Nursing School and Being a Mom?

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Are the two compatible? I am going so crazy with not knowing what to do next in life because I am so conflicted...I am the mother of four children and we want just one more (the first three are from my first marriage, current dh and I only have one biological together and would like one more). I became a CNA and love it, I start a new job in a couple of weeks at a rehab hospital with a good hourly wage and will be working two twelve hour shifts a week. I have wanted to be a nurse for a long time, but I also love being a good wife and mother. At first my dh said he would be completely supportive if I wanted to go to LPN school for a year, and we could put off having a baby, he would run the kids everywhere, etc., but now he is saying how he really needs to finish up his bachelors (he has been going at least part-time while working full-time for two years) and really would need to take at least one or two classes while I am going. I don't see how this will work, I know LPN school will be HARD and I am afraid of getting in it and having a nervous breakdown from trying to take care of the kids and house and do school. I could take RN pre-reqs part-time and work part-time but when I think of that I get discouraged about it taking so long and also about being overwhelmed. Are the pre-reqs easier than actual nursing classes and will it not be so overwhelming?? Advice is welcome if you have any....LPN or RN school with kids-which is more doable??

I went back to school after being a sahm for 6 years. I took one class (online) while pregnant to ease myself back into school (spring 07). That wasn't too bad except I was so sleepy. I took off the fall 07 semester because he was born in Sept. I went back to school in January 08 when he was four months old. I went full time taking one online class and three evening classes. It was a struggle. To this day I don't know how I got everything done. There were several late nights. Also my youngest was still nursing at the time and not sleeping through the night. There were some nights that I would be sitting in class and holding back tears because I felt guilty for going to school especially since the baby didn't really like to take a bottle. Anyways, it was tough but I survived. Since then I have continued to go to school full time with a mix of online classes and on campus classes. Last semester was my first on campus day class. One of my friends watched my two younger boys while I went to class. Starting this fall my two younger boys will be in daycare and both of the older boys will be in school all day. My little sister who is 15 also lives with us. I am nervous about putting the boys in daycare but at this point I don't have a choice because the classes I need to take are only during the day. This semester I am taking A&P, Micro, and College Algebra while working prn as a CNA at a nursing facility. I am so nervous for this semester because my husband is going back to school part time (online). It is going to be crazy around here. :) I am glad that I went full time after my youngest was born. I think it gave me focus because I knew I had a lot to get done. My advice to you is to develop a routine for the kids if you don't already have one. I am not sure how old your kids are but I would suggest giving them chores. We will be starting chore charts when school starts in less than 2 weeks. You have to be organized (with 4 kids you probably already are). My dh and kids are supportive so that helps as well. Also make sure you still plan special times with each kid. One problem my dh and I had when I first went back was that he said all I talked about was school. I guess that bothered him. Anyways, I know this post is getting long. You can do anything you set your mind to. You have to really want it. Quitting is not an option for me and I think that keeps me motivated. Sorry if this is all over the place as I keep getting interupted by children. :) Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck!

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Hey there!

I am in a associates degree LPn program and have been for a little over a year. I graduate in December! I have four kids. Ages:9,7,3, and 1.5

YES, there are days (more than I want to admit) when I want to pull my hair out, throw my books across the room and say "I'm done, I can't do this anymore!" There are also days when I feel accomplished and proud to be a Mom to four, wife and nursing student.

I am not working, and I wouldn't work unlesss it is very part time: 10-15 hours a week.

If you have to work more than that.... do it gradually is my advice, if you can.

Nursing school IS hard, no matter what anybody says. If they say it isn't hard, they are REALLY intelligent( more than 98% of the population) or they just aren't applying themselves like they should. There is A LOT of information to retain, memorize and procedures, rationales. Not just so you can pass the NCLEX, but so you can effectively and safely take care of all of your future patients. I have a GPA of 3.85 and I still don't feel comfortable at all with what I know. Please, if you take any advice, just remember how important it is that you understand all the concepts/meds etc....

Today, in clinicals I almost had a med error, because the nurse was rushing me. I wasn't taking the time I needed to accurately and safely get this pt's meds ready, and I wasnt sure how to tell her that it wasn't okay. I didn't even think about getting my professor because I was so flustered. Today has been the hardest day of school yet, and it wasn't even finals week!

I left crying and my head is pounding still. When I pick my kids up, this all has to go away, and I have to be Mom again. So just keep everything real, and know there will be up's and down's. The up's outweigh the down's by a long shot, but you do need to have support to get through this with a family. If you need any help, advice or support in the future.... let me know. Nursing school will not kill you, but your own expectations may.-My lesson of the day.

Good luck and God bless!

Leah

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Specializes in Postpartum/Nursery about to enter NICU I.

To answer your question yes it can be done. I am the proud mom of 4 children and am going into my final semester of my ADN program. Through out the whole time I have been going to school my husband has been going as well he is currently about to get his AAS and is about 11 months away from his BS. I won't lie and say it is always easy but if you are determined and you and your husband work together it can be done.

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Thank you all so much for encouraging me...you don't know how much it means. Thanks.

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