Single Mom, Full Time Pre-Nursing student in TN

mwilso2318 · Aug 14, 2013

I'm a single mom. I just got my can certificate so hope to find a job very soon. I'm almost done with my prereqs so prob will be taking 5-13 credits next semester. Time management is very important. And the only time I can study is after my daughter goes to sleep. It's hard but we gotta make it work.

CordaeP · Aug 14, 2013

1.) Cut back on everything that you can.

2.) Apply for financial aid and scholarships at your school.

3.) Apply for government assistance if you need to.

-I personally feel that there is nothing wrong with have assistance from the government if you are trying to better yourself in the end. It is temporary.

I have 3 children and I am currently going into my third semester of nursing school. I struggle a little financially, but they told us that we can deal with anything for two years. At the end of the day it is all about how bad you want it, what are you willing to do for it, and what are you willing to sacrifice for it.

Mandy0728 · Aug 15, 2013

I'm 28 with a 7&9 year old and I am about to start my last semester of pre reqs (18 credits). This Friday is my last day at my job and I start classes Monday. I realized I won't have time for work. My boyfriend fully supports me & I use my student loan refund to help pay bills!

dreams2banurse · Aug 15, 2013

Maybe get your CNA so that you can work while going to school. I am not a mom yet but I work 3 12hr shifts a week so it's still full time but they work around my school schedule 100%. and If you work a pool position then you pick when you want to work. Its not a ton of money but its something plus you'll get the experience and sometimes depending on where you work they'll help you pay for school too.

LL143KnB, BSN, RN · Aug 15, 2013

I am a single mom as well and trust me it's hard. I'm lucky enough where I work for a hospital and they work around my school schedule. Is there anyway that you can move back home with you parents while you're completing your pre reqs? If so you probably work as a CNA part time and live off that income, child support(assuming you get it), and also the student refund. Like another poster said you can always apply for government aide it as well. That's why it's there. I know there's a stigma around it but sometimes you just have to suck it up and do what's best for you and your child. Good luck!

AZMama86 · Aug 16, 2013

I am getting married soon but when I started on pre-reqs for nursing (which took me 2 years.. I've been on the waiting list for 2 years), I was a 23 year old single mom to 5 and 4 year old little girls. I'm not going to lie. It was HARD. I had zero help from their father, I paid for school myself with the help of grants. I am fortunate enough to work for the government making a lot more than I would anywhere else but going to school, working 40-60 hours a week and having my daughters fulltime was not easy. Look into getting grants, even financial aid if you have to, cut back on things you don't need. Are you able to get a parttime job to help with expenses?

megkat · Aug 16, 2013

It's people like you that give me the inspiration I need to make it through school. I'm fortunate that my husband supports me and our almost 3 year old daughter. Think positive and you can do it!

sjg8412 · Aug 16, 2013

Look into your school's resources!

My school offers a program for recipients of state assistance. I had a friend refer me into the program and I love it. Basically, they give me a work study job on campus. My job however, is to report to the computer lab and study for 20 hours a week. After my first semester, I can choose to start a career outplacement as a part of my 20 hours. I should be starting a position at the hospital here in a week or so. The goal of the program essentially, is to give the participants the help they need and keep them going on to graduation! I absolutely love it. I get all my work done, and at the end of the day I can go home and hang out with my son, and not have to worry about school.

If it weren't for this program, I would not have been able to go to school again. I was in the same boat you were with a job that would not let me get back into school or work with me at all. So, in addition to what I am paid for my work study, I receive state help and refunds from my grants and loans. Yes, money is tight. But I just keep my eyes on graduation and keep going.

It's also helped me to prepay my bills when I am able to... it's nice to not have to worry about all my financial responsibilities each month. Some people don't like it, but I like the peace of mind since I'm quite frequently, broke.

Even if your school does not have something like this, do reach out for the help. There is nothing wrong with state assistance.

kelzfuturenurse · Aug 17, 2013

1.) Cut back on everything that you can.
2.) Apply for financial aid and scholarships at your school.
3.) Apply for government assistance if you need to.
-I personally feel that there is nothing wrong with have assistance from the government if you are trying to better yourself in the end. It is temporary.
I have 3 children and I am currently going into my third semester of nursing school. I struggle a little financially, but they told us that we can deal with anything for two years. At the end of the day it is all about how bad you want it, what are you willing to do for it, and what are you willing to sacrifice for it.

^ This sums up everything I wanted to say to you!

I am a single mom of a 14 month old, he starts daycare 9/3 and I start the nursing program 9/4. I'm working full-time through the rest of August and taking the rest of my paid time off the first week of September! I'm not quitting completely but I'll be working just Saturdays until I can land a unit secretary position or after I complete my first term and can apply for CNA/tech positions. As soon as my income drops I'll be re-applying for assistance. Like someone else mentioned, although there is a stigma around asking for help, you've got to do what you've got to do!

I said all of that to let you know that you are not alone. It won't be easy but it is certainly doable. There have been many single parents finish programs and pass NCLEX before us and they'll be plenty after us! :-)