single mom about to start BSN

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Today, I attended my orientation for nursing school. I was nervous when I arrived, but even more nervous when I left. I'm a single mom (completely single with no father in the picture AT ALL). I'm freaking out because I don't know what kind of mother I'll be able to be during my two years in school. I have a great family that is my amazing support system. However, I want to be the best mother I can be AND be a great student. Is it possible? Am I really going to miss out on a lot of his life? Will I have any time to be his mommy during these next two years? Is he going to lose interest in me since I'll be so busy? I need some great advice from not only single mothers that are successful, but also mothers with significant others.

Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

You know, they do now sell the little kiddie books like mommy's big books.;) Just a thought...:bookworm:

My kids are the only ones who did not abandon me during nursing school. One diploma plus 2 degrees equals 3 ex-husbands. I have a post on here somewhere that mentioned how every time I received a nursing degree, it was accompanied by divorce papers.:cautious: Check the credentials...didn't stop anything. But I am cautious about the MSN because I did have a bo when I got accepted into the Masters program. Dang if he didn't leave, too.:down: Sweet little ole me cannot be that darn intimidating....can I????:uhoh3:

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Lol that's awesome! I love hearing about a steering woman!

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Specializes in Oncology.

I have a grade schooler and a toddler and am half way through my nursing program. In some ways it is easier with my toddler because I just drop her off at one place and pick her up there. My older child has his school schedule, after school activities, homework...it makes it a little more difficult. You are just going to have to be really good at planning ahead, not waiting until the last minute to do homework, and study after little one goes to bed. Lots of people I go to school with have kids. It can be done. :geek:

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I had my son at 20 when I was transferring into a BSN program. It was a bit easier at the beginning when his father was more involved. However we separated when my son was a year old but I also have an amazing support system. Even so, junior year is considered the hardest at my school and with my son being so active while trying to work part time, I made it but barely. His father does not help me financially but he does babysit most of the time when I need to work. I'm thinking I might have to put my son in daycare this semester which worries me because of the cost. It is HARD. It's worth it but hard. I definitely feel like I'm a lot more absent from my son's life than I wish to be but I just tell myself it's for the best. I come from a poor, first generation family so getting a BSN is a huge deal and I am determined to get it. You can do it, I promise. Also my son is so attached to me it's a blessing and a curse (😂). I made sure I had one day a week where I didn't have class or work and spent it with him. Tucking him in every night, taking him to doctors appointments, feeding him, reading to him, all of these seemingly meaningless acts will make an impact on your child.

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Specializes in Vascular Access.

YES it can be done...Back in the early 80's I was a divorced MOM with two babies... and attended nursing school during the week and worked every weekend. I was the only student to take a full curriculum and completed my ASN in two years as I had no prerequisites out of the way.

Yes, it was grueling, Yes, I cried often, but tears of JOY came when I received my letter saying congratulations RN. Put your mind to it, and remember take ONE STEP at a time, one foot in front of the other, as a SINGLE JOURNEY OF 1000 miles, begins with the first step. You can do it.

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Wow! Great success story! Thanks!!!

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I'm also a first generation college student from an impoverished family. I refuse to fail, but I am a little intimidated. My son is the complete opposite. He loves his mommy, no doubt, but he is very independent. I think this is also a blessing and a curse. I want him to want me more but I'm glad he can be alone without any fuss. Good luck and thank you for your story!

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I meant strong... not steering... stupid auto correct!

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You're mom, he'll love you and want you no matter what. Good luck, you'll do great!

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I am a single mom (not the slightest involvement from my child's father, like you), 22 years old, with a three-year-old little boy. I am finishing up my junior year of my BSN with a 3.8 GPA, and my son is thriving. I think as students we get to see our (younger than kindergarten age) kids more than we would if we were working all day five days a week. The sacrifices will be SO worth it when we have rewarding jobs that allow us the opportunity to give our kids the best life possible. It is incredibly difficult but TOTALLY doable. Really, being a single mom is difficult no matter your situation, so you might as well choose the path that leads to the most reward in the long term!

Just a thought: since spending time with your child is clearly a priority for you, consider working public health, clinic or schools (won't be a problem with your BSN) while you work on getting a nurse practitioner degree that will REALLY put you ahead, both financially and schedule-wise.

Keep your relationship with God first and everything else will fall into place. You can do this!

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I am one semester away from completing an accelerated nursing program with a two year old. I have a great support system with both grandmas and my husband. But even so, it was very difficult specially in the beginning. There will be days when you will feel guilt and even shame but you just have to remember that it's all temporary. One advice that I have to give is to 'study smarter, not harder'. Make the best of your time and use it efficiently so that you can be fully present when your with your child. Also make time worthwhile like going to actual places where he would have fun and you can relieve stress. Being a parent and a nursing student is totally possible! It won't be easy but it'll be worth it :)

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I was in your position as a dad. I had my best friend drop of my daughter off at school and went into work at 3 a.m. I took all of the subsidized loans I could and Pell Grant and even found a program that paid nurses tuition and books for school. Eventually I started working as a PCT per diem which meant I got to suck my own hours earned a higher rate but no benefits. This allowed me to work extra when school was out and fatten up my savings account for school semesters. It'll be hard, you might end up with some debt but you can do it just keep your eyes on the prize.

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