Question for Mom's in Nursing School

michiganstudent · Apr 15, 2014

I'm in my second semester of nursing school. I am married with 4 kids. It's hard to do everything. I don't feel like I am doing anything very well, but we are hanging in there. My kids have had to take over the house work. I have missed parent teacher conferences because of clinical. However, my family is very supportive. My husband does everything he can to help me. I'm making B's in all my classes because sometimes my family has to come first - even if I have a test the next day. You just make it work.

Good luck to you! :)

musingmom · Apr 15, 2014

I scheduled study time either while my kids were at school or after they went to bed. This was important to me, because when I was with my kids, I wanted to really be there, present, and not preoccupied with whatever assignment or test. If I scheduled time to study, then I could really focus on my kids knowing I had time for it later. I did miss things and I needed help from my husband and extended family. I used a color coded calendar to keep track of stuff.

I graduate in 3 weeks. We made, and it was worth it. You can do it too!

motay68 · Apr 15, 2014

Being a single parent definitely has it's challenges but I'm lucky enough to have family support. I can't make every concert and they kids have had to take on more responsibility but we make it work. I usually do my studying while they are sleeping or occupied with something else. Sometimes the mom guilt is a little rough but in the end it is going to be worth it.

Once you start school you'll figure out what works best for you and plan around it. It's not as impossible as it seems. Good luck!!

lovenotwar14 · Apr 15, 2014

Second semester nursing school and I have a 1 year old and 2 year old and they do not attend daycare. I have them on a schedule. While they are up I have them help with the house work.. of course they don't do very much but it's time I have to get house work done and interact with them. Then I study while they do their afternoon nap. Sometimes I will also study while they watch cartoons and play... I've mastered his to toon out the noise. Then they are in bed by 9 every night which gives plenty of time to study as well and get assignments done.

Also I use my crock pot a lot for meals. That way I don't have to spend allot of time cooking when I'm home from school. I think it's important to figure out what works best for you and your family. Also utilize all the support you have. It's okay to take a break and take time for yourself and also it's okay if you don't see your kids as much because it's only temporary and you are doing this to make a good life for them. That's good I keep myself motivated. Good luck.

RunBabyRN · Apr 15, 2014

My husband's support has been vital, and my in-laws are able to watch our son often, which helps immensely.

I try to study mostly when my son (age 5 now) is at school, but sometimes I have to do it when he's home with my hubby or with my in-laws. I make our time together count. I've made a point of taking him hiking and camping and to the beach and such, and I have him help me with cooking meals.

One thing, too- don't be afraid to keep something that's just for you, for the sake of your sanity. For me, it's running. For some it's yoga, walking, reading, whatever. Take some time for yourself to keep yourself sane.

Time management is key. You may find that scheduling absolutely EVERYTHING may be what works best. For us, it helps a lot.

I'm graduating in 4.5 weeks! Woo hoo!

PennyS · Apr 15, 2014

I have 4 children (11-10-6-5). I have to echo what PP said. I could not have done it without the support of my husband. I did my best to schedule study time when they were all in school, after they were in bed or early mornings. The fact that you are good with time management will help you greatly! I would make daily lists of what I needed to accomplish...never quite got it all done....but it helped keep me focused. It is all trial and error and you will figure out what works best for you and your family. Best of luck!

goldenanchor · Apr 15, 2014

Ihaven't actually starting the program (I will this fall) but I have a plan. My son will be in Daycare Monday-Thursday. I will work 10 hours on Monday, then spend about 2-3 hours at night for school work. Tuesday I will have 4 hours of classes, and spend anoter 4-5 hours studying before picking my son up from daycare. Wednesday is clinicals from 8-4, and I will study an extra 1.5hours before picking up my son. Thursday is two hours of classes, and working 6 hours, then school for two hours after my son is in bed. Friday I will have another few hours of classes, and another 8 hours of study time. Saturdays and Sundays my husband can take my son pretty much the whole time, so I will be allocating another 8 hours each day to school. It's a lot but I think we can do it!

Thus far I've been doing FT pre-reqs without having my son in daycare and working 20 hours a week - it's been hard but I'm pulling A's in all my classes. Good luck!!!

HisKids37 · Apr 16, 2014

I wrote out a very detailed schedule, and I scheduled myself from 6:30-8 every night to study in a room by myself, totally uninterrupted. Other study time is in the dining room with my family all around me, so I do less intense things then. From 8-9 I belong to my kids, putting them to bed, reading to them etc. After that I can do other things I need to get done (usually prepping for the next day). Honestly I haven't been using that uninterrupted time slot since the first couple weeks of school, because we've gotten into a routine that works for us.