Nursing school with small children?

smk1, LPN · Nov 14, 2006

Well the guilt is definitely an issue. I have a little girl who just turned six last week, and she will pout as soon as she sees the school bag come out of the closet. I try to counter this by having a special "date" time with her every week. Also I take time out to help with her reading and snuggle every night. It is hard because the kids are used to having more if not all of Mom's time, and now they have a lot less.

royr · Nov 14, 2006

Well the guilt is definitely an issue. I have a little girl who just turned six last week, and she will pout as soon as she sees the school bag come out of the closet. I try to counter this by having a special "date" time with her every week. Also I take time out to help with her reading and snuggle every night. It is hard because the kids are used to having more if not all of Mom's time, and now they have a lot less.

My Daughter is also 6 - and I have found a working solution I make her part of my study time. I purchased Anatomy & Physiology coloring books, as well as Microbiology coloring books. When I study, I have her "Help" her Daddy by studying the apropriate part of the body or disease causing organism with me - and color along. Besides improving my understanding of the material, as a picture is worth a 1000 words - it gives us more time together and keeps me from limiting my study hours to those times when she is at school or asleep. This is working for us.

Laught3r · Nov 17, 2006

See Merrick,

You are not the only one and there is alot of support for you here.:pumpiron:

linzz · Nov 17, 2006

The other posters are so right about taking down time for yourself. I did my program full time with a five and an eight year old. I also had a very active social life and was involved in volunteer activities. I gave all of this up and I also gave up taking time for myself and it was a big mistake. I, too was also burned out even before I graduated. So take some time for yourself, you will be a much happier person.

jemommyRN · Nov 17, 2006

I think that organization is an important factor also. If you have your kids on a schedule (bedtime at a certain time every night) that makes a big difference. You'll find yourself with a lot more free time.

Honeychild · Nov 18, 2006

I worried about mommy guilt as well, I have a 3 year old and she is demanding. I just tell myself that it will be worth it in June when I am able to provide for her and be a better, happier mother because I am doing what I want to do with my life.

The hard part is that she told me yesterday (after I told her that I couldn't snuggle with her that night) that she doesn't want me to be a nurse, she just wants me to be her mama. :scrying:

merrick · Nov 24, 2006

Thanks everyone for all your input. I'm going for it, but I'm scared! I wish there were a part time program I could do, but unfortunately there isn't at my school. I have a tough time now keeping my household straight and kids taken care of while still having time for myself. I can't imagine how it'll be when I'm in school full time with a toddler and a five year old running around!

MS. ICANDOIT · Nov 25, 2006

Thanks everyone for all your input. I'm going for it, but I'm scared! I wish there were a part time program I could do, but unfortunately there isn't at my school. I have a tough time now keeping my household straight and kids taken care of while still having time for myself. I can't imagine how it'll be when I'm in school full time with a toddler and a five year old running around!

I started with an 11 y/o and a 3 week old. My 11 y/o has the social life of a grown woman so keeping up with her schoolwork, cheerleading and speech team can be a test of endurance along with my own courseload. Grab anyone who even opens their mouth to help you. Let the housework go a bit. You cannot be Martha Steward/Donna Reed and do this. Settle for presentable and sanitary until you have a term break then clean. The advice about freezing meals it is great (i'm gonna start that myself). Don't feel guilty about anything except not doing what you need to to take care of you and your babies. My class has become very supportive very fast and we are starting a sitting swap. We'll meet at the library and take turns with the kids upstairs. We aren't sure how this will work but its worth it to try. Anything is possible if we can support each other in it!!!!

GreenvilleRN · Nov 17, 2008

Yes but be prepared for the reality and sacrifices....I am living proof!

My husband left me with two babies, one 3 months old and another a year and a half this and a 600 per month mortgage! I knew that I needed to act and act quickly or we would sink. I applied to the nearest nursing school to my home 70 miles away and worked with my bank to put off payments.

Lucky for me I had liberal arts classes mostly out of the way and the nursing school was a community college with a day care center that accepted my babies. I arose each morning with the kids at 4am, drove the 70 miles to school where we went our separate ways for the day, I picked them up at 4pm and we drove the 70 miles home. Made supper, put the kids to bed, studied until midnight to get up the next day and do it all again.

After the first semester I was placed on the State C.N.A. Registry and began working 16 hour shifts every weekend too...as my bank was patient but not that patient.

Bottom line, my kids didn't see much of me for the 2 years I did this but upon my graduation they were three and four and a half we had a predictable and secure life. My kids are now 20 and 23 and both tell me how proud they are of me to have worked so hard and give them the life they have. They are self sufficient, secure and have a great work ethic. Ironically enough both are now pursuing their college education in Nursing!!

My eldest is working full time as a C.N.A. in the ER of our hospital and is approaching his last year of nursing school my youngest is also a C.N.A. in the Hospital and is in his first year....both are driving 70 miles to attend the same school I graduated from.

It can be done and it is worth it!!!!