Nursing School with a 6 month old?

tfleuter, BSN, RN · Dec 13, 2009

When I started my first semester of actual nursing school (not pre-reqs) my youngest was 9 months old. I am married, also have a 5yr old and my sister lives with us. She and my husband have been invaluable since there were clinicals that started before daycare opened or ended after school was out. It is definately do-able, but you must have a back up plan for your back up plan, kwim? Obviously baby will need to be watched by a safe reliable source while you are in school, but you also need to think of options in case s/he gets sick and can't go to daycare or your at home sitter goes on vaction during finals week.

I should also add that I was EXTREMELY blessed with understanding instructors who were willing to work with me when either myself or my children were ill. My hope is that you will get the same in your program :)

tbell2 · Dec 13, 2009

All things are possible!

When I started my pre-reqs I had a 2 1/2 year old. I was pregnant 2 months later.... Lo and behold... Twins! When I started nursing classes they were 8 months and my oldest was 4. Now they are 5 and 21 months. I will graduate in July

NSALVADORE · Dec 13, 2009

Totally doable but it's important like tfleuter stated to have a back up plan for your back up plan!! Even with daycare and my husband I've had absences which resulted in 3 pts off my final average this semester! (My school is very strict about missing lectures) It's super important to be organized and "schedule" your school work and study time. For me that's the only way I get it all done! Once you get yourself into a routine it get's easier!! Best of luck!! You can always message me for any advice or support!!!

learninmama · Dec 13, 2009

It's doable but you are going to have to allow yourself some slack. I agree you need a back up plan for your back up plan. I held off until both my kids were in school myself as I figured I wouldn't feel as guilty...ha ha yeah still have motherly guilt...so I don't think I did myself any favors waiting lol.

Jarnaes · Dec 13, 2009

My only advice is to ensure that you have a solid daycare plan. We had to report to clinical before 0630 in the morning.

K nurse-one-day · Dec 14, 2009

I know how you feel. When I start nursing school mine will be 1 and 4. Although I have a lot of family around, my husband works and is going to air traffic control school, my mom and dad work full time, both my brothers are in the navy, husbands family lives an hour away.....it's going to be tough

Bobbkat · Dec 14, 2009

You said that you don't have any close family or friends in the area. My advice is to find at least 2-3 people that you trust, are willing to help, and are flexible. Nursing school takes over your life, and you will need those people to make it through with a young child.

Doable, but as everyone said, a back up plan is a MUST. If all you have is a daycare center, they probably won't let a sick child attend, so make sure there is someone else to watch your child. My school was strict about missing clinicals, class, etc. Even when my little one was sick, she had to go to a babysitter. Luckily the babysitters were her two grandmothers (one of whom is a NICU nurse, the other one raised 6 kids) and her Great-Grandmother. No one was afraid of a little diarrhea and a fever the few times I had to drop her off sick. LOL, there were days at a time that even if I was home I felt like I didn't see my daughter, just because I was so busy with studying/projects/etc.

Meshell92183 · Dec 15, 2009

You can totally do this! My baby was 7 months old when I started, and even thought its exhausting know its going to be worth it! Check and see if you campus offers daycare, the daycare center on my campus offers students a discounted rate and my kids can go to school with me and go home with me. Be as organized as possible, I plan everything including when I'm going to do laundry and go grocery shopping. My children are my motivation and bet your baby is going to be yours too, good luck!

NurseMercy · Dec 15, 2009

Haven't read the previous posts but just wanted to tell you that I am doing it with 3 boys (all just turned 5,6, and 10) with a husband who travels ALL the time. I'm starting my 3rd quarter.

If I can do it, YOU can do it! :) You worked hard to earn your spot, keep it and run like the wind with it! You'll be amazed where your true support comes from! :)

gdoubleu · Dec 16, 2009

Thanks for all the support and well wishes!