Need ideas to manage school, kids, work, and stay sane

tconlgirl · Dec 17, 2008

Thought I would post a reply since I am in the same boat as you. I also have four children 13,12,6 and 10 months. I don't have much advice for you. I know I have become a morning person and do whatever homework I have for school( and housework too) in the early hours of the morning before kids are off to school. My husband and I also made the decision that it was in the best interest of our family if I did not work. After having the baby and taking a semester off of school when she was born, I was eager to work but there is just too much role strain, and my family life starts to fall apart when I am spread too thin. Keep faith there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You will soon be done and working, and that eliminates school from the equation. As far as college network... I am sure distance education is fine for some subjects but I think you would miss much in distance nursing program.

Anyone else have thoughts?

DA314 · Dec 17, 2008

First on the topic of The College Networ-k be very cautious with them. If you search "The College Network" on these threads, you will get a lot of hits from people with bad experiences with them.

I don't have kids, but I have chosen to work part time while I'm in school. I took out student loans to close the gap in income.

My husband helps with the housework. During the summer I made hi ma recipe book of our favorite meals, a list of chores, and detaild laundry instructions. He helps tremendously. He doesn't always do it to my standards, but at least it is done and I have less to worry about.

The biggest piece of advice is to try not to worry about everything else in your life being perfect. focus on school right now, you can get back on track with your life when you graduate, which isn't much longer.

S.N. Visit, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2008

I have 3 kids & hubby. I was lucky that I had a house cleaner once a week to help with laundry and cleaning. I didn't work outside the home while attending nsg school. Running the girls to their sports & after school classes was like a another job. I taped lectures and listened to them in the car. On week-ends I locked my self into my bedroom and shouted like a sailor at any-one who dared to interrupt for non emergent reasons! haha (I made up for it by taking everyone on a Disney Cruise Vacation the day I graduated). I prayed a lot. I went to all study groups available. I had my kids & hubby quiz me. I did Saunders practice questions on the computer for hours daily. Since you will be graduating in May, I think you have learned pretty well how to manage. You wouldn't be this close if you didn't know how. I congratulate you. I understand the stress. It's terrible, but will soon be over. The weight is soooo gone after you graduate & pass boards.

I don't know a thing about the college network, or applying for residency. Hopefully the other allnurse members can answer that.