Single Mom

[MamaTIger]

I want to know from those who can aid me with their advice if I have a chance at becoming a nurse. I went to Everest college for Medical Assisting, but I have never worked as a medical assistant. I went to school there from 08/2009 -03/3010. I didnt find work right away but I started to volunteer at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center from 06/2010 - 09/2010. In 09/2010 I moved to the state of Texas thinking I can make something happen out there and I was needing to leave a bad relationship with a man I was seeing. I worked retail or fast food and seasonal work as soon as I had got to beautiful Texas and I ended up bringing this man I had left in California (my home state) to Texas. I gave him a chance. I got pregnant in 03/2011 and I gave birth to my baby girl in 12/2011. I never pursued medical assisting the whole time I was pregnant, I just worked retail but I did submit a few applications. At 36 weeks pregnant I got offered a job to run the office as a medical assistant but when the disclosed my pregnancy with the doctors they convinced me I wasnt ready for the job. They later agreed to hire me and give me a break, but I reluctlanlty felt I was spreading my self too thin and taking care of my baby was best. I no longer see her father due to his abusiveness and I had to leave him. I moved back to California in 03/2012 and I HAVE BEEN CONSIDERING NURSING SCHOOL. I am seeking answers and support from this forum. I dont have the best credit but I have been working on repairing it. I want to know if what is on my credit report afffects my chances at being a RN and I've had bad job history up to 15 or 20 jobs since I started working at 16, I am now turning 25 tomorrow on July 15. My best interest is being the person I want my daughter to be. I want her to be proud. I understand Nursing school might be a challenge but I am going to rely entirely on faith. Does anyone know if a bad job history affects my chances for a future in Registered Nursing? Please Help. - I currently Volunteer at an urgent Care for Beaver Medical Group and use most of my time taking care of my baby. I think I can compromise being a mom into studying most of my pre reqs online at home.\ and continue volunteering as much as I can. - Lara

[JCruell]

I have a friend with a credit score in the 200s... Lol... And she is in nursing school doing great and have been offered Job positions for after she graduates... I live in Louisiana and here I have never heard of any kind of credit checks but I'm not sure how it works in California... You can call a school that you are interested in and ask them anonymously and they should be able to tell you all you need to know... Like you I am young and was in something similar at a young age but now I'm married to a wonderful man who adores my daughter and I.... You can do it!... Stay strong and stay focused!... You and your daughter are worth so much and it's awesome that you are working to ensure both of your futures... GOOD LUCK!

[Dnm1988]

I have an 8 year old and a 3 year old, I have HORRIBLE credit and so does my mother in-law who is an RN and has been for years. She makes plenty of money she just never thinks to pay on her credit issues. YES you can still be a nurse. And my advice would be to only put the jobs on your resume that you were there for a while. Also, nursing school is challenging even for people who have no children. Like I said I myself have two and I have NO HELP with them. Except their father just got home from Afghanistan so he is starting to come around and help me a little. I am currently working a full time job as a CNA in a nursing home and also going to school full time. School from 8am-4pm then work from 11pm-7am. It's quite crazy and very hectic. I leave to choose between sleep and set my kids sometimes BUT I know that in 2 years I will be working making plenty of money to support both of them and not have to live pay check to pay check or wonder how I'm going to pay bills like my mother did with me and my siblings. So in the end it's completely worth it. Just think of your baby girl anytime you're struggling.

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

Like Dnm1988 said, "BUT I know that in 2 years I will be working making plenty of money to support both of them and not have to live pay check to pay check or wonder how I'm going to pay bills like my mother did with me and my siblings"

This is my motivation as a single mom with 3 children to finish nursing school. I have about 3 years until I will be finished with ether an RN or BSN program.

MamaTIger, you will need to have a laser focus on nursing school. Sometimes you may feel like you are neglecting your kids. And this may be true, but it is for their best future interests. You will need to decide not to let anyone - a man, their dad, etc, distract you. Prenursing classes, at least in my area, are very difficult and sometimes competitive. If you can't focus on school, then don't even start. But if you decide to do it, make a plan and work your plan.

[BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN]

If it truly means something to you and you make it a priority, then nursing could absolutely be for you. It is extremely challenging from the start. Most pre-req's start out difficult and competitive. You have to be focused from the start and know that it's not forever. I'm lucky enough to be married to have help with my 2 children. And through the last three years we continually told each other "in only xx # of years you'll be done". Now we're down to "in 10 months you'll be done". It actually feels like it's going to happen and it's all been worth it. If you have support and someone to help with your child then you can always start with pre-req's and go on from there. Good luck! :)