Mom thinking about going back to nursing school... NEEDS ENCOURAGEMENT!!!

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hi everyone!

I of course am new here, and so happy to find this forum!

I am a 36 yo, SAHM... who has been a wife and mother for the past 10 years. Now that my two youngest (twins) will be in school full time next year, I am considering going back to school for a nursing degree... something I have wanted to do for years!

I am so scared of going back to school to begin a career! Is anyone else here my age, have a spouse, kids, home to care for? I feel like I am already spread pretty thin, but this is something I really want to do.

Is it doable? Is anyone else in my position or similar, doing it now?

Can it even be done??? :eek:

Thanks for any suggestions or encouragement! Honesty is much appreciated! :lol2:

Hi, I was 42 yo (SAHM for 5 years at the time) when I started nursing school, I had 2 children, and than...2 years into nursing school I had a baby.....I still finished school with a very high B, and graduated with my class just this May!! So, it is doable, it all depends on how determined you are to do THIS, in particular - Nursing - how much you like/love it, and also how much help you can get during school. Thats all.....Love for nursing and some help from the family! It worked for me :)!

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You can do anything you set your mind too. A word of wisdom, if possible go ahead and get your BSN...it may take a little longer, but you will be glad in the long run you did. Alot of my friends wish they would of did their BSN the first time around, instead of waiting.

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Specializes in ER.

It's absolutely possible! :-) I had always wanted to be a nurse, but wasn't sure I could do it. After earning a business degree, and then being a SAHM for 10 years I decided to take the plunge. I went back to school at age 35, graduated at 37, and am now (at 39) working as an RN in a local ER and LOVE IT!!! I have four kids, 16, 14, 12, and 8 and a wonderful husband who supported my dream. Was it tough? YES! Was it worth it? YES!!!! And what an example it set for my kids!

One word of advice - if it seems daunting, just take one pre-req. I was so nervous about math that I signed up for an algebra class, thinking "if I can't do this, I can't do the program". After passing that class with an 'A', and enjoying being in school (and around adults!) again, it made those next steps so much easier!

Best of luck to you!!!

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Yes, absolutely you can do this! I just graduated in 5/10, and just was hired for my first job! Nursing school is challenging. It's not like getting your BA degree (at least it wasn't for me). Like previous posts have said, being somewhat organized, having a back up child care plan for sick kiddos, explaining to your kids that you will be studying, etc is important.

Looking back I can tell you that there were days when I was pulling my hair out. However, my kids well-being was always first. I still volunteered in their classrooms, and attended just about every one of their soccer games (when I started they were in Kindergarten and 3rd grade). What I sacrificed was some of MY SAHM activities....coffee, playgroups, constant cleaning, frequent trips to Target, occasional Bunco (ha-ha), etc.

You may run into people that don't support you (my mother thought it was ridiculous). I ignored their negativity and kept my eye on the prize. Another thing is that MANY student are in their 30's, and 40's. We had about 5 in their 50's and one woman turned 60 (she had been a SAHM all her life and wanted to have a career before she was "too old").

I am so grateful that I didn't allow fear and negativity to make my decision. What a gift I am giving to my children to show that hard work pays off.

I wish you well in this new adventure!!

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Yes, you can do it! I was 50 when I started nursing school. My kids were grown however and that helped tremedously! If you want something bad enough it can be done. Do you have a solid support system..husband, family etc that will be there for you because your life will change completely while in school..as a matter of fact you won't have much of a personal life while in school or that was my experience anyway.

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Specializes in rehab and some telemetry.

yes you can do it!! thats what everyone keeps telling me and i'm in a similar situation. the first time i went back to school was for my LPN my 1st child was 1yo and had seizures, but i did it and no one suffered to badly for it. now i'm 32 my second child is now 3yo and i've been working on my RN via excelsior for the last few years. it is hard but so worth it. good luck to you.:yeah::spnngwlcm:

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It's great to see 'Mom-power in action' It's inspirational to hear about others trials and tribulations and especially successes! It's nice to know I am not alone on this journey.

As for myself, I am a single mother of 2 boys (10 & 14). I have supportive family and friends also. I am finishing up my pre-req's at the moment and have been able to maintain a 4.0. My best advice is take it slow at first and build up as you get better acquainted with your new schedule and responsibilities. Get organized in advance and set a strict study schedule. I study at least one hour per day no matter what. I add study/HW time as needed but I always stick to 1 hour per day and it's really helped me keep up. It can be hectic and demanding but it's also very rewarding to reach your goals.

Good luck!

-NJ

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It can totally be done. Although I have no kids - I do work a full time career already and I went back at 40 years old and graduated this past June at 43. As others have said - the house just stays a little less clean sometimes. I did it and still managed a Friday night out once in while. Many others in my class worked full time, had a spouse and kids at home and still finished school and graduated. Its hard - dont get me wrong - but most definately you can do it. Take all the pre-reqs first so you can get into the swing of going to class and juggling a schedule. Those are the easy classes. Remember you just have to pass you dont have to have straight A's in nursing school. That was a tough one for me to deal with. You can do it. Good luck!

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My kids were 10, 9, 7, 2.5 and 2.5 when I graduated from nursing school. I see with many of your replies that moms with twins have gone to nursing school. It can be done, and you can do it. I was taking my prerequisites when I learned I was expecting the twins and received my acceptance letter into the Nursing program the day before they were born. Took a final exam for one class 2 days before Christmas on their due date, and they were 5 days old. It won't be easy, you need alot of support-emotional and financial- from family and friends. Good Luck and have fun.

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I say you can do it! I started pre-reqs when I had a 3yo & 9mo. I also have a husband that has a brain tumor. I finished pre-reqs (I began slow to get the hang of studying again since I was 36) I got into nursing school and @ the end of 1st yr- during finals- my husbands brain tumor was growing again & he needed surgery& chemo. We had also begun building our new home. This was the hardest time of my life. My instructors were amazing and very supportive(not everyone knew that my husband was ill- I didnt want sympathy) Take one day at a time and don't get overwhelmed. I first thought I needed to get A's but after first semester of nursing school and realizing what I had to do to get those A's, I decided that B's were just as good! My children missed out on things & I felt very bad-but look to the end! I have since graduated @ the age of 40, we are in our new home, my girls are in school, my husband is still here and doing fine(one day @ a time) and I have JUST passed my state boards!! I can look back and be very proud of myself and my family for putting up with all the studying. But rememer that your children will see you walk across the stage @ graduation and what a role model you will be!!! Go For IT-its so worth it.

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Oh yes you can do it. I went to LVN school at 32 and then a transitional ADN program at 40. So believe me it can be done. It's not easy, but it will be well worth it if it's what you want to do.

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Yes you can! At times you might feel like you are drowning in all you have to do but it can certainly be done and you will be happy you did.

I was a SAHM for 10 years until last year. I have 5 kids: 10, 8, 6, 3, and 1. I am in my 3 semester, applying for the nursing program in the spring. So far I have a 4.0. It has been uber-difficult, especially with a husband that is MIA due to his work and his own schooling and no family help, but I have been making it through. Hopefully, your husband and family will be supportive and willing to give you study time or help around the house. It will make your life much easier!

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