Motherhood and Nursing School?

Sizzline · Feb 17, 2015

I have a 5 year old and a 2 year old. I go to school at night, so I am gone 5-9, 4-9, 4-10 three nights a week. That leaves my husband on charge of dinner, bed, and bath those nights, but he does a great job. I study at night after class, or once my girls are in bed on my off nights. I usually study until 12-1am. I also meet up with 2 of my classmates once a week on my husband's day off, and study when my older daughter is at school and my younger is napping. It's definitely not easy, but I do what I have to.

I highly recommend getting your house really clean before the semester starts, and implementing a cleaning schedule that you and your husband can follow to stay on top of that. If you have the freezer space, make meals ahead of time and freeze them, and become friends with your crockpot!

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2015

I knew things were going to be OK when my 18-month-old banged on the front door on Saturday morning and said, "School, mama! Mama's school, Ellie's school!"

Once a friend was driving her somewhere and we passed the scenic overlook beyond which you could see my university. "Dat's mama's school!" she said excitedly.

In her little world, school was what everybody did. Inculcating that attitude goes a long way.

nursingjourney · Feb 17, 2015

Its reassuring to know that Im not the only one taking this one! Thank you for sharing! And I will definatly become friends with the crock pot and freezer!

All_dogs_eat_kale · Dec 29, 2015

Thank you for the topic. I too and considering the juggle of children and graduate school. I have been searching for stories and tips of those that have had this struggle. In theory it seems doable but in practice I imagine it to be a serious challenge.

I expect to have a one year old when I begin my program (fingers crossed).

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Dec 29, 2015

You have to decide what's right for you and your family. Not everybody's situation on here can apply to you.

I'm a single mom. I knew I would be when I started school as my ex-husband did not think I needed school. He was against it. I bided my time and waited until my son was 7 and in second grade. I did not want to start school when he was younger. But that was my choice.

My son was old enough to understand when I needed to study and needed alone time. I made time for him every day because kids need that but at age 3, he could never understand that. Especially when I was stay at home mom before and was there for him all the time.

I also have a great support system of friends who have been there in my time of need. Not just one friend, but several. My ex has also been supportive since our divorce. It's a circle of support that has gotten me through and I never forget that.

My significant other now does a lot for me. We live over an hour apart, but he drives up here when I have a lot of work to do and plays with my son. He brings dinner and leaves work in the middle of the day if need be to pick my son up from school. If I have an early clinical, he stays the night and takes him to school. He is 100% supportive of me and my career. It's one of the reasons I love him so much.

You are in for a long road ahead. Get everything in place now. As long as you have the support, you will be great. Also, take 15 minutes each day to talk and spend time with your child. During the divorce process, I had my son in some therapy. We started what's called "talk time", which we do to this day. Our communication is wonderful!!

Dont put your family second. My books are put away by 10pm each night, especially the nights my SO comes up to help out. He gets my time too. He is never second. Remember your husband too.

All_dogs_eat_kale · Dec 30, 2015

That is super helpful information. I love the "talk time" idea. Thanks for sharing. Your story is inspiring.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Dec 30, 2015

That is super helpful information. I love the "talk time" idea. Thanks for sharing. Your story is inspiring.

Thank you very much!! I graduate in May. The therapist asked my son where he feels safest. Mind you this was the beginning of the divorce. He said in my bedroom on my bed. She had him make this sign called talk time and he was to bring it to me when he needed to talk and we would sit on my bed and talk.

He's going to be 10 in January and although he doesn't need to bring me the sign anymore, it's still where we talk. It's still where he shares his secrets with me. I still make that 15 minutes for him each day. Sometimes it's in the morning before he goes to school and others it's before bed. That therapist taught me a lot!!!