Need encouragement

I started back to school at 38 with two kids, and all that goes with. I didn't get any grants or loans for tuition or books, but thankfully, I was able to skim enough out of our budget to pay for these. It was the hardest three years we've all ever lived through, but now that it's over, it's definitely worth it!

Jamie

I'm in a similar situation, so I feel your pain! I'm 33, 2 kids and husband (but he travels all the time, so I might as well be a single mom sometimes!), mortgage, part time professional job that mostly leaks into a full time job, etc. I'm feeling kind of old when I go to class with all these 18 year olds! (I think I might be the only one in my class without a tatoo! :chuckle ) But I'm trying to just have a sense of humor about the whole thing, and reading all the stuff on these boards really encourages me. Hang in there and know that you're not alone! We "non-traditional students" will make it. Look how much we've made it through already!

Hang in there. You'll be glad you did it.

I too understand you pain. I am 30 with 3 kids and a hubby that works crazy hours. The best thing that I have done for myself is getting into a regular exercise program. i am taking jazzercise 3-4 times per week. this really helps me to unwind and think clearly. I really believe that it has helped me with test anxiety also. I will admit there was a night I came home and cried as I took a shower...I was only home about 2 days that week and didn't see anyone. I had a test the next day and prayed that I was making the right decision regaurding going to school right now. I scored an "A" on the test and I celebrated with my family by going for ice cream.

I think everyone realizes for right now, I will not be around as much and I cannot do all the things I used to do. I try to make the time I have special with each child. I read the bedtime stories and I try to give every kid at least 15 minutes with my undivided attention. On my clinical days, I carpool and my family picks me up at the hospital. I tell you, my kids are so proud to wait in the lobby for me :balloons: . I try to involve them as much as possible with school. I take them to eat lunch in the cafeteria at least once a semester with me and I take them withme to hand in papers or just drop in so that they can see where I am during the day. That has relieved some of their stress.

It will be worth it in the end and I also keep telling them when I graduate (and work for a little while) there will be a decent family vacation in store.

Keep your chin up! You can do it.

Many have been in the same situation you are now in. You can do it too. Like another poster has commented, in the end you'll be glad you toughed it out. Good luck and God bless.

You've done it Now!:smackingf You've made one of the single most important decisions you will ever make. Like most working moms I'll bet you want a better life for you family. Personally, I wanted never to be dependent on anyone for my financial needs ever again! I can't say it was always easy but if you can work two jobs, care for 2 children, and attend classes you are already a strong and amazing person. :yelclap:

I can't say you will never feel frustrated:banghead: ,exhausted:sleep:, and the most common feeling for Mom/student nurse: guilty . But, what I can say is this: you are were you are for a reason; you have been chosen and you know deep inside you can do this!

It is amazing how much you can give up to save money; I still don't even get the newspaper. Start slow, minimalize, get rid of the clutter in your life for positive flow of energy and better organization. Believe me, it feels just as good to throw something away as it does to buy it in the first place.

Your kids may have to sacrifice for a while but the benefits of a degree and future income potential out weigh this. Besides, it's amazing what they can do to entertain themselves. :lol_hitti They will also receive the valuable lesson that there are benefits to hard work and perseverance!

Trust me when I tell you this....you can work as much or as little as you want to in the nursing profession. And remember, pay yourself first by saving, etc.

Good Luck!

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH:balloons: I feel much better now. And I got a 96 on my psy test . I know I am not the only one and I do know deep down that I can do this but there are just some days that I say why. But not today.

THANKS AGAIN for the pep talk.