Nursing?

gwenith, BSN, RN · Jan 6, 2004

I can't speak from experience but there are two roads open to you - university for an RN/division 1 and TAFE for EN/division 2. There is nothing wrong with taking the shorter (and cheaper!!!) route through TAFE to become an Enrolled nurse and then later, when the kids are older go on to get your degree. This way it is only one - two years study depending on the workload YOU want to carry. Talk to your nearest TAFE offering Enrolled nursing courses and to a university and keep in mind - you can take a "slower" course of study i.e. one to two subjects a semester.

nyapa, RN · Jan 6, 2004

How did you manage studying for your massage certificate? That would give you an inkling of how you might manage. Secondly, have you many supports to help you ie family, partner? Dont answer this, none of my business, but obviously the more you have the easier it will be. Thirdly, look for courses that support mature age students. Gweniths suggestion of studying for your Enrolled Nurse certificate gives you an insight into nursing. Then if you decide you like it, you can then perhaps consider studying for your RN externally, which may help you balance family, work and study commitments more easily. I know of at least two universities (Charles Darwin University and Charles Sturt University and there are probably plenty more) that support the RN external mode.

Hope this has given you food for thought :idea:

Evie · Jan 7, 2004

i am at qld uni of tech. and there are heaps of mature age students - including lots of mums (who study full-time)..

some started off part-time but then converted to full-time.. and they are getting really good marks!

during school holidays and on pupil free days when the kids aren't at school and we are, you often see the little kiddies coming to lectures and even tutes :)

joannep · Jan 9, 2004

The key to successfully working shift work is making sure your children's school has before & after school care and school holiday care. It is also essential to have a supportive partner, or, you may consider working permanent night duty. Don't cringe at the thought, plenty of nurses have worked permanent nights for 20 years or so.

As for studying with children and a family, well, you have done it, so you know how it fits in with your family. I found it is easier to study while the children were young, when they were older and doing VCE/HSC I wanted to be there to support them.

Everything I have achieved professionally, I have achieved since I had children, and they are very proud of me, and I think I have been a great role model for my daughter.

Good luck, and have faith in yourself ...

Dessy · Jan 14, 2004

I completed my degree last year after doing 4 years of study. My oldest child was 9 when I started, a 6 year old and a 4 month old babe. Organisation is the key and a supportive husband. start part time to ease yourself into study. Im not saying it was easy but it was definitely worth it now I am finished. My babe starts school next year and when I look at him I wonder where the time went but he now has a mother who is onfident and not bored out of her brain at home but who enjoys more the time spent toghether than if I was home permenantly.