pre-nursing student-need advice on balancing family/nursing school!

[maxcat]

I am considering applying to nursing school in the next year or 2. I am currently a SAHM (with a BA in Biology, and a MS in Env. Science), and am looking for a career change when I go back into the workforce. I was actually pre-med in college (graduated in 95), but got sidetracked with environmental studies... I have been at home for 2 years, and my kids are 9 months and 2 1/2 years old... I am currently enrolled in a CNA class, and really like it a lot so far but know I will want to get a BSN and possibly a MS later on to become a nurse practicioner. I am planning on taking some pre-reqs next fall and spring at our local cc.

I have a bazillion questions... How do those of you who have young kids (daycare age) handle going to school full time and paying for daycare at the same time? Did you wait until your kids were in school full time? (that would be 5+ years for me and I do not want to wait that long to get going on a nursing degree). We don't have family in the area, and my husband works full time, so daycare is the only option and I have mixed feelings about putting the kids in daycare so I can go to school. The schools I'd be applying to are about an hour away, so I just wonder how I'd be available for my kids? One college offers a 12 month accelerated BSN program, and another offers an 18 month one... I know the programs would be very intense, and would require 12 hour days, away from home (with studying at home). How intense is it, really? I know I can handle the academics, but just wonder how much my husband will have to "take over"-I want to make sure we both go into this with both eyes wide open.

I guess I'm just looking for some advice and I'd love to hear what others in my situation have done (b/c it seems like there are a lot of us SAHM's going back to school for a second career in nursing!).

Also, if anyone has suggestions on BSN vs. an ADN, that would be great-ADN is cheaper, which is something to consider. Can you go from an ADN to an MSN (considering I have a bachelors and MS already?) I get mixed feedback on that one-my CNA instructor says "no", and another friend who has an ADN says "yes".

Any advice about on-line programs (are there any that offer RN's? Or are they only RN to BSN, etc...?) Thanks so much!

[mishayla96]

I am considering applying to nursing school in the next year or 2. I am currently a SAHM (with a BA in Biology, and a MS in Env. Science), and am looking for a career change when I go back into the workforce. I was actually pre-med in college (graduated in 95), but got sidetracked with environmental studies... I have been at home for 2 years, and my kids are 9 months and 2 1/2 years old... I am currently enrolled in a CNA class, and really like it a lot so far but know I will want to get a BSN and possibly a MS later on to become a nurse practicioner. I am planning on taking some pre-reqs next fall and spring at our local cc.

I have a bazillion questions... How do those of you who have young kids (daycare age) handle going to school full time and paying for daycare at the same time? Did you wait until your kids were in school full time? (that would be 5+ years for me and I do not want to wait that long to get going on a nursing degree). We don't have family in the area, and my husband works full time, so daycare is the only option and I have mixed feelings about putting the kids in daycare so I can go to school. The schools I'd be applying to are about an hour away, so I just wonder how I'd be available for my kids? One college offers a 12 month accelerated BSN program, and another offers an 18 month one... I know the programs would be very intense, and would require 12 hour days, away from home (with studying at home). How intense is it, really? I know I can handle the academics, but just wonder how much my husband will have to "take over"-I want to make sure we both go into this with both eyes wide open.

I guess I'm just looking for some advice and I'd love to hear what others in my situation have done (b/c it seems like there are a lot of us SAHM's going back to school for a second career in nursing!).

Also, if anyone has suggestions on BSN vs. an ADN, that would be great-ADN is cheaper, which is something to consider. Can you go from an ADN to an MSN (considering I have a bachelors and MS already?) I get mixed feedback on that one-my CNA instructor says "no", and another friend who has an ADN says "yes".

Any advice about on-line programs (are there any that offer RN's? Or are they only RN to BSN, etc...?) Thanks so much!

What a good question...lol...I wish I had an answer BUT I am basically in the same boat you are. I have one in school (hes 7) but then I have a 4 1/2 yr. old and a 3 yr old that will have to go to daycare (I too have no family close). The only plus for me is my cc has a daycare center there and hopefully they will have an opening for my kids to go to. Good luck... your not alone. I am sure you (as I am) are in for a lot of hard work BUT the payoff in the end will be well worth it!!!!!!!

[mitchsmom]

There are other threads here that you may be able to search that discuss your topic.

I think it just depends on your motivation, the level of support you have from those around you, and how you think your kids will handle it. It's very personal and I don't think one decision is right for every family.

I have 2,5, and 7 year old's ... I started prereq's when the little one was a baby... online.

I am lucky that my program allows students to attend part-time (particularly since it's a 2 hour commute, one way). My husband also does shift work that allows him to be home more than many Dads, so that minimizes the necessity for daycare a little. My husband would have rather I waited until all the kids were in grade school, so I have to swim upstream with that but other than that the part-time thing was the right decision for me since I still get to spend most of my time with the kids. It's a good balance.

If it weren't for that I would have waited until the kids were older since my husband's income supports us (ok, barely LOL) and I don't really NEED to finish nursing school in a hurry.

Financially, I have Stafford loans that pay for school, gas, and daycare.

I for sure want to get my master's and the BSN route was just as short as the ADN route for me so I'm doing BSN (I have a previous BA degree). I don't know where life may take me between now and the master's, I am always for the highest education possible, it keeps more doors open but I understand people have different perpectives on that too.

Hope that helps, good luck!