Q for those married with kids...

cmwallin · Sep 5, 2005

I am 34 as well and I also have a degree in Communications! I have a 2-yr-old. Nursing has been on my mind for years. I finally decided to start by taking one of the prereqs last quarter, phys. of human dev'p. Chemistry is next. My daughter is in the daycare/preschool at the community college I attend a few hours a day.

I think if you can wait at least 6 months to a year to start school, you should. The first few months with a baby are so intense. Then, if you decide to go to school, take it slow. There's no hurry unless you absolutely need to bring home $$. Money is very tight for us and we are having to reduce our spending. NO MORE LATTES! I sort of look at it as an investment for the future. From what I hear/read, nursing provides a good salary. You asked for advice. Take it from a mom with a 2-yr-old.. take it slow. Raising children is a lot of work. (good work, but a lot of it) :) I would either wait until after nursing school to have a second and know that your children's ages will be far apart, or have a second baby relatively soon and just do a class here and there, taking it very slow. Look at the big picture and try not to be in a hurry. Enjoy your baby and best wishes on your birth!

Hello to All!
I am 34 yo and about to have my first baby :redpinkhe
Although I have a BS in Communications, I realized some time ago that I would LOVE to go back to school to become a nurse I have a few pre-reqs already under my belt.
I REALLY want to go back to school but I worry about:
* Will we be able to manage on one salary if I go to school full time?
* How tough is it going to be to go back with a baby at home?
* I am 34 and am considering having one more baby in the future... should I
do it before or after school?
Any of u in the same boat? How did you manage?
Thanks for reading! :thankya:

rainbowbrite · Sep 13, 2005

thanks for being so helpful!!!!

i truly appreciate your comments/advice.

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Sep 13, 2005

I have 2 children as well, both girls (7 and 3 yrs old now). I started back to school when my youngest was 6 months old and still nursing. I took 14 hours my first semester, which everyone thought I was crazy to do, and made straight A's. So yes you can do it!

If your nervous, like everyone else said, just start with 1 or 2 classes and go from there. A lot of the cc have online classes for your basics which is really nice.

The good thing about Nursing is you can work full time, part time, temporary, agency, etc etc etc That is a big draw to a lot of mothers.

rainbowbrite · Sep 16, 2005

thanks for the advice and for sharing with me your personal experiences.

you guys are an inspiration!!!

smk1, LPN · Sep 16, 2005

can you take just one or 2 eening classes at a time? This way you could be home with the baby and maybe even work partime if need be for financial reasons. I started with evening classes when my daughter was 2 yrs old. (i had a hard time leaving her). Then the next year i put her in the daycare/preschool on site at my college when she was 3. Kids are difficult because they don't let you study uninterrupted, however it is doable with a bit of organization. Sit down and plan out the budget, be sure to budget for gas. Find out if you can make it if you don't work. Apply for financial aid and student loans if necessary. (only do the student loans if you know you won't quit). Good luck.