Single mom's? Advice needed

peaceful · Nov 17, 2006

I was a single mom to 3 children while in nursing school. Not easy, but step by step one can do it. I took out every grant, applied for many scholarships and got every loan possible. This helped me to pay my bills, rent, and food. I worked very part time for a home health agency. You will study day and night, 7 days a week while in school. I recommend only working a few hours a week, devote all other time to school and children. Forget doing housework. I would study early in the am while kids still sleeping. Many times studied at the playground while children played. You learn to get very creative on how to study. I owe large amount in school loans now but work full time. I just did not buy brand new car like many new RNs do, my loans are low interest. For example I am paying about $158.00 a month on $30,000 thousand in school loans for a BSN. Good luck.

lisabeth · Nov 18, 2006

As a single mom, fixing to go into the program, this thread was most helpful. Thanks. :)

susiebee60 · Nov 19, 2006

Hi, I went through nursing school as a single mom of a 3 year old, a 9 year old and a 10 year old. It was tough but not impossible. You need to enlist the help of a good baby sitter and I found that a study group was my saving grace!! My 3 year old baby just turned 19. Best of luck to you! You'll do just fine. :twocents:

lizmatt · Nov 19, 2006

I am a single mother, and a junior nursing student. It was pretty tough at the beginning of this semester when we were learning how to be nursing students - and they piled the work on, after about 3 weeks I really learned to budget my time and prioritize more. The only thing that has suffered in all of this has been my social life, but that can wait till graduation. When I was a freshman and sophomore I still could go out on occasion and i got to see my bf from time to time. I have not been out a single time this semester, and I see my bf once or twice a month - and only talk to him about once a week (he is super supportive, and understands, I am lucky in that way.)

There is support out there... Find the best way not to work ... I know I would not be able to do this and work - ok I probably could, but I would be under a lot more stress.

I am fortunate, I attend a school that has a house for single parents attending that it is free. I also was awarded the HRSA scholarship, so I recieve a monthly stipend and my tuition, books etc is all covered.

Also something that people don't like to talk about, the county assistance office - before I was awarded the scholarship, I recieved - cash assistance, food stamps, child care benefits and medicaid. I know that this is a touchy subject, but I look at it as a form of financial aid. It would have been best for me to have my children when I was financially prepared for them, but that was not the case and I needed to get to the place where I could fully support my family. I see no problem in getting assistance if you are using the time not working to better your and your childrens lives.

maximaxi · Nov 27, 2006

I am a single mom going back to school for my 4 year BSN. I wanted to see if any of you were single parents while attending nursing school. If so what kind of advice do you have??? What tips for financing my education and taking care of my child can you give.
I really appreciate your taking the time to read/answer this post.
Thanks!
Dawn

I just graduated in May.I also am a single mom and I found out that anything that can go wrong probably will while you are in nursing school.You will survive.Im sure you have read from many others that had the same experience. I think sometimes the people that have the most drama going on during school some how do better maybe, because we know we have more at stake and we want this so much.We not only want better for ourselves but our kids. I used to work double on the weekends which sucked, but it allowed me really not to work during the week. Also go online and apply for financial aid. Go to your schools financial aid department and sit with someone.They are very patient and helpful. Remember what doesnt kill you only makes you stronger. It will be well worth it when you are sitting there at graduation/pinning waiting for them to call your name. You wont be able to believe how strong/ resiliant of a person you can be.Try to stay away from negative people and surround yourself with empowering people.