Nursing School vs. Family

[missdixie023]

Hi everyone,

I'm feeling a bit discouraged and i'm hoping for some feedback. I'm starting the ADN program at my school soon. I'm a single mom and recently moved back home with my parents after getting laid-off from my previous job. My parents are more than willing to help with my 3-year-old son while i'm in school and working a few hours a week as a CNA, but I hate this because I don't like feeling like a burden. I've been a single mom since my son was born and i'm just used to doing it all on my own- and i like it that way! Anyways, my nursing advisor told me something the other day that truly upset me. She said "tell your family goodbye, and that you'll see them in two years. nursing school has to be #1 right now." I know a lot of people who work and have families that have gone to nursing school. How true is her statement? I want this badly, but I cannot ever say that my son won't be my number one priority. Does anyone have any tips for managing school, work and family?

Thanks :]

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

If you lived on a farm and worked it as the means of subsistence for your family, you would never question that you needed to be up, outside, feeding the animals, planting when it is planting season, harvesting during harvest time, etc. And if Baby cried for you to stay in and watch a movie, you'd kiss him on the head and promise you'd have more time together once the planting season/harvest were over. This is no different. Just something to ponder when it gets hard. Good luck.

[jo'ee]

Remember, you are also setting a wonderful example for your son. He is growing up watching a strong woman better herself further. This is a wonderful thing for a child to witness....that their mother is a responsible, determined, hardworking and driven woman. You go girl!! You are teaching your son by example, and he will grow up knowing what hard work is, that it pays off and he will also learn great respect for woman (an awesome thing for a male to have!).