Single Mom and want to start nursing school

Shawn91111 · Oct 29, 2015

I work full time, have a family and school. Granted I take 3 classes instead of the 4-5 a semester, but make up for it with summer classes. Now in my case, my wife is with my son (age 7) a lot more than I am because of work and school, but where there is a will there is a way. You just have to find the way that works.

Scottishtape · Oct 29, 2015

When I went to nursing school (LPN program), I was a single mom. My daughter was 2 at the time. I went to school Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm, and once clinicals started I had to hit the hospital the night before (I went straight from school to the hospital) to gather the info for the following day and to make my care plans. I did that, and worked the night shift at the local hospital on the weekends. I survived by using financial aid overages and the pay I got from being an aid on the weekends.

It was the single hardest thing I've ever done in my life, but I was able to make it through with A LOT of dedication and long long nights. When I graduated and passed boards, I was able to provide a life for my daughter I never thought I would be able to.

It's definitely worth it, but you have to really be committed to it. I had to be really creative in order to still spend time with my daughter, and her and I still have a very close relationship so that one year of sacrifice didn't damage anything :)

Socal_EMT · Oct 29, 2015

where there's a will there is a way, I worked full time and completed 60 college units in one year (yes i said 60)

KThurmond · Oct 30, 2015

Im in a similar situation. I start in January. If you need someone to talk to you can personal message me. We can bounce ideas off eachother. :)

PeanutButterToast · Oct 30, 2015

I am doing this on my own too. I currently work for the hospital that is affiliated with the nursing school I am hoping to get into and I know that they will give me a job/schedule to accommodate the schooling, especially if I opt to have it paid for by the hospital and agree to work there when I am done (which is fine with me because I hope to retire from this hospital). I am not sure where you are located, but would any of the hospitals near the nursing school have the same kind of set up? It is something to look into.

I am also going beyond the basic pre-reqs and taking all the non-nursing courses from the program so that I only have the nursing courses when I start. That will lighten my load from a full time to a part time which should help make it a bit more easier to handle and also allow to me to concentrate on just the nursing courses.

There is also a large teaching hospital in the area that provides daycare to their employees including some off hours. Check into that in your area too.

Bottom line though..it can be done. There may be many nights you cry yourself to sleep from guilt, exhaustion, second guessing yourself...I have been there....but keep your eye on the prize and know it will be worth it in the end.

KThurmond · Oct 30, 2015

I've heard of the programs where they pay your tuition if you work for them afterwards but around my area you must work as a CNA and they might give you a job after graduation but won't pay for anything

hazelnut830 · Oct 30, 2015

thanks guys. i will check into those things. kthurmond, i can't figure out how to private message you on here. there wasn't an option under your username.

Scottishtape · Oct 30, 2015

thanks guys. i will check into those things. kthurmond, i can't figure out how to private message you on here. there wasn't an option under your username.

You have to have at least 15 posts before you can send a PM. She can send you one though :)

KThurmond · Oct 30, 2015

I sent you one :yes:

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Nov 7, 2015

Do you have a budget that will allow you to pay for your expenses to live while completing school? If you do, then the rest is up to you!!! That was my hardest challenge as a single mom. But I did it! LVN school, RN prereqs and now RN school as a single mom!

hazelnut830 · Nov 8, 2015

not really. ugh i could move in with my son's dad but my son would have to change schools. ugh not sure how i could live off of loans. how did you do it? do you live near family? i don't.