new planning on starting nursing school soon

[tonyavicci]

Hi, I'm new to this site, been reading for awhile though. Just want to share some things about myself, and hopefully get some good advice. I'm a single mom, still working full-time at a job I'm not happy with. I've been talking to my parents about going to nursing school, and just got their approval to move in this summer. I'm planning on saving some money first, paying my car off, etc, before beginning nursing school. My son is 5, about to start kindergarten :), I'm excited, yet nervous, of course.

I feel in my heart that nursing is what I am called to do. I have a bachelor's degree in psychology, so getting loans, grants, etc is a little challenging. Since I have a bachelor's already, I'm not qualified for any grants. So I will be going with loans, and a part-time job to get me through this. I'm calling the school I'm interested in tomorrow to set up an appt to talk to them about what I'm getting into, and what tips they can give me for a single mom getting into nursing school. They have an ABNS program, which takes 18 months, and the pre-reqs should take about a year, so I'm looking at about 2 1/2 years for school.

Any tips would be helpful from any single moms doing the same thing. Any suggestions, advice, etc, would be appreciated. Especially I do want to know what the hours are for typical nursing schools, and the time required for studying, etc. How would a part time job with a child fit into that? I'm looking into getting a part time job at a hospital for experience while I'm working towards my degree. Any tips from those who've been there, or are doing this now?

I'm so excited that I'm moving forward with my life, and getting into a career I really feel called to. Any tips, suggestions, advice etc are appreciated.

Good luck to all of those in nursing school now. I know you will do well and make excellent nurses!

[exploringnursing]

i am taking online pre-reqs now. i plan to begin nursing school in January 2011. I have a friend who's a nurse and she said that it is impossible to work and go to school. i know you have a child, but it is going to be extremely hard to care for your child, work, and study. my girlfriend also told me that nursing school is not like anything you have ever experienced before. i am excited about beginning an ABSN program in the spring, but I have bills, too. Quitting my full-time job to go to school full time is going to be a struggle, since I haven't had to go to school full-time since undergrad. I know that if you have determination, everything is possible:)! Good luck to you!