Question for Moms out there...

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2006

You just have to have quality time with your kids rather than quantity. I was a single mom with a 1 yr old when I started nursing. It is now 17 yrs later I am no longer a single mom, but have had a fantastic career

My strongest recommendation is that you have excellent child care, this will then leave you with peace of mind. Believe me this will make all the difference.

ItsyBitsySpider, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2006

Hi!

I recently finished 5 years of nursing school and I also have 2 small children. I have to tell you the first year or so was such a challenge, to trying to balance home life and school. I think for me I had to establish a schedule of when I could study, etc. I also had to consciously accept that if I wanted to see my family for the next 4 years I wasn't going to be a straight A student, that was hard for me but so worth it. You will learn to study when they are asleep, and maximize your time with them when you have it.

Now that I'm out and working it's much, much easier. I only work 3 days a week and they are in school so it works out great. Having 4 days off a week allows me to participate in their school functions and spend much more time with them than while I was in school. We also now have the extra money to take those oh so needed vacations that we couldn't afford before. Even a long weekend away is such valuable time to spend with my children.

Anyway, the point of this rant is, you need to find a schedule that works the best for yourself. Late evenings during the week, wee hours of the mornings during the weekends for study worked well for me. Always try to remember that ultimately you are doing this for them and although it is hard, the rewards will be so great! Just think of the example you are setting for them and how much they will value their own education one day. Good luck!

Wise Woman RN · Jun 21, 2006

When I went to nursing school, my kids were 4 and 8. I also worked part time after the first semester. My (now ex) husband had a job that took him out of town a lot, so I had the home to take care of. My kids went to two different schools, so I had to drive them each morning and pick then up. I managed to get all 4.0 in my classes... LOL seems that sleep was the thing that was cut out of my life at the time... A lot of my study time was spent "teaching" the kids what I had learned, which helped me a lot to retain the information, while spending quality time with them. I didn't cook goumet meals, and the dust bunnies got to be "pets". The kids didn't mind having Kraft dinner, it was one of their favorites, as well as hot dogs and burgers. School is temporary, it ends and then you can go back to your "regular" life. My kids both had good study skills, did well in school, I think because they saw how important education is... good child care is the most important thing, so while you are at school, you don't need to worry about them. Quality time is so important, so when I was home, I was with my kids. They went everywhere with me, grocery shopping, etc. It can be done,,, *S*

LuvMyGamecocks · Jun 21, 2006

I, too, have little ones to think about...both girls, ages 3 and almost 5. Just as MY schedule thickens a little at school, my oldest starts kindergarten this year. :crying2: I'm wracking my brain to pinpoint our schedules so that we can maximize our quality time.

For me, I have to CONSTANTLY remind myself that I'm setting the best example for my girls that I can. It's not easy. And I don't know that I can offer an "easy" way to maintain the balance. Do the best that you can and your children will "see" that when they get older.

As far as the working schedule when I can FINALLY tag that "RN" behind my name....I'll be (hopefully) working weekend nights so that I can give my time to my family during the week (also frees up time to finish the BSN while kiddies are in school).

Whatever you choose, good luck!!!!! And of course, we're always here to offer advice or just listen....feel free to PM!!

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Jun 21, 2006

My son was very young when I was in nursing school, and there wasn't a moment that went by when I felt my heart tugged missing him! I also married and happily was blessed with a young step daughter!!!!

I told myself "think that you are doing this for them too" but then I would think "but being a mommy should come first and I should be with them and not miss out on their day!". I was stuck!

Then I heard of a trick I used! At times of stress or when I was feeling that 'I miss them sooooo much' time...I would close my eyes for a moment and hear the children say "Mommy..I love you!" or "My mommy's going to be a nurse!". That helped! And I wore a picture in a locket that was a pin I attached to my scrubs :). And showed it off often! And my cel phone had pics too!!!!!

As far as tending the kids daily needs, my father came to live with us, and he was home for them! It is great for both my son, daughter and father to be together daily! My father is in seventh heaven tending the kids and not having to do all the things he had to do with me...lol, like grounding or displine (he does some, but we get the final word and actions). So that was very fortunate...and heck, he is awesome and does all my house cleaning too because he is a neat freak! LOL!!!!!!! We were blessed with his coming and living with us!

TazziRN, RN · Jun 21, 2006

I had no children when in school, but now I have three children, two teens and a toddler. It was never an issue with the teens because they are in school during the day (now working), but I was really nervous when I went back to work after having the baby. I was afraid I would miss her terribly. In reality, the two days a week she's in daycare is actually good for her and me: I get a break from her and she gets to play with her friends. She loves it in daycare and sometimes pitches a fit when Daddy picks her up! I am sometimes afraid of what I'll miss, but I make sure the time I do spend with her (and the older ones) is quality time. You'll do fine, really!

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · Jun 21, 2006

I started school after having three small children because I couldn't contniue to work for $10 digging holes. I came home hating my job every day. So me and dh both dedicated ourselves to the time nessessary to me completing my school. The oldest was 1 1/2 years and the twins were 5 months old. Any time I got a slight doubt in my head I remembered what I used to do and pushed ahead. Plus I wanted to have them see a positive roll model in their mom and see that a person can do great things with education.

I got into a rut (a good rut) where I focused on day to day, got from test to test, made each course a personal challange, and eventually the semesters were flying by. My last 2 semesters were spent very pregnant with my 4th child and it didn't even slow me down. The kids had clean clothes (not always folded), good square meals (most of the time), a stable home (there were some sketchy parts but we survived). All in all its made me a much stronger person, mommy and wife.

LauraF, RN, ASN, CNA, LPN, RN · Jun 21, 2006

I looked at as I was practicing for when they are in school. This last year was rough because I missed my son's first day of kindergarten because I had clinicals that day. He understood, and I was there when he got out. Way harder on me then him. I also kept picture of them with me all the time. You might also talk to your local Parents as Teachers educator for some suggestions. Good luck!

moongirl · Jun 22, 2006

All in all its made me a much stronger person, mommy and wife.

:yeahthat:

you will be fine!! good luck!

nursecher · Jun 22, 2006

I have a 4 year old son and almost 2 year old daughter. I went back to school a year ago and started taking pre-reqs at night, and my husband works during the day which works out great. I am starting the nursing program in January and will have to put them in daycare for the first time. I am very worried about this, even though I know they will be fine. It is going to be a big adjustment for all of us. I will try to take it one day at a time and focus on my goal. It is nice to hear from Moms that have been there.

twiceaslucky · Jun 22, 2006

My Dc were 4 months old (I have b/g twins) when I started nursing school. Yes, at times it sucked, but in 4 semesters I was done with my ASN degree. My dc are now 5 and I love that I have the flexibilty to choose when, where and for how long I work.

You will need a strong support system. My family and dh were an huge help during those two years I could not have done it alone.

Now my dh is in nursing school and will be graduating in Dec. :)