Nursing School with Baby ... Possible?

Mommy_RN1211 · Jun 9, 2015

Well there are about a million posts about this exact topic and yes it is absoultly possible :) You can search them for encouraging words. When I started nursing school my son just turned 1 years old. I am about to graduate in December and we are all in one piece and making it. Good luck, you can do it!

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jun 9, 2015

It's going to depend on your support system. Do you have a significant other or family that is going to be able to help you? I waited until my son was 7 and in second grade to start back to school. I also got a divorce as my husband was not supportive of me going to school. I also no family out here, so it wasn't feasible for me to go back until he was in school full time. I started my prereqs and did them while he was in school. Some days my classes would run until for and he gets out at 3, so I had a very good friend watch him until I could get him.

Then I started the program last fall and my schedule got very wonky especially with clinical. My ex finally came around and now takes our son when I am in school. We switch our schedule around each semester so he is able to get my son to school and pick him up when I can't. Some days he will still ride the bus to my friend's house. Her whole family even her parents help me out. Her husband is the principal at the high school in the district my son goes to so sometimes he just goes up there after school and he takes him. I also now have a very super supportive boyfriend who drops what he is doing some days to drive an hour north to get my son. So, I have an extended support system.

You also need to think about study time. Who is going to watch the baby while you study? Those are all things to consider. I could not do this if I didn't have a small army of people to back me. I really couldn't. Also, my son is 9 now and he is old enough to understand what I am doing. He can't wait for me to be a nurse. If he was 2 or 3, probably not so much. Just map out a plan now and when you think it is feasible, do it. Not having the proper people in place will only set you up for failure.

FLCrackerPN · Jun 9, 2015

I know that your situation may not be exactly like mine was, but as mothers we all face similar struggles. I finished a very rigorous Practical Nursing program all the while juggling 3 kids (ages at the time were 10, 7, and 2 1/2 yo), and a husband who worked full time, so to answer your question it is certainly "do-able" it just takes a LOT of organization and prioritizing.

The one great thing about the position you are in with regards to having a 9 month old is that you don't have to feel guilty about missing any school or sports functions while you are at clinicals or studying. To maximize your time at home with your baby, make sure that you get in as much study time as you can while on campus, I always packed a lunch and stayed on campus to study intead of leaving with the crowd at lunch time to eat. I also found that it helped to record lectures and listen to them on the ride back and forth to school. Study during your little one's nap time and of course a little bit after he/she goes to bed for the night. There are going to be somedays where no matter how much planning out time for studying you do, that little one is just gonna need his mama and you are gonna have to just push the books aside for a little bit and cuddle him/her. If possible get the grandparents on board and have them help as much as possible so that you can have extra study time and/or be able to relax and have a brief moment to yourself. I also paid a trustworthy teenager to comeover somedays, even while I was home, to tend to the kids while I was in my room studying. That allowed me to study for a bit with out worrying about the kids burning the house down, yet also be able to get up and take a breather from the studying and emerge from my room to spend a few minutes with the kids before going back for more so to speak.

I am scheduled to start the RN program this Fall and will once again face this same struggle only this time I have 4 kids (15,12,8, and 2) and a husband to deal with, so we will see if I can follow my own advice once again. I wish you the best of luck on your journey to becoming an RN, don't let the negative voices get you down, if you can dream it you can achieve it!!

eftxrnpnp · Jun 9, 2015

I had a 2 yr old and was pregnant when I started my junior yr of nursing school, delivered my second child after first semester of junior yr. Graduated with my BSN. Started graduate school 4 yrs later with a three children ( then ages 7, 5, 1). Delivered my 4th child in my second yr of graduate school. Just graduated with MSN -PNP May 2015 with kids ages 10, 8, 4, & 1. Anything is possible if you work hard. But I have to say my mother, husband and my faith were essential.

Good luck , you can do it!

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Jun 9, 2015

If you don't have family support it is difficult. There are a lot of stories on here about people who went to school with family support & without. I was admitted into a nursing program when I was in my last trimester but had to decline due to my health. My MIL is retiring in 2 years & my son will be three so it will be much better for everyone.

amae519 · Jun 9, 2015

Thanks everyone for your encouraging words! My brother is moving in with us specifically to help out with baby and my fiancÃ© works a regular 9-5 so he'll be able to help too!

Question, do you think an accelerated BSN or a ADN would be easier as far as school / mom balance?

greygirl81 · Jun 9, 2015

My baby was 15 months old when I started nursing school. My ex-husband also left me two months into nursing school. I did fine. Took my nclex two weeks after graduation and passed with 75 questions. It can be done.

AspiringNurseMW · Jun 10, 2015

When I started my prerequisites my girls were 8 months and 3.5. I took 17 credits, worked part time, and my boyfriend works full time night shift, so he's not around to help most evenings when I pick them up. I was super organized with my due dates and assignments. Finished the year with a 3.9 GPA and will be starting nursing school this fall.

I'm choosing a ADN because I like the idea of being able to take a break after my ADN (possibly have another child) and switch to rn to BSN completely online.

scorpiangoddess · Jun 10, 2015

I'm in nursing school and I have a 3 year old (just turned 3). It's very possible as I am living proof! It won't be easy, but it will be worth it! Good luck! Oh! By the way I am SGA president and I have a 3.95 GPA. I have 2 children. It can be done!

pecas · Jun 10, 2015

When I started LPN school I had 4 kids, ages 19, 8, 7, and 6 months. Both my husband and I worked full time, and my oldest son was a tremendous help with his siblings both while I was working and when I needed to study. I graduated in the top 3 in my class. I can honestly say it was the hardest thing I have ever done. Although I had "the talk" with my family about how we wouldn't be able to have very much time together, and everyone was supportive of me going back to school at the ripe old age of 39, I don't think any of us realized how stressful it would be for all of us. Was it worth it? Absolutely! Would I do it again? Definitely! I start my prereqs for RN bridge in the fall. I say go for it! Just be prepared for all the stress that goes along with it.

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Jun 10, 2015

Got pregnant in my junior year of a highly regarded BSN program in a small school. Finished my junior year on time, took the fall off, took classes second term and went back full time for my senior year. I had housing (as a military spouse) daycare (military) a paycheck on the 15th and 30th (military) and some great friends and instructors.

It can be done. It is not easy but more than well worth it in the long run.

Best of luck to you!