Single mom and nurse?

[blueskies1990]

I'm a newly single mom of two kids. One is 7-years-old and the other is 5 weeks old. This wasn't where I saw myself after an 11 year relationship, however it's happened. I won't be receiving child support or any financial support from the other party.

Just wondering, can a single mom who's a nurse live comfortably off of her salary alone? I found a clinic job that is 8 hour shifts during the day, which works for my schedule.

[turtlesRcool]

On 10/14/2020 at 6:54 PM, londonflo said:

It sounds like you have already been supporting the family plus one more already. What has really changed? Go for child support. Your children deserve it. 

Well, I'd say a 5-week-old is a change.  The 7-year-old is presumably in school (or maybe not with COVID), but an infant is going to need child care while OP works, and that can be hard to find, expensive, or both.

To answer OP's question, there are lots of people who raise a family on a nurse's pay.  Some of them have help from a partner and some don't.  Some are able to rely on family for support (babysitting, housing), and others aren't.  It's not always easy, but if you make careful financial choices, it's doable.

[Queen Tiye, RN]

Hey, there.  I do it.  I also budget, and plan ahead for the future, I.e.: graduate degree for a higher salary, a few extra hours a week doing PDN to up my salary when I want.  Most importantly, I spend lots of quality time with my kiddos.  It gets better.  Best wishes?.

[EnjoleE]

Yes mam it can be done. I started out as an LVN and I ll be completing my RN in May 2021. I am a single parent of 2 kids 10 and 5. I’ve been a single parent for 7 years. I became a LVN when my 5yr old was 1 yr. Supporting yourself and your babies can be done. Pick up shifts when you can, rest when you can. I pray you have some family that can help you. You can do this. Pray your way through and keep your head up. Best of luck to you!!!

[Sweetlillove, BSN, RN]

On 10/14/2020 at 2:46 PM, SaracaraRN05 said:

I'm an RN for 10yrs now, I was and remained a single mom the entire 18yrs with my son. I recieved no child support, no assistance either. Yes I believe and have lived very comfortable life both me and my son. I specialize in Psychiatric Nursing. 

Heyy, I am here in the same situation looking for ideas. What shift did you work and what did you do for childcare. I have no nearby family or friends that can help. I've been offered a day shift but I would need care for the mornings to drop off in school and afternoons afterschoo, until I get home around 8. In my area that's 15$/hr x 8hrs for 3 days= 1440$ it's just not feasible...