Pre nursing student w/two kids & a full time job

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · May 17, 2017

In order for you to change your life (by becoming a nurse) you need to expect to change your life. Kids may need to go to daycare. You might not attend every event in their lives. You probably cannot work full-time, and the economic changes that brings to families have an impact. The added work load of school is also a change.

Things WILL change. The REAL question is- are you willing to change? Give up some things for the now in order to get what you want for the future?

Only you can answer that question.

allnurses Guide · May 17, 2017

I was a stay-at-home mom when I started doing pre-reqs. My mom lived with us at the time and my husband was the breadwinner.

I waited until my youngest was in 1st grade as I'm not a fan of daycare. My schedule usually had me home by 6 pm so my mom had the kids in the afternoon. I was able to get the kids to school. I did all my studying at school or during the bus ride home.

It was still a challenge. I can't imagine working full time as well. But many others have done it.

I like meanmaryjean's comment - there will be big changes for you. You have to figure out what you are willing to do. And look at how much support you have with your family.

I've been a nurse for 20 years now and I'm glad but I have some regrets about not being around enough for my kids once I started working full time as a nurse.

They grow up fast . . .

lucymcgillicuddy78 · May 17, 2017

I get that it will definitely be a lifestyle change for the next couple of years. I am willing to sacrifice some things now to get to where I want to be. I just wanted to see how other people handled the same situation I'm in.

lucymcgillicuddy78 · May 17, 2017

I was a stay-at-home mom when I started doing pre-reqs. My mom lived with us at the time and my husband was the breadwinner.
I waited until my youngest was in 1st grade as I'm not a fan of daycare. My schedule usually had me home by 6 pm so my mom had the kids in the afternoon. I was able to get the kids to school. I did all my studying at school or during the bus ride home.
It was still a challenge. I can't imagine working full time as well. But many others have done it.
I like meanmaryjean's comment - there will be big changes for you. You have to figure out what you are willing to do. And look at how much support you have with your family.
I've been a nurse for 20 years now and I'm glad but I have some regrets about not being around enough for my kids once I started working full time as a nurse.
They grow up fast . . .

My mom also lives with me and my husband and helps out a lot with my kids. My kids are 8 and 5 and currently going to school. I just feel bad knowing that I won't be there for them for special events but my husband is. I know that it is much easier now that they are smaller rather than later when they are teenagers. I'm just curious on how other nurses finished school while working and with kids. I will definitely be studying at school because at home the kids just want to be with me lol. Thanks for your reply :)

AMS009 · May 24, 2017

I'm basically in the same boat as you. I have two more pre-reqs to complete and I'm hoping to be accepted into an ABSN program that starts in January 2018. I have a daughter and a step-daughter that are in elementary school, and a full time job. I just this month) completed my first bachelor's program. It was a challenge to juggle it all, and I definitely took a few "personal" days off from work each semester to get school work done, but it was manageable.

I anticipate that I will need to leave my job if I am accepted into the ABSN program and that scares the heck out of me, but it's a necessary evil to reach my ultimate goal!

I think something that is key to juggling kids and school is having a designated space to study, preferably an office with a lock on it! Sorry, kids! :)

lucymcgillicuddy78 · May 24, 2017

I'm basically in the same boat as you. I have two more pre-reqs to complete and I'm hoping to be accepted into an ABSN program that starts in January 2018. I have a daughter and a step-daughter that are in elementary school, and a full time job. I just this month) completed my first bachelor's program. It was a challenge to juggle it all, and I definitely took a few "personal" days off from work each semester to get school work done, but it was manageable.
I anticipate that I will need to leave my job if I am accepted into the ABSN program and that scares the heck out of me, but it's a necessary evil to reach my ultimate goal!
I think something that is key to juggling kids and school is having a designated space to study, preferably an office with a lock on it! Sorry, kids! :)

I know that it is an necessary evil that I will have to face lol. I will work on my own space to study. Right now me and my kids share the same desk but maybe I can set something up in my bedroom. Thanks for your reply :)

37changes, ASN, RN · May 24, 2017

I read this the other day and wondered about your comment regarding this being easier when they are smaller vs when they are teenagers. My kids are 10, 12, and almost 16 -- and I cannot imagine trying to do this when they were younger. Now they are all old enough to be home alone when necessary, plus my teen will be driving soon and he can help run errands etc. They also are becoming more and more independent, don't want or need mom *quite as much*, and can safely cook a lot of things for themselves. No one needs help in the bathroom, everyone can help with pretty much every chore. They are also mature enough to *understand* what I am doing, and why I am doing it.

I'm not trying to talk you out of it -- I guess I'm saying, if it's too crazy now, it might actually be a lot easier down the road than you are picturing.