Mommyhood and Grad School

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Was wondering if there are any mothers out there who are starting grad school or just started grad school. How is it going and how did you prepare. I hope to start Frontier in the Fall for the WHNP program and I have two children-23months and 8 months. I have had mixed reaction from co-workers (but who cares!:angryfire) and lots of support from family and hubby. Trying to be proactive and think of what I could do before school actually starts.

Specializes in Mother-Baby, Antenatal.

Thank you for sharing your experience. It speaks to the sacrifices that are inherent in parenting. BTW I truly believe that 50 is the new 30! I am so happy that you have found a partner that will fully support your endeavors and that both your kids are in college! I don't think anything will be able to stop your progress now.

Will you be able to transfer any of the credits that you completed?

On a different note! LUV Star Trek.

'Curious how often you humans manage to obtain that which you do not want.'

-Spock, Star Trek, "Errand Of Mercy"

Another of my favorite quotes!

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.
Thank you for sharing your experience. It speaks to the sacrifices that are inherent in parenting. BTW I truly believe that 50 is the new 30! I am so happy that you have found a partner that will fully support your endeavors and that both your kids are in college! I don't think anything will be able to stop your progress now.

Will you be able to transfer any of the credits that you completed?

You are welcome. And thank you for the positive support.

It is very difficult to transfer graduate credits, at least in nursing. I don't know about other disciplines. When I tried to transfer to a program closer to my home at the time, I was told that they would only accept 9 credits---and this was from a school that was in the same state college and university system. I had completed about 26 credits. At the time, it made me quite angry and very frustrated. Actually, when I think about it, I am still frustrated. The folks at the doctoral program at which I am looking have said that they will accept some of my credits in transfer but I need to wait until I find out if I am accepted. Actually, you gave me a great idea---I need to get in touch with the department chair to go over transcripts and see what options are available to me at this point. Thank you! Waiting is excruciating!!!

On a different note! LUV Star Trek.

'Curious how often you humans manage to obtain that which you do not want.'

-Spock, Star Trek, "Errand Of Mercy"

Another of my favorite quotes!

Yay! Another Trekker! Live long and prosper, my friend!

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I appreciate all the comments on here. I was looking for a thread like this. I am having a hard time deciding if I can handle any extra pressure as I already feel like I am stretched thin but want options so I won't have to work bedside forever. I am 43 and like others have worked my way from LPN to ADN to BSN. I am interested in either Nurse Education and/or DNP as I don't think I would finish a FNP program in time and if the end result is pressure to do the DNP (kind of like ADN vs BSN...you don't need it totally but it is preferred and opens more doors) I may as well get it over with. My kids need so much help with homework and we have no family support. My husband was totally opposed at first (he is sick of me being in school as it has been a long journey already as an adult learner) but now says he is OK either way but think I need more support to make it work. That seems to be the common thread here. My job is really stressful and I can't leave my job for many reasons and I am just not sure I have the energy required to commit to it. I was telling a friend I have been doing flips back and forth so many times that I should enter the Olympics. I am currently enrolled but after a stressful week don't think I could give the energy required. For those of you with very young children it is actually easier than when they are older and have friends, homework, outside activities etc...it gets a LOT harder if I look back. So I am not sure I am able to make the sacrifice. My son is turning 12 in a few days and my other son will be 10 in February. Maybe it would be easier when they are in high school and will "desire my involvement" less even though I KNOW they need supervision at that time more than ever. Oh the struggle...but if it was easy...everyone would do it right?

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Hi,

My husband's support has been extremely necessary as I work full time and our daughter just turned 5 years old. I have had little sleep and he edits papers for me....but I will say...I will lay down in bed with my daughter til 8:30 at night then stay up til midnight studying/writing papers/preparing for quiz, etc, etc...it's very rigorous! But I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!! But I could not do it without my husband and hiring a nanny for a few hours on the weekends b/c you will need the time to write/read! Good luck! You can do it but I have to admit...without spousal total support it will be difficult.....

Merry Christmas..I encourage you to continue forward as you will be so proud of yourself and so will your family (and patients!).

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Specializes in Mother-Baby, Antenatal.

Just finished my first semester! Tired but well worth it. Survival tips for managing a family and studying full time and working full time lie in a supportive spouse. I could not make it without him!

I always try to spoil him rotten occasionally to show my gratitude.

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