Nursing school and the rest of my life?

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Specializes in OB/GYN.

So let me start by saying that I am so excited to be starting an ABSN program, as a "nontraditional" student I'm really happy to finally be pursuing a career in nursing....

I am getting a little freaked out by reading so many posts about starting nursing school and saying goodbye to everything else for a year or two...

I'm a mom w/ young kids so that's really the only other priority in my life right now. I don't expect it to be easy, I finished my grad degree (including clinicals) w/ a new baby so I know it's a ton of planning and hard-work... I also know that I'm not reinventing the wheel as an older nursing student w/ a family, but I've read enough of those posts lately to be a little anxious. My biggest concern is that I'm still breastfeeding so pumping between classes and hopefully finding a break during clinicals is making me a little worried.

Any advice or encouragement? I need to stop psyching myself out!

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Everyone handles situations differently, what one or a few people might believe is stressful or overwhelming might not be so for others. You appear to be incredibly focused and dedicated, so long as you work hard and take it seriously I doubt you'll have too much trouble with it. Make sure to study as much as you can, get plenty of rest, remain calm (however difficult that may be), and enjoy it. Good luck to you.

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Specializes in Peds PACU & Peds Psych.

I've managed raising my two kids and still maintaining my job while in nursing school. It is possible. I was also working full-time and finishing pre-req's when I had my youngest and was breastfeeding. Go into it with a confident, positive attitude. You got it!

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Specializes in OB/GYN.

Thank you both! I was feeling really great about it all and not too worried... being that this isn't my first professional degree, I felt like I knew what I would be getting into... and since becoming an L&D nurse is my true passion, I think I'll be very motivated.

I think I just read too many stressed out posts and started thinking maybe I was being over confident.

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Specializes in ED.

People rarely post if things are going a-ok and they don't need any real help. I never did. Kind of like retail, people never answer those surveys unless they are ticked off. Nursing school is kind of a time suck, and it can be stressful, but this isn't your first rodeo. You've done college before and you seem to have good time management skills. I'm sure you'll be fine.

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Nursing is a second career for me as well and I too have children but please don't be discouraged by what you may read on here. Every school is different and every program is different but what is consistent is that you must make a big commitment to your study time. Nursing school is difficult but if you have a plan and stick to it, you will be successful. Yes, you may have to give up some family time to study, maybe a lot of family time, but know that it will all be worth it in the end. Nursing school goes by very quickly but if you feel that this is something that is for you, don't let anyone stop you. You might feel guilty for studying so much, like I did, but your efforts will be worth it as you are helping that birthing mother bring that baby into the world.

You will need to become a magician sometimes to get all things done but do what you need to.

Forge on!!

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Specializes in OB/GYN.

Thanks! I'm feeling much better about things, especially since we finally got our childcare arrangements in order : )

Feeling much more relaxed and ready to move ahead now that I know my babes will be in good hands!

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I had a breastfed baby in grad school (started when she was 6 weeks old...do not try this at home, for trained professionals only :) ) and returned to clinical work when #2 was 7 months, still nursing but taking some foods and would accept a bottle of breast milk. If your smallest one is beginning to take food, his/her breast milk intake will decrease. But your breasts don't have to know that. Pump the heck out of them and put it in the freezer so you have a supply to take to day care for tomorrow or have for your SO to feed the baby when you're in the library at night. As baby decreases nursing, just keep it up. You can also pump after s/he nurses, to get the "hind milk," the high-calorie high fat bottom of the barrel, so to speak. Do that a few days and your breasts will think you've got a growth spurt on your hands, so they will make more to accommodate.

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Specializes in OB/GYN.
I had a breastfed baby in grad school (started when she was 6 weeks old...do not try this at home for trained professionals only :) ) and returned to clinical work when #2 was 7 months, still nursing but taking some foods and would accept a bottle of breast milk. If your smallest one is beginning to take food, his/her breast milk intake will decrease. But your breasts don't have to know that. Pump the heck out of them and put it in the freezer so you have a supply to take to day care for tomorrow or have for your SO to feed the baby when you're in the library at night. As baby decreases nursing, just keep it up. You can also pump after s/he nurses, to get the "hind milk," the high-calorie high fat bottom of the barrel, so to speak. Do that a few days and your breasts will think you've got a growth spurt on your hands, so they will make more to accommodate. [/quote']

Thanks. I BFed my first until 16mos and I was in grad school, but on clinicals I had my own office so pumping was easy between clients or whatever. This baby will be a year by the time I'm doing my two clinicals per semester stuff so I'm guessing it won't be a huge deal...

I also have oversupply issues so I'm sure I'm worrying about nothing : )

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I'm glad you posted this because I'm in the same situation with Nursing my son and starting school next month! I'm sure you will do great!

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