nursing program with 2 little ones. realistic?

zoe92 · Dec 15, 2012

I think it is very possible! I know people who have done it with more than five children. It takes organization & a sturdy support system. You can do it, especially since its so worth it.

britthohenbrink · Dec 15, 2012

Are you planning on starting pre-reqs this spring or the actual program? I know its possible to do well on pre-reqs with little ones. I have a 15 month old and 1 month old and made all A's and B's on my pre-reqs.

As far as the nursing program goes I think if you have a good support system and dedication it is always possible.

bbsunshine · Dec 15, 2012

Thanks everyone!

I have 12credit hours so I will be finishing pre-reqs and applying spring of 2014!

bbsunshine · Dec 15, 2012

Also I only plan on taking 2 classes per semester until the program starts. Mainly because I'm only needing A&P, microbio, A&P2, English comp and math and I have 3semesters until I am applying.

rj2011 · Dec 15, 2012

I believe that where there is a will there is a way! I did prereqs at a community school, some online, some hybrid, evenings. I am married and my husband was home from work then. I also worked part time ( and still do) as a cna at a hospital nights. I just started nursing school this fall and the program started 4 weeks after I delivered my third child. The semester is ending and I am passing :-)

Its a juggle, its stressful,but its worth it and we are doing it.. somedays we wonder how,

GL!

KCMedicRN · Dec 15, 2012

Yes, started pre-req's with a 3 year old and working fulltime, had a baby :facepalm: - bad timing, and just finished my BSN. My children are ages 7 and 3 now. My husband was very supportative, even to the point of bringing our infant to the campus so I could breastfeed between classes. As someone above stated when there is a will, there is a way!

rj2011 · Dec 15, 2012

haha, I pumped in the parking lot after my second doing my prereqs! I had the car adapter ... I would park in the dark spot in the lot, pump then go into class

Shorty11, BSN, RN · Dec 15, 2012

With a strong desire to succeed, a good support system, and a lot of planning, it is doable! It will be tough to balance it all, no doubt, but it has been done before! I think the time sacrifices will be well worth it once you are a nurse! Your kids will have a great example set forth too. When they are older, they will be so proud to see that mom did all this to give us a better life. My mom went to nursing school (BSN) when my sister and I were very little. She started school when I was 1 and my sister was 3. She graduated when we were 5 & 7. I remember going to her graduation when I was 5, not really knowing the grasp of what it was all about, but I do remember how proud the whole family was. That has always stuck with me. I'm 27 now and I am still so proud of her! I am in awe that she was able to do it all while we were so young. She did it to be able to provide for us. We didn't grow up rich, but we definitely had everything we needed and more because she became a nurse. Now I am following in her footsteps.. just finished my second semester of nursing classes in a BSN program. Best of luck!

FDW630 · Dec 15, 2012

Absolutely you can. :) I started prereqs when my boys were three and two. I stretched them out until they started elementary school. I start my program in Jan. I'm lucky enough to have a wonderful mother in law who begged me to let her help me go back to school by watching my kids whenever I needed. As long as you have a strong support system backing you up, you can make it. :) Good luck!

mandyroseallen · Dec 15, 2012

Totally doable! Like other people have said, it's going to be quite the balancing act, but completely doable if you are prepared. ...and so worth it!

We have crazy, long waitlists where I live [5 yrs]...so I am just now getting ready to enter my nursing program next semester....but in the meantime have been able to get my degree in HIM and Healthcare Admin...and with babies at home. It has been hectic and stressful..but I love it.

I have 2 little ones, 5 and 2 yrs old. It has been a big juggling act, and definitely helped me be more of a 'preparer/planner!' I make sure to have childcare covered, and also a backup just in case. Trying to figure out when I can fit in family time, and also work to cover my tuition. ...and still be able to keep my house clean!. Lol. It's a busy time..

When they were babies it was finding time to pump, or meeting my husband and son at the coffee shop near campus to nurse. Staying up all night with them bc they were horrible sleepers...and living on coffee because it seemed like I was up at least 22 hours a day.

Now it's staying up after everyone is in bed to finish my homework, make school lunch for my kindergartener and make sure all his papers, homework, boots/snowpants, etc are ready for the next day...and packing a change of clothes, snacks, and pullups for the little one so he is all set at the sitters. I feel like I'm always getting ready for the next day.

Good luck, you can do it! Just remember to take it one day, one semester, at a time...and when it gets overwhelming or stressful-remind yourself why you are doing it-and you will get through. :)

calinursestudent818 · Dec 15, 2012

You can do it, all it takes is supreme dedication, motivation, a helluva lot of hard work and a strong support system-having the babysitter situation well covered is very important to your success.