School, Work, Family...

SC APRN, DNP, APRN, NP · Aug 25, 2010

Make sure you have a good support system. For me I don't think about it, I just do it. Compared to other experiences in my life this is a piece of cake! Stay organized, stick to your routine eventually it becomes second nature.

FLmomof5 · Aug 25, 2010

You didn't say how old your kids are.

When I started pre-reqs, I still had 2 at home. They were older, HS students so they were far more independent. I did my pre-reqs online so I was always home when I normally was there.

When I started NS, only 1 still at home (JR in HS). At one point she asked me when I was going to have time for her again and I said, "August 2010". She didn't think that was funny. I wasn't joking. Hubby was shipped off to Afghanistan in January. AND I worked FT.

You CAN do whatever you set your mind to do. I graduated this past Monday! :yeah: :nurse:

ChervRN · Aug 25, 2010

in my experience (which I had been a SAHM for 18 yrs) my house is never as clean as I'd like it to be. And meals are what I am able to get on the table. sometimes it drives me crazy, but i am getting used to it. I know when NS starts, it will really get interesting. I am learning to delegate.

My husband is going to learn how to use the crock pot!!

Jillian01520 · Aug 25, 2010

I am with you on figuring out how to balance it all! I work full time, I have 2 children, 1 thats starting 1st grade next week and an 18 month old in day care. My husband does alot of the things around the house now and also cooks because he is home at 1 in the afternoon as opposed to my 6 at night. I know he is not to excited about continuing this routine for the next 6 years or so, but I keep telling him it wil be worth it, not sure if he believes me!

Anne36, LPN · Aug 25, 2010

Im worried about how to balance it all too. Ive been doing pre-eqs staying home with the kids but if I begin nursing school I will need daycare for the first time and it will be really hectic. I have 4 kids, but the oldest is getting ready to go to college. Hubby is used to me doing everything, so it will be interesting.

ErinRN2B · Aug 25, 2010

It all depends on what your study habits are, how hard your particular classes are, and how much time you need to dedicate to each particular class.

Personally, I did not have a problem holding a part-time job while I was completing my pre-reqs. But now that I'm in the nursing program, I don't think that I'd be able to work. There is just so much reading, studying, memorizing, and practicing that you have to do. I have a husband and a one-year-old son that I need to dedicate time to, and I just don't think I could through work into the mix as well.

There are several students in my program who do work, though. It can be done. It just requires a huge amount of organization, dedication, and stamina. I'm already living on less than 6 hours of sleep a night on average - so I have no idea how they do it. :eek:

moma8gma1 · Aug 25, 2010

What I've had to do with a traveling husband and 6 kids at home: lower my standards in almost all areas (house not as clean as I'd like, meals are more ready-made, kids don't have ME as much so have to do homework mostly on their own or help each other), rely on hubby to help out when he is able, accept help from friends w/ the kids/carpooling, embrace your crockpot, get a voice recorder to capture lectures (listen again and again as you drive, exercise, do chores, etc...) use the internet to find videos and other helps to get the info to stick in your head better (especially when you're stuck.)

It CAN be done, but I learned that my standards had to be lowered and I had to accept help. There are always pros and cons to every choice. The big pro at the end of it all will be a nursing degree! :) So, if that is your goal, and you/hubby are okay with the adjustments you'll have to make, GO FOR IT!

Good luck! :)

SC APRN, DNP, APRN, NP · Aug 25, 2010

So glad to hear others are letting some chores go too. Lately my answer to party invites, etc is "I don't even have time for laundry, NO". I have been working 58-70 hours a week. I am cutting way back hopefully to 24-32 for Nursing School.

Selene006, BSN, LPN · Aug 25, 2010

I'm single, live alone, and have 8 more months to complete the BSN program. I have designated cleaning days: Monday and Fridays. On these day, I clean, make meals for the week, mop, sweep, clean the litter boxes, vacuum, pay bills that are upcoming, and study. I absolutely CANNOT study unless the house is clean because I will be distracted.

I work EVERY single weekend 12 hours on Saturday, 12 hours on Sunday, and per-diem night shifts in homecare. When school starts, I have NO social life: no family functions, no social gatherings, no long phone calls, & very limited tv watching. When school is in session, it's my only focus.

I greatly admire students who juggle having a spouse, children, a mortgage, and a full-time job! It takes a special person to multi-task and manage on that level!

Despareux · Aug 26, 2010

What I've had to do with a traveling husband and 6 kids at home: lower my standards in almost all areas (house not as clean as I'd like, meals are more ready-made, kids don't have ME as much so have to do homework mostly on their own or help each other), rely on hubby to help out when he is able, accept help from friends w/ the kids/carpooling, embrace your crockpot, get a voice recorder to capture lectures (listen again and again as you drive, exercise, do chores, etc...) use the internet to find videos and other helps to get the info to stick in your head better (especially when you're stuck.)
It CAN be done, but I learned that my standards had to be lowered and I had to accept help. There are always pros and cons to every choice. The big pro at the end of it all will be a nursing degree! :) So, if that is your goal, and you/hubby are okay with the adjustments you'll have to make, GO FOR IT!
Good luck! :)

Very good advice. I'm learning to do this...it's tough.

breezyann · Aug 26, 2010

Thanks to everyone for your support and tips on how to make this work!