nurses, can you help?

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Hi.

I have just started an ADN program. I have my prerequisites out of the way and have been working toward this goal for about 7 years. I currently work as a CNA, I'm in my late 30's and I have 5 children. 3 in school and the younger two are in day care.

My dilemma is this: It is breaking my heart to put my children into daycare. I question if I can really get through this program and still be there for my children and my husband. My husband told me a month ago that his job may not be secure in the next few years, so this is what really made me make the decision to go to school now rather than wait until my youngest is in school. We also have had to take out loans to pay for full time childcare for 2 children and for tuition/books.

Many have told me to hang in there because when I am finished it will be worth it...........(mainly financially)

What do you think? I'd appreciate hearing from other nurses/mothers who may have been in a similar situtation.

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Oh man, I have walked that mile in your shoes!!! I was going to be a stay at home mom for my baby but because of the economy and my husbands job situation, I had to go back to work to be the bread winner of the family and to get health care benefits. If your husbands job is uncertain and if he is supporting you to pursue your RN, I would go for it just to give your family options. You will never be without a job that is for sure. I know you can't get back the time with your kids- that eats me up everyday but unfortunately the practicalities of providing for your family sometimes have to be your priority ( unless you have an unknown rich uncle somewhere or win the lottery.)

Good luck to you and kiss those babies.

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I cannot answer what may or may not be right for you but, I can tell you that it is most definitely worth it for me. My intentions were to remain at home with my children until they were both in school full-time. The first, last and only opportunity for nursing school presented itself when my youngest was just entering JK. It was a hard transition for both of my children, going from having mommy around 24-7 to having mommy in school during the day, in placement, and doing homework, studying, writing papers on the weekend. It is still a struggle. But, is it worth it? Yes, yes, and yes. I know what you mean about finances - we are beyond maxed out to pay for nursing school and childcare. We just decided last night that I will have to start working as a student nurse on a casual basis to help out with the bills. Fortunately, I am in preceptorship now (we work full-time with an RN for a total of 600 hours over 16 weeks in Ontario) and getting a little bit more sleep. I'm not letting it get me down - the silver lining is all of that additional real nursing experience.

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I feel for you.

I went to school full time and worked full time at a turkey processing plant (2nd shift) cleaning up guts no less.

I was a part-time mom for 3 and a half years. The guilt was unbearable at times. I was a single mom and I knew I had to do something to make our lives better and working for 8 bucks an hour was not cutting it.

My advice to you is keep plugging. Make time with your children and husband special, and make time for yourself.

The mind is a very powerful thing, you can do anything you want to do, if you want it bad enough. It's all worth it in the end.

I do however, look back now and think "how the h@#% did I do that?"

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It will be hard, being a mom is hard! I have 3, I couldn't imagine having 5. Yikes, you deserve a medal for that alone.

It is often said that it is the QUALITY

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It will be hard, being a mom is hard! I have 3, I couldn't imagine having 5. Yikes, you deserve a medal for that alone.

It is often said that it is the QUALITY of time spent that children remember the most, not as much the quantity. There are many mom's staying home with their kids but they don't spend time with their kids....there is a huge difference. Once you are done with school (I know it feels like forever but you are well on your way) and working, you will be able to spend more time with your family. It sounds like you have a husband who is supportive and that will help. Let he and the kids help and support you as you get through school.

You will be an example to your children throughout this process as well, When they see you studying and doing papers and learning, you are impressing upon them how important an education is, how you need to work hard to achieve what you want and instill in them a strong work ethic. They know you love them. What greater gift to give them then teaching them skills that will help them when they are adults?!

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Welcome! I don't have children but I can speak from the point of a child of a single working/schooling mother. I went to day care and then preschool before kindergarten and I can tell you that I had a blast. I missed my mom that first few day (something that I remember vividly) but I got to be around children like me and I think it helped me in the long run...I wasn't afraid to go to "real" school on my first day.

Good luck to you..you can do it!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ER, L&D, ICU, OR, Educator.

Hard...yes!

Do-able...yes!

And think of the great example you are setting for your impressionable kids on the value you place on education!

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