8 years. My kids were 8, 6, and 2 at the time. I wasn't gone as much as you (I decided the accelerated route wasn't for me) but my kids still managed/manage to make me feel guilty most of the time. But I know this is what is best for me and my family in the long run. One really important thing I do is make sure I spend quality time with them when I can. I focus on just THEM for a time every day, even if just for a few minutes.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Just an FYI, mom guilt never stops. Now it's school. Then it will be your job. Then it will be another child. Then it will be your graduate program. Then your new job. Et cetera, et cetera.

You're a good mommy. You're concerned about doing what is best for your child. Anything that takes your attention away from him, any event or milestone you miss due to the need to provide for him will make you feel guilty. It's ineveitable, and you shouldn't change your goals or compromise your earning potential because of it. Guilt is synonymous with motherhood.

[salukigirl]

I am doing nursing at my community college but I agree with a previous poster! My son is 19 months and I am so glad I am doing all of this right now when he won't remember any of it! Lol!