Nursing School with no support from hubby and 4 kids...Can it be done?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I have been thinking about going back to school for nursing for the last couple of years but have been scared to try. I really need to get a good job and nursing matches a lot of things that I am looking for. Back ground Info: My husband will not help with the kids, the house or daycare costs:madface:. He has a lot of issues which means I have a lot of issues. The 4 kids ages are 18, 7, and twins that are 4. The 18 year old is going to school this fall and working. So she can't be much help. I am in the DFW area. I have a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Human Services. I have mostly been a stay at home mom for the last 8 years so not much work experience in anything in particular. Since I don't have much self confidence in myself or my situation and I don't see this changing untill I do something should I go for my LVN and try this before my RN???

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.

Can it be done? Yes. Will it be easy? No. It is difficult to go through any nursing program no matter what the degree is. I have been through LPN school, and a transition program LPN to ASN and now am enrolled in ASN to BSN. I have one child and a supportive husband and it still was a trial. Nursing school eats most of your time and life. We were able to maintain a delicate balance, but at times it tipped and we had added stress.

I am not trying to discourage you by any means. I just want you to understand the level of difficulty you will face. Nursing is a wonderful profession and will do incredicle things for your self confidence. I have also seen relationships crumble in its wake. My best advice is to make sure your home is in order before starting the clinical components. You will need help, recruit a friend or family member if needed. But you already know you will not have help from your husband so you will need to plan around him. Be prepared for him to become very threatened and insecure about your new career and have a plan on how to deal with that as well.

I wish you the best in whatever you decide to do. There are many wonderful people here and I am sure some who have walked in your shoes too.

Hugs to you!

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its going to be very hard, but that doesn't mean that it will be impossible. I have 3 children and my husband full support as I attended school for LVN but that didn't make it any easier. I still had all my responsibilities as a wife, a mother, and a nursing student. Try to fix your schedure around your childrens school schedule that way you won't have to worry about babysitters. It won't be easy but if you want to become a nurse you can accomplish it. Good luck and I wish you the best.

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Specializes in LTC, Rehab, CNA, HHA, Nurse Mentor.

I am truly sorry for the zero support from family. But if you can self motivate and goal orient yourself, anything is possible. The only reason of me posting on this is to let you know from experience that there's help out there for day care. I don't know your whole situation but every state has some sort of program for people who cannot afford day care, transportation and needs because they are going to school and its temporary until you get on your road to financial freedom! Hope this helps.

“To be a star, you must shine your own light, follow your own path, and don't worry about the darkness, for that is when the stars shine brightest”

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Specializes in Clinical Partner and CNA.

I'm sorry that you don't have any help or support from your husband. I'm in the same boat. My husband works in law enforcement on 3rd shift, so if he's not at work or in court he is catching up on sleep. We have 2 small children, 4 yrs old and 10 months old. I also have very little support from my family. My dad will watch them here or there if I have class in the evenings, but I am alone with them most of the time. I only have 3 classes left before I start the program.

Yes it's hard to do...I never get enough sleep, due to studying or having to feed my little one in the middle of the night. As much as I hate it, sometime I have to put my older one in front of the tv and baby in a playpin to entertain themselves while I study, but I know it will pay off in the long run. They are still little and I doubt they will remember those times when they get older. The time I do spend with them I make sure it's quality time and we are doing something fun. My 4 yr old cries everytime I go to class. Like I said it is hard, but you can do it!! If you put yourself in the mindset you will do fine. Good Luck to you & keep us posted!! :)

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you can do it. get yourself a good digital recording device from best buy etc and record your notes so you can listen to them while doing dishes, laundry, driving. It worked well for me.

I wish you the best of luck.

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What do you keep a man around for who doesn't even take care of the family financially? My advice is to get divorced and then get your nursing degree, even if you have to go on welfare to do it.

(rph3664 puts on a flameproof suit)

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What do you keep a man around for who doesn't even take care of the family financially? My advice is to get divorced and then get your nursing degree, even if you have to go on welfare to do it.

:yeahthat:

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My heart goes out to you. I have 2 kids and a husband, and mom who are not very supportive when it comes down to it.

Nothing beats a failure but to try :D

:twocents: There seems to be plenty of programs that have night/weekend and on-line options, with clinicals being the only time you attend classes. I think you could do it, but uit wouldn't be easy. You've got to have faith in yourself, first. Pray hard about it and if it is for you, it will happen when it is time.

Good luck to you :D

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Thanks to you all for your kind words! I know I can do it...I am just scared. After being a stay at home mom for so long I feel like my brain has turned to mush!

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I'm a newbie and this is my first post here. Your thread jumped out at me because I'm very much in the same situation. I want to change careers and have applied at a local university with a post-bachalaureate program, as I have a Bachelor's degree already. My husband is borderline supportive and we have two young kids, and I work full time outside the home. I often find myself wondering do I really want to pursue this? Oh but I do, and in the worst way. I'd need to catch up on a few generals first, then get CNA, then apply to the nursing program. I'm nervous too!

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I don't mean to change the subject here, but I read a few posters who complain that their husbands are no help or support. Being a father myself, this annoys me to no end (I often say that is why I never dated or married a man ;) )

But why have multiple kids with such deadbeats?!?!?!?!?! Don't you know you have to train them on the first kid (ok there is a hint of sarcasm on that one).

Also, as far as the poster saying her husband isn't involved b/c he works nightshift and has other duties is no excuse!!! We as nurses also work nightshift and have other duties (ie ACLS, PALS, mandatory training etc...) yet you would not use that as an excuse to absolve yourself from parental duty?

Give yourself credit but also stand up for yourself! Just because we are in a caregiving role, do not become caretaker for all! Sometimes the enabler needs to step back and realize what they've gotten themselves into.

Anyway, to the original poster, good luck, you can do it, sounds like you've been through alot in your life. Adversity builds character (I always say), you are tougher than you think.

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