Personal Toll of Nursing School

jrsmrs · Feb 24, 2010

I am a mom as well, with 2 kids. Yep, it can definitely be hard at times. Many evenings spent reading or studying when obviously I would rather be watching a movie with my kids or something else. But I look at the bigger picture. I get as much as I can done during the week so that my weekends can be free most of the time (aside from exam weeks, usually), and I take my summers off. I try to be efficient with the time I do use so that I can minimize the impact on family life. My kids are a little older (9 and 14) so it definitely helps that they are more independent. I have no idea how I would do it with smaller kids, esp having a hubby that works long hours and no family around. As it is now, we work it out so that one of us is home, can make dinner, tidy up, etc every night.

So far, so good. Do the best you can and sometimes you just have to be ok with letting some things fall to the wayside. And know that soon it will all be a distant memory.

FLmomof5 · Feb 24, 2010

Pharm was a pre-req in my school. I took all pre-reqs PT.

NS is a set schedule that you cannot deviate from. It has been tough, but I graduate in Aug.....

I can't wait for the release!

itsmejuli · Feb 24, 2010

I feel for all you moms in school with young kids at home.

I waited to go to school until my kids were just about grown.

LovebugLPN · Feb 24, 2010

I watched moms in school who put their kids on the back burner while they went to school and focused on nothing but studying and grades. They graduated at the top of the class but really what do they have to show for it? They got the same jobs as the rest of us and I wouldn't be proud of my self if I had done that. I made time for my son and got average grades but being at the top of the class was not as important as my family and I always knew that.

Trauma Columnist · Feb 24, 2010

You have to do what will work for your family. That may include part time, full-time, with or without a job.

allnurses Guide · Feb 24, 2010

It can be hard to keep it in perspective. We worked so hard to get here - it can feel like nothing else matters.

jules720 · Feb 24, 2010

I appreciate your input!:)

Babyheart, BSN · Feb 25, 2010

I absolutely can relate! I am in my 1st semester of clinicals and have 3 children aged 8, 6 and 3. My 3 year old has a CHD.

It really is hard, especially the evenings when I had to leave 5 minutes after the kids get home from school. My husband, God bless him, is so supportive and is doing everything both of us used to do. I do miss our family dinners, so we have our breakfast together on the weekend and just spend time together. I spend time in between classes studying, and stay up late on weeknights to do my work.

Its a hard slog but going to be worth it. And the best thing about kids - they love guinea pigging for me!

mammac5 · Feb 25, 2010

I'm with you on this. My kids are grown, but I miss them terribly. I'm several hours away in an apartment for the year while my hubby is home (he has a great job, we have a house, etc.) and he comes to visit some weekends. It is very hard being without him and the isolation has been difficult for me psychologically. I am not an outgoing person, I don't party, and I'm a little awkward socially...not been easy to have a social life due to these reasons, as well as the time involved in doing an accelerated MSN program.

I'm not whining -- I still feel very privileged to be here in this program and to be doing well. My husband is very proud of me, even though this has been a hardship on him. But I'm missing all the new things my grandson is learning and doing on a daily basis. I try to comfort myself by thinking that he is so young he won't remember this after I'm back home next year.

allnurses Guide · Feb 25, 2010

I will say this - crock pot. Saves family dinners for nursing students across the U.S. Make up a big batch of mashed potatoes, rice, potato casserole, noodles etc (side dishes) on Sunday and put in the refrigerator, then make crock pot meals a few days of the week that go with them. It helps a LOT.

tbell2 · Feb 25, 2010

I am a full-time mom, a full-time student, and a part time waitress. In that order.

My family is first, but just like nursing, I have to prioritize. If my oldest (5 years old) is crying for me to stay home and I have a test, my priority is that test. I feel terrible and want to cry along with her, but that is the right choice. Now, if I was heading out the door to clinical and my son (2 years old) falls down the stairs and breaks his leg, I'll be heading to the hospital but not for clinical.