Single mom, wanting to be a nurse

lovinlife11 · May 31, 2013

Show your kiddos what you're made of and how to overcome adversity! This is your time to shine, I'm confident you can do it. It's not an easy road to travel but the rewards are well worth it. Best of luck to you, don't lose sight of your dreams!

Bdandy · May 31, 2013

The replies I have been getting are very inspiring, thank you all so much and thank you for sharing your journey with me as well! this is definitely a great site, I've always read posts on here and finally decided to sign up. My local community college told me to take an accuplacer test, any of had to take this? I am not sure if it's because I have a GED and not a high school diploma. I am almost illiterate when it comes to math and this is very embarrassing and terrifying for me as well. 10 Years since I dropped out of high school, not by choice but I had a lot of things I had to deal with and I just recently just got my GED. They told me to get my background test, and 7 panel drug test, and get my pre-reqs done. I NEED to work full time, so I am not sure how long it will take me to get those done, but I WILL. They also told me to fill out an application for financial aid, and I did but I haven't heard anything in regards to this yet. I agree "the hardest part is getting it started". Thank you so much, for the motivation, kind words and encouragement. This helps me more than you know. God bless you all and Good luck in all your endeavors as well!

Bdandy · May 31, 2013

First off let me say, this is a great forum for single parents who have dreams and ambitions to become a RN. My story is very similar I am 27, with a 5-yr old son. I have just registered at my community college for my pre-reqs for a nursing degree. Trying to juggle a full-time job, and full-time mother is hard. So I had a lot of doubts that I could go to school, because I'm scared for financial reasons at home. I am living with my mother right now, but she is ready to have home to herself, which I totally get, so I will be moving out within the next 6 months or so. For women that live on there own and have children, what methods do you use to try to stay stress-free? I have a way of always putting the negative before the positive, and I would love to have ideas of techniques you use, that would stop me from being doubtful of myself.

Hi I suggest you apply for state benefits, food stamps or some financial help if you can. I know this isn't ideal but any help right now will be good until you are done with school. Oh I hear you on the daunting part when it comes to doubting if you could do this, but like all the other great women here in the same situations, they are doing it and some of them have done it! :) As far as advice on "stress-free" it won't be completely stress-free but you can decrease that, but taking on what you know you can take one day at a time. Spending quality time with your son doesn't necessarily means long periods of times, it's the actual quality time. Take breaks, give yourself at least half an hour to do what you like, whether it be watching a show, or taking a bath or anything you find relaxing for you. I do make meals in advance and I freeze them. It makes it easier. I also have my mom with me to help me watch the boys when I go to work at night. I am very blessed that's for sure! Good Luck to you, and We CAN do this!

Nurse2b2318 · May 31, 2013

As for the accuplacer test don't get discouraged. When I took that test I didn't place in college math because I had been out of school for awhile. I had to take a supplemental math course that I did not get credit for. At first I was extremely upset and thought about just not going back to school because of it. I ended up taking the class and received an A and also received an A in college math. If this happens to you trust me it is worth taking the class to brush up on the fundamentals. I was not good at math either, but after taking the refresher course the college level math was a breeze. We all have the same goal of becoming an RN, but we may take different paths to get there. The end result is all that matters.

Bdandy · May 31, 2013

As for the accuplacer test don't get discouraged. When I took that test I didn't place in college math because I had been out of school for awhile. I had to take a supplemental math course that I did not get credit for. At first I was extremely upset and thought about just not going back to school because of it. I ended up taking the class and received an A and also received an A in college math. If this happens to you trust me it is worth taking the class to brush up on the fundamentals. I was not good at math either, but after taking the refresher course the college level math was a breeze. We all have the same goal of becoming an RN, but we may take different paths to get there. The end result is all that matters.

Hi Kristen! Are you doing your pre-reqs right now or have you finished them already? If so how long did it take you to get them done and get in the ADN program? I work full time third shift and I was wondering if this will also affect my school schedule. Any tips on keeping a full time job while taking pre-reqs? Also, do you find the pre-reqs classes difficult? Thank you and sorry for having so many questions.

DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN · May 31, 2013

I will be 40 when I graduate from nursing school this December... it is never too late! Get intouch with your school's financial aid department, you should be able to go to school for free. It is going to be hard, and you are going to have to make sacrifices (your house won't be as clean as you like it, may miss a school function or two), but in the end it will be worth it!

theantichick · May 31, 2013

Graduated with my ASN last year at 43, so you're definitely not too old. If you've got help with the kids and the finances worked out, go for it. My kiddo is 16 so she's been pretty self sufficient while I went to school, but I had to keep working a full time plus job while going to school. I made it, and it is doable (no matter how many people tell you it isn't) but I'd have given a lot to be able to only work part time while going to school.

Platypus · Jun 1, 2013

I agree with all! After my divorce and apparent inconsistent child support payments (3 kids) , I went back to school. I was 38 when I started my prereqs. Graduated from nursing school when I was 43! However, that first job was hard to find so I went back to school to get my MBA. Got a job through a classmate and got those "magic" 2 years experience. Take advantage of everything our government and non-profits provide to help single parents! Apply for housing assistance (housing choice vouchers), heating oil assistance, unemployment office can help with edu expenses as well as help find a job. There is assistance for child care; if you have a disability check out the office of vocational rehab; when I was going to school, the food stamp program had a program to help pay for transportation and books. In this area, there is a program called "Keys to Success" to help single parents procure a car for school or work. Apply for scholarships! At the local community college where I went to school, I got a total of 30,000 in scholarship money because I worked hard to get good grades and was on the deans list every semester. I got a $10,000 scholarship from another program I enrolled in. You jump through a lot of hoops to qualify, but it is well worth it. Good Luck to you!

Platypus · Jun 1, 2013

Keismers, see my other post on this topic -but other stuff I did to get through nursing school was pray and go to church regularly. My church was very helpful to me - often youth group activities provided me with time to go to the library to study. I got a job tutoring at the community college, which also afforded me time to study. This college was great because they had so many computers and a video library. I could work on the weekends, bring my kids and set them up to watch movies, or play on the computer while I worked. It was a great set up and my girls were well behaved! This college also had a child care center for students, but my kids were too old for it.

I can tell you, every semester I had a point I was ready to quit. But, I kept plugging away and before I knew it I was done with the semester.

sgrondahl · Jun 1, 2013

First of all: CONGRATULATIONS FOR GETTING YOUR GED!!!!!!!!! GOOD JOB, THERE GAL!!!!!!

Well, all I have to say, is that if you are too old at 30 to go get your RN, I might as well not finish my application that I just received from my university, since I am 55+.... NOT.

I just graduated last week - the oldest person at my graduation of some 400+ folks: 78 years old. She could barely make it back to her seat, as I grabbed her arm when her legs were getting unstable and she couldn't walk in a straight line anymore. I asked her if she was tired, and she said she was exhausted - but SHE DID IT! I wonder if she thought "she was too old" to try?

YOU need to do this, FOR YOURSELF (1) and (2) to show your children how IMPORTANT THEIR EDUCATION IS FOR THEM! It really makes an impact on the kids when everyone is at the kitchen table doing their homework. Besides, when they need help on their Algebra, you will be able to help them!!

Good luck. Push forward. Even on the days you think it is too hard to complete. One day at a time and you will have your College degree and be in Nursing School too!

sgrondahl · Jun 1, 2013

Hey belledandy27

Being "dumb" is NOT going to school.

That is the easy way out. It is hard; especially with kids. But it is even MORE IMPORTANT because you are a D/V survivor. Going back to school and getting your RN will help them learn what is really important. Hang in there. You can find another school with no waiting list like I did. Ours had a horrible 3 year wait too. So, I transferred to a nearby school that doesn't have a waiting list. Hope I get in!!

(see my other post too)

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jun 1, 2013

I don't have children so returning to school was easier in that respect, but I did not have a partner and I worked through my 4 year degree.

I returned to school at age 32 and graduated at 37. I've been an RN for 3 years now and my 45 000 loan is paid. Definitely not easy, but worth the struggles.

However, given that you have 2 children, I would suggest you do your research and factor in all your costs. The job market is terrible and many new grads are finding work a year post graduation. This may not end up being your reality, but ask yourself if you can afford this potential scenario. If the answer is yes, go for it. Good luck!