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.

It is harder to do nursing school with kids but that being said. you need to organize your study time and have a good and reliable suooort system. Yes you may miss out on some things but It will be worth it in the end and your kids will understand. Also you will be good role model to them.

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Do you co-sleep? I think that really helped my relationship with my son. I agree with nurse Shawn about getting a job as a pct per diem. I work at a hospital and with per diem status I basically make my own schedule or call in whenever I'm free. During stressful times like finals I tend to work just the minimum, but usually two or three times a week during the semester and full time hours during the summer. Also, I have two sisters in college and we all try to coordinate our schedules so they can babysit. I don't get any financial help from anyone so it is up to me to pay for rent, bill, car insurance, food, anything my son needs, etc. It's OK to be worried or scared but I'm sure its also very exciting! They way I think about it is, my son is only 2 and he will not even remember the time when I was in school.

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I agree! However, I think I probably see my kid less as a student than I would if I was working. If I work three days a week, plus clinical, plus lab, lecture, etc. the hours add up. So I'm definitely looking forward to spending more time with my kid. Also, congrats on your awesome GPA í ½í¸

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@esrun77 I agree! However, I think I probably see my kid less as a student than I would if I was working. If I work three days a week, plus clinical, plus lab, lecture, etc. the hours add up. So I'm definitely looking forward to spending more time with my kid. Also, congrats on your awesome GPA!

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Similar situation for my child and I. Starting 3rd year of 4 year bscn. It's difficult but it can be done. I find during orientation and early days profs and administrators try to scare students with the work load and difficulty level... really you just have to study and not miss a deadline. I also worked almost full time.

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@esrun77 I agree! However, I think I probably see my kid less as a student than I would if I was working. If I work three days a week, plus clinical, plus lab, lecture, etc. the hours add up. So I'm definitely looking forward to spending more time with my kid. Also, congrats on your awesome GPA!

Thank you!!!!

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I am in my last year of school, 4 years total and I have three young kids. I do have a husband that helps out significantly. Your advantage is that your baby is 2. My older two notice my absence more and that I'm studying when they want to play. My 20 month old is easier to manage in that department, he just toddles around the house happily while I study. I do feel guilty at times but then I remember that I'm doing this for them and me. I wanted to show them its never too late to go after what you want even when your life takes unexpected turns like having children way earlier than I imagined. You can do this, lean on your support system, and remind yourself this is temporary. Your child will be so proud of you and your setting a great example.

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Thanks everyone for all the uplifting and encouraging words! I feel so much more at ease than I did during my orientation. You guys are such a blessing!

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Specializes in Pediatrics and Women's Health.

Honest answer: its difficult to do both. You have to think of the end goal. I am a single parent and missed a lot during the year and a half that I was in the LPN program. My son was 3 when I started and turned 5 when I graduated. I felt so bad one day when I missed his birthday. I was at work for 8 hours and in school for another four. I did a party for him the Sunday before and bought a cupcake that evening for him. That's only one of several scenarios. The outcome is amazing and I wasn't the only single mom in my class. I tried to think of the outcome. But it gets difficult. If this is what you truly want go for it. I felt so proud when he was sitting in that auditorium when I graduated and got the biggest hugs from my him, my nieces, and nephews. Everything that is worth it ain't easy.

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I'm a single mom with a 16 year old son. He was 14 when I started my LVN program and I never missed any of his football or basketball games or any of his other school events! Currently working on my pre-reqs for a bridge program but it's all about finding a balance! And find it, you will! :)

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I made it through nursing school and graduated this past May being a mom of two with a husband who was never home to help. Our class started out at 120 and we lost 40 students the first semester and 20 more along the way. Of those of us who graduated about 1/3 were moms with kids, some single and some not. I think some of us with kids did better because we were already used to not having much time for ourselves. I did make the choice to not do any volunteer work or become a class officer while in school so I would have more time with my kids and to study. I was room mom in both of my kids classes at school and only missed one of their school events. My grades suffered some because of the time I spent with my kids over studying but I still graduated and got hired immediately and I found my GPA to be about the same as most who graduated. Your child won't even remember you being in school and as long as he feels loved and secure he will be just fine. Just make the time you do spend with him good quality time.

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