Nursing Students General Students
Published Feb 5, 2015
trebleclefmama
61 Posts
I would love to hear from those of us who have gone through school (both prereqs and nursing program) with very young children. I'm pregnant and have a two year old, and working part time. I need to start from the beginning, and I know with enough dedication I can do this, but would appreciate tips and words of wisdom from those who have done this before me. How long did it take you? Did you take breaks in between? Thanks in advance!
Pumpkinn
129 Posts
I just completed my first year of nursing, with a three year old and 9 month old. It's possible, it will just take hard work and support for childcare. If you want it bad enough you will make it work.
I was pregnant with my second child during my prerequisites too. Nothing like sitting in anatomy and physiology with morning sickness learning about the reproductive system lol.
cynmrn
124 Posts
I, too, was pregnant during my prerequisites. I remember sitting in my biology and the teacher using my pregnancy as an example.= as my kiddo kicked the crap out of me...lol! From start to finish, it took me 7 years to graduate with my BSN (6 years to graduate with my AAS in nursing and get a job). I had two small kiddos during the entire process (my oldest is 9 now and my youngest is 6) and, of course, it was hard. There were times when I questioned my sanity. I think my biggest tip is to find support in every place possible and request and accept help. Sometimes, we yearn to be "super mom" and do everything on our own, feeling that we are failing as a parent if we don't. You have to gradually let go of that mindset, because there are things you won't be able to do. You will feel pulled in a million directions and you will have to prioritize and reprioritize constantly. But, it will be worth it, because you are bettering yourself and your kids will look at that and remember how hard you worked to make it!
Absolutely! So far from finishing my pre requisites to finishing my first year has taken me 2.5 years. That Is due to wait lists. With my nursing program we have something called a 1+3 curriculum so although I am done my first year, I still have to wait a year before I get into my second year. For me it will take about 7 years to complete. Due to gaps in waiting, you could be lucky and get into a programme that has no gap and be done in about 5-6 years. Good luck on your journey. As the other poster mentioned don't be afraid to ask for help!
Sizzline
184 Posts
I started prerequisites for my ADN when my daughter was 3. I did part-time classes, worked full-time, and had another baby. She is now 5, and I am in my first semester of clinicals. It'll take me a total of 4 years to get my ADN, and then another 1-2 to get my BSN. It's definitely been a challenge, but totally worth it.
leslie.knope
16 Posts
its rough but doable!
Shan801
9 Posts
Hi,
I am a first semester nursing student. I have a 11 month old daughter and her father is out of the picture. I also work part time and attend school full time. There are days when I feel completely overwhelmed with the volume of work and exhausted with it all then I see my kid's smiling face and then I remember why I am doing it. My child is my motivation. the hardest part to me is creating a balance of school, work, mommy and never neglecting her unnecessarily. So far I am doing fine. Find reliable daycare and stay organized.
You can do it!!