Restarting Nursing school with children- need advice

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Hi everyone,

I do not want to make this story really long but I currently failed Med Surg I this past Spring and it was not a good feeling. I know every nurse has their own journey but throughout my program I was going through some depression as I had recently lost my sister and was trying to get guardianship for them. Aside from that I have a 13 and 7 year old at home, so going to school was not that easy trying to figure out homework times with my little one. My husband is a great support system but it was still a rough second quarter! I passed fundamentals (1st quarter), I believe due to being a Medical Assistant and having background. During Med Surg I it was very different as we did not have more than 1 lecture day during the week so we were basically learning on our own and having find resources. My professor for lecture happened to be my clinical professor and she would always tell me how I am ready for Med surg II but I need to pass my exam. I even took 2 patients during clinical for the last 3 weeks, because I felt very confident there and could critically think. During my exams I would just read to much into the question and even though I knew the material when I would study with my peers it just didn't cut it for me to pass. 

Well fast forward to now, I got guardianship for my nieces going back for the final court in NOV. I asked my nursing director if I could get classes in the PM for clinical or weekends as they are very accommadating with their students. After informing her of my situation she recommended for me to defer my semester and restart Spring 2025 instead of Fall 2024, she gave me a few days to think about it of course! With a heavy heart I had to defer my semester, as my oldest nieces is autistic and she has been having frequent meltdowns, where she runs away (had to chase her down the street) or she gets upset and hits the windows of my car or bangs on the door at home. I am currently pending to restart her back on her ABA therapy as I know not having therapy for almost a year and losing her mom has really affected her. I am just wondering if anyone has or is going through similar situation if so how did you or how do you manage school with children or even school with children with disabilities. Taking care of patients is my passion and I cried just knowing I was pushing my career of being a nurse further and further. If anyone has any advice even if no children just on how to pass strong or prepare to restart the RN program. I would really appreciate it, thank you!

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Specializes in EMS.

Hello! I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this. I am a Nursing student currently in fundamentals. Since you added additional people to your family, I would make sure to have your FAFSA reflect that and to mention your struggles in any scholarship essays you may be writing. I would also recommend applying to as many scholarships as humanely possible, so you can focus as much on school as possible. I personally removed my social media, including tiktok and I eat, sleep and breathe nursing school. Being vigilant about studying and making time for studying is important too. Remember only you can make yourself get through Nursing school. When obstacles appear in your life, find ways to get around them. You are tough and a trooper. I believe in you and good luck!

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

The big issue is everyone has challenges and the standards will not change and here is why.  When taking care of patients and someone makes a med error...whatever excuse it won't matter.   And a sentinel event an RN can be sued and I have seen it.  It is brutal.  So if the situation is causing you to fail classes then either the situation has to change or you may need to look at careers you can manage with your home life. I am not giving you a hard time.  I am being realistic. "I really want to be a nurse" isn't enough.  You have to figure out a way to succeed in class. There is no way around it. And when working as an RN gotta be in it 100% for 12 hour shift.  Not saying do it or don't, but take a step back and if your home situation is too much then there are a million other careers out there.  

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Specializes in EMS.
windsurfer8 said:

The big issue is everyone has challenges and the standards will not change and here is why.  When taking care of patients and someone makes a med error...whatever excuse it won't matter.   And a sentinel event an RN can be sued and I have seen it.  It is brutal.  So if the situation is causing you to fail classes then either the situation has to change or you may need to look at careers you can manage with your home life. I am not giving you a hard time.  I am being realistic. "I really want to be a nurse" isn't enough.  You have to figure out a way to succeed in class. There is no way around it. And when working as an RN gotta be in it 100% for 12 hour shift.  Not saying do it or don't, but take a step back and if your home situation is too much then there are a million other careers out there.  

Agreed! I also still a Nursing student but from my Firefighting/EMS background, you need to be full throttle in studying, practice and will power. You need to make sacrifices if you really want this so bad.

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To add to what has already been said, another thing to think about is life after you attend and graduate school, pass NCLEX, and get licensed.  Is the schedule of a nurse going to fit with your life?  While there are jobs which can be M-F, 8-5, many new grads start off on graveyard shifts w/ varying days.  Is your husband and family members onboard for helping out w/ the kids?  Are you okay w/ not having some major holidays off, working weekends, etc.?

Lots more to think about than just school.  Nursing can be tough on families, but as long as you have a good support system in place, it's possible. 

Best of luck to you!

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