Parents - was nursing school worth it?

Nurses General Nursing

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To those who completed nursing school with kids, I wondered if it was worth it. Was it worth the stress, the sacrifices, the time away from the kids? Would you go back and change anything, or are you happy with the way things turned out? And for those nurses who are now working, does your job allow you enough time to decompress and enjoy family life at home?

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Im not a parent, so you can take this post with a grain of salt, but I have a relative that finished nursing school two years ago for her ADN and I recently asked her this question, and she said yes. She likes her job and the job shift, Long Term Acute Care Hospital on the 11-7:30 night shift. Her first year she was able to make a little over 67k with some over time of course, and and this year she has already clocked in 53k and got the remainder of the year to go. She say she is happy because the night shift allows her to spend time with the children when they get out of school because while at school, she is usually resting, so her evening is filled with cooking for the children and spending quality time with them. Also, she is paying for the tuition of her oldest child to attend college at the local community college for nursing as well, which is relatively inexpensive($87/per credit hour).

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Specializes in Hospice.

Yep absolutely!

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I am glad you wrote this post. I am a new mother and am questioning this as well... right now I am definitely saying it is not worth the time away from my son - but I am still in school and things could change later on. I am trying to take things slow, but it hasn't been working out lately. Each day I am in class all I think about is being home with him - so it is hard to even concentrate and get what I need to out of lecture. I am not sure the stress is worth it when he is so young.

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Absolutely!! I took classes part time so it took a long time, but I wouldn't change a thing. My kids saw me work hard and achieve my goals. They now see the benefit of that hard work. Go for it!!

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Great post!

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Specializes in Psych.

Yes it was! 12 years ago when I did LPN school I just had my daughter, she was only a year. I could put her to bed at 7pm and do my homework.

Fast forward to two young teens, who need me now more then ever, two jobs, a house, husband and two dogs, drama club, music lessons, and rides everyplace.

I made time for them. My kiddo's got to see me accomplish my life goal.

We also had a talk at the beginning of school the extra help I was going to need around the house and that I had to have time to do my homework.

It worked out just great.

Best of luck to you.

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Specializes in OB.

From the long perspective - absolutely! I became an LPN when my son was 4 and an RN when he was 7. He's 33 now.

Going back to school gave me the ability to provide him with a decent lifestyle on my own. I believe it also ingrained in him the importance of education. He not only completed college himself but was encouraging and supportive of my daughter in law when she went back to school (with young kids) to get a bachelor's degree.

Of course there were times when he (and I) would have liked me to be with him full time, but that's not always realistic and he grew up with a good understanding of working for what you need.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Yes, I went back to school when our sons were 10 and 5, became an LPN two years later, an RN two years after that, then went back for my MSN 8 years later.

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Specializes in LTC, rehab, medical review.

Yes...it is. I think any way to make sure that you can provide for your children on your own is very important. You never know what is going to happen in life. I will be done in december with my ADN and it will be worth it when I graduate and am able to find a job. My kids are proud of me and cheer me on when I pass my tests. They get upset that I have to study a lot and know when a test is coming, but they are understanding. I am newly a single mom, with no support at all from my x and he is out of the picture totally. I didnt see this coming at all, and was going to school to add to our income and follow my dream...and was otherwise unemployed and a stay at home mom. Now being in nursing school is a Godsent and I am so greatful to have the opportunity to be able to graduate soon. I will be able to provide my kids with a stable life once I am out!!!

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I have 6 children and am going to school for my RN. I do work PT as an LPN. I would say it is worth it!! I have several teenagers and they are seeing how hard I work to get through school and I prioritize my time. They have pitched in and help out a great deal. They are told all the time that they can do anything but it takes a lot of work to achieve your dream. Nursing is a noble profession and your time would be well spent getting an education.

2nd train of thought here, I see people who would make great nurses working 2-3 CNA jobs, bus-drivers ect to keep up on their families finances. Financial stability goes a loooong way towards keeping this mommy happy! Plus if you make more $ an hour you can cut down on the hours you work and have more time for your family. Good Luck!! :twocents:

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Specializes in Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes.

I personally am not a parent, but I remember my mom going back to school when I was 12 or so. At the time it was hard because it was a lot of work for her as a single parent and it meant sacrifices for all of us. But in the end, it was well worth it. My mother is in a position now where can enjoy herself and travel monthly (with the new hubby of course :) ) and she was able to put me through my BSN program 100%. So from the child's stand point, I am so grateful that she went back to school and I don't feel like I lost anything when we all gained so much. :heartbeat

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