Second degree nursing

[Danamarie214]

Hello-

im new to this site. I'm curious as to how many people have made a change in their career in their 30's with young children. I'm changing careers and due to start an BSN program this fall in NY. I already have a masters in social work. I took two pre reqs over the summer and now I'm really starting to doubt my ability to juggle my two toddler abs be there for them which is my absolute priority but also dedicate my time to school and be successful. Has anyone gone through this. I have wanted to do this for a long time but now I'm questioning if it's worth it. How absent will I be for my children? I'll be in school 3 days a week this fall which at first seemed like it would be a good manageable schedule. Just looking for advice tips anything !

[Meowzers]

I am also making the career change to nursing in my 30s! I don't have children yet, so I can't speak to that aspect. My advice would be to

1) Budget some time for studying each day so you don't get behind and have to play "catch up" and miss a ton of time with your children all at once. Nursing school is different than most other disciplines - you really do need to study each day because cramming (which was totally my style for my first degree) won't cut it.

2) Know your support system. Nursing school is hard and can be very stressful, even without kids. Hopefully you have at least a few people who can help with the kiddos when needed!

3) Let your professors know your situation. Stay in communication with them about where you are at in your studies, any hurdles, etc. Most professors are understanding and appreciate it when you are up front with them about where you are at and what is going on, particularly if you have kids. If you need help, ask them!

Good luck!

[karmax1]

LPN at the age of 35 and it was 1999. RN in 2004.

[SenegalRPCV]

You're in the same boat as my wife. She is 33 and we have a 2 and 4.5 year old. After applying and being rejected from many accelerated programs, she's now been accepted into CSI's associates program for spring 2018 start. We see it as her turn to go to school - she raised the kids with me while I got my MSW from 2014-2016. I'll do anything to make sure she succeeds in her associates program, including requesting work schedule changes or getting a new job that may be more flexible with schedule so I can take care of kids. We will also try to do childcare for our youngest if we can find one we can afford. The struggle is real but we have to push on, and you do too. You got this, momma. We are making some days work by trading childcare with local mom/dad friends.

What programs are you applying to, or what program are you currently in? How are you managing or how do you hope to manage? Good luck! We can offer advice to each other!