Need nursing school advice (what to expect)

Published

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this site and I am really wanting to go back to school to be an RN. The only problem is that I work a full time job in the evenings (5pm until 1 am) with Thursdays and Fridays off. Also, I am a mom of two small children (ages 5 and 7). People have told me that Nursing courses are challenging and if I do want to succeed that I really have to dedicate most of my time to my studies.

What should I expect when entering into the courses and will I still be able to work full time or will I eventually have to find another job? Just curious... Have any of you been in the same position and what was the outcome?

I really want to have a full picture of what exactly to expect without surprises.....

Thanks,

Leslie

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Leslie. I guess it depends on the kind of support you have. Are you married or in a relationship where your partner or family can help with the home and kids? I haven't worked at all while in nursing school (I have 4 kids and a husband) and not trying to scare you, but I know there is no way I could have. There are, however, many women and men in my class who do work and go to school. I think it depends on the individual and their situation.

Nursing school is demanding of your time and leaves very little time for anything else. Truly. I know everyone says this, but it is true. I always thought...how bad can it be? Then I got in and realized quick that everyone was right.....it's HARD, but doable if it's what you really want. I would spend about 2-4 hours a night after school and on weekends doing school related things...not to mention STUDYING! As far as the courses go, it depends on the program. I'm in an ADN program and 1st semester we had class everyday from about 8am-12pm and clinical one day a week from 6-4pm (about 45min-1hr minute commute one way). Second semester we had class 3 days a week, one day a week clinical (6-5pm) and one day off. 3rd semester was the same as 2nd. I'm about to go into the 4th and last semester and I think the schedule is like 3rd, but we have longer class periods. (Mondays class from 8-4pm-UGH!)

If this is something you want to do you can do it. Maybe you will have to get a schedule etc from the school to see if it works with your schedule and if it's something you can manage. Good luck to you. I hope this helped some.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro.

Hi Leslie,

Like Soul posted above, it all depends on your situation; if you have family, support, etc. I haven't started NS yet (will in August) but I did work full time and have 4 kids and a family, and I managed to take 15 hours each semester for my pre reqs. It was hard, but totally doable. I have friends in NS here, and some of them work full time and have families. It just depends on how motivated and how DISCIPLINED you are. Good luck with whatever you decide, and know that there is TONS of support here on this site~

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion