nursing program with children at home

[ktay]

To those who have completed school with kids at home:

I just recently applied to the nursing program at UT Houston. I have a good GPA and test scores and am praying that I get accepted. I am worried about my family life though, and how nursing school may affect it. I have a two year old daughter and for the first year of her life raised her alone; but, have a boyfriend that treats her like his own now and is a ton of help. Since I do have help now I know that it will be much easier than doing it alone; but, how hard is it to get through the program with a little one at home? Realistically, how much time would you say you have for your family during the actual program itself?

[hikernurse]

The simple answer is that you will have as much family time as you choose to make.

Obviously, classes and clinicals get in the way, but there are ways to mitigate that. I had several children when I started nursing school, even younger than yours. It was tough, I found that I had to really weigh the way I chose to spend my time. Neighbors, extended family, church, volunteer work had to have a pretty high benefit ratio for me to continue--much of that stuff I put on hold until I was done with school. Invitations often got an "I'm sorry I can't come" and a gift through the mail.

I studied during naps and after the children went to bed. I had no problems with throwing in a video and reading texts with a baby or toddler on my lap. My littlest believed that I pulled out my laptop as a signal to come sit on my lap while I did careplans :). I studied wisely so that I could spend less time with my books.

I also let housework pile up. I have to have an orderly room to study well, so that room and my living room (for company--when I was answering the door ...) was in order, the rest, well, you have to set priorities .

I stocked up on food for easy pantry meals, underwear and blue jeans for when laundry piled up and I always had an extra game/toy/movie to pull out for emergencies (such as a test or careplan due the next day).

I took every opportunity to hug and hold my children, knowing that would only make both our lives better, even when I felt overwhelmed. I don't regret any time spent doing that!!

You can do it if this is the right decision for you. Decide what's important and go from there .

[nursinghopeful1111]

The simple answer is that you will have as much family time as you choose to make.

Obviously, classes and clinicals get in the way, but there are ways to mitigate that. I had several children when I started nursing school, even younger than yours. It was tough, I found that I had to really weigh the way I chose to spend my time. Neighbors, extended family, church, volunteer work had to have a pretty high benefit ratio for me to continue--much of that stuff I put on hold until I was done with school. Invitations often got an "I'm sorry I can't come" and a gift through the mail.

I studied during naps and after the children went to bed. I had no problems with throwing in a video and reading texts with a baby or toddler on my lap. My littlest believed that I pulled out my laptop as a signal to come sit on my lap while I did careplans :). I studied wisely so that I could spend less time with my books.

I also let housework pile up. I have to have an orderly room to study well, so that room and my living room (for company--when I was answering the door ...) was in order, the rest, well, you have to set priorities .

I stocked up on food for easy pantry meals, underwear and blue jeans for when laundry piled up and I always had an extra game/toy/movie to pull out for emergencies (such as a test or careplan due the next day).

I took every opportunity to hug and hold my children, knowing that would only make both our lives better, even when I felt overwhelmed. I don't regret any time spent doing that!!

You can do it if this is the right decision for you. Decide what's important and go from there .

great post with a lot of good tips!!! thank you

[ktay]

The simple answer is that you will have as much family time as you choose to make.

Obviously, classes and clinicals get in the way, but there are ways to mitigate that. I had several children when I started nursing school, even younger than yours. It was tough, I found that I had to really weigh the way I chose to spend my time. Neighbors, extended family, church, volunteer work had to have a pretty high benefit ratio for me to continue--much of that stuff I put on hold until I was done with school. Invitations often got an "I'm sorry I can't come" and a gift through the mail.

I studied during naps and after the children went to bed. I had no problems with throwing in a video and reading texts with a baby or toddler on my lap. My littlest believed that I pulled out my laptop as a signal to come sit on my lap while I did careplans :). I studied wisely so that I could spend less time with my books.

I also let housework pile up. I have to have an orderly room to study well, so that room and my living room (for company--when I was answering the door ...) was in order, the rest, well, you have to set priorities .

I stocked up on food for easy pantry meals, underwear and blue jeans for when laundry piled up and I always had an extra game/toy/movie to pull out for emergencies (such as a test or careplan due the next day).

I took every opportunity to hug and hold my children, knowing that would only make both our lives better, even when I felt overwhelmed. I don't regret any time spent doing that!!

You can do it if this is the right decision for you. Decide what's important and go from there .

Very well put! My hat goes off to you! I only have one child and completing my prereqs has been an incredible challenge. Many of my books are torn and tattered from my daughter demanding attention during my studying. I don't think anyone will understand how hard it is to go to school with kids until they try it. Thank you for the tips though I really appreciate it!!

[tjwillmakeit]

i needed to hear that and great ideas