any single mom's out there obtaining nursing degree?

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I am a single mother of 2...taking pre-requesites to enter my local college's nursing program...I am just starting out and wondering: I work 40 hour work-week M-F 8-5 and taking p/t classes (only 6 credit hours) which occupy M-Th from 6pm-8pm...I finally get home at 9pm to put kids to bed. I have help at home but please tell me how you all cope. Also...at this pace, does anyone have any estimate of how long it's going to take me to achieve my BSN?

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I am a single mother of 2 as well and I have decided to go back to school and will be starting this August 28th. Because it has been such a long time since I've been in school (12yrs to be exact) I'm only taking 1 class this semester...A&P I. I am a bit scared and not quite sure how I will manage everything yet because I do not have help. Right now my classes are scheduled Tues 6-9pm. and Thurs. 6-8pm. I don't have a steady full-time job that I have to go to, because I'm a Realtor and I substitue teach on the side so I shouldn't have trouble working in some study time.

Because I am anxious to start working and in great need of the steady income I'm going for my ADN and will work on my BSN after I obtain employment. The ADN program is 2 yrs or 4 semesters and the BSN would take me a little bit longer to complete.

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Specializes in peds and med/surg.

It depends on your school. My school told us when to take what classes for our program. Sure, I got to choose when to take my pre-req's, but once I got into the program, you go by their rules. I had to take certain classes with each other etc. You will have to talk to the advisor for health professions at your school.

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After divorcing in 2000, I realized that I needed to finish my degree to be better able to support my 2 children. They were 1 and 3. I was working 30 hours a week, and started back by finishing up a few prerequisites. In Jan 2001, I started my nursing courses. While still working 30 hrs a week, I attended nursing classes & clinicals, averaging about 18-20 hrs a week. Somehow I still managed time with my boys. I graduated in December 2003, near the top of my class, and VP of the Student Nurse Association. I had also tutored other students in math, and worked a few hours a week in our skills lab.

A word to the wise... get to know the people in your financial aid office. They were constantly calling me with new scholarships & grants available for single parents in Nursing school. I couldn't have done it without them, and my Step-Mother, who helped with my kids.

After 4 1/2 years as a Registered Nurse, I look back at that time, still amazed that I pulled it off, and retained my sanity to boot! Keep your chins up, ladies. Determination, and love for your children will help you through this. IT CAN BE DONE!!!

GOOD LUCK, LADIES!!!

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Specializes in SNF.

I'm a single mom with 3 children. When I started my pre-reqs they were 8, 11 and 16. I was very fortunate to have tremendous help and support from my (former) in-laws. Both of my parents had already passed away. I've been going full time with their help. FASFA pays for tuition and books, and other grants and scholarships help to make ends meet. (I have even visited the food bank from time to time). I have 2 quarters left, and I'm so sick of Ramen noodles!! My mini van is 11 years old, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!!! I have been working this summer as an LPN in long term care, reaping the benefits of my hard work! It's been awesome!

Good Luck!! Its very doable!

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I feel for you. I was in the same position when I started in nursing---one class at a time. Think of a five year goal and stick to it. It took me longer than 5 years, but I did finish my ADN completely in 4 years. I worked and returned to school at night to get my BSN. I worked some more and decided I wanted to get my MSN.

I am still a single mother. I will have my MSN next month (unless something happens ), and I may still go on.

I am telling you, it is hard sometimes, but remember you want to make a better life for you and your children.

You can do it!! Stay strong!!

debrah

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I feel for you. I was in the same position when I started in nursing---one class at a time. Think of a five year goal and stick to it. It took me longer than 5 years, but I did finish my ADN completely in 4 years. I worked and returned to school at night to get my BSN. I worked some more and decided I wanted to get my MSN.

I am still a single mother. I will have my MSN next month (unless something happens), and I may still go on.

I am telling you, it is hard sometimes, but remember you want to make a better life for you and your children.

You can do it!! Stay strong!!

debrah

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I am a single mom of 2, after I divorced is when I went back to school, I have done 3 years of pre-reqs and missed nursing school by 2.4 points, this year:madface:. However next school year I am retaking classes and applying again.

I have a really good support system set up, I live next door to my mother who bless her hart cooks dinner most nights and usually dose my lanudry.

School has been paid for by FASA and scholorships. I also took a lot of online courses so I could spend as much time with my kids, I take my books to study with while they are at practice and games. Along with online, I also took classes over the summer so I wouln't have to carry a full load during the regular school terms. This summer is the first summer in three years in which I havent taken any classes.

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Specializes in Adult Acute Care Medicine.

I just have to say how truly AMAZING you all are to enter nursing school as a single mom. I did it with 2 kids and a husband and felt overwhelmed. Your children will be SO proud of you!!!! You are doing such a great thing for yourself and family.

When I was in school, when my 6 year-old would complain that "mommy always has to study" I made games up with her. She ended up helping me study. We'd make up and sing funny songs about drugs etc....In fact, when I took A & P she learned every bone in the body with me..I clearly remember her crying and saying (at three) "mommy I bumped my femur",lol.

Anyway, if your kids are missing you and vice versa maybe you could figure out a way to involve them in your studying.

Best of luck to you!!

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I also am single with two kids, and here is what I am considering - getting my LPN degree in one year, and then, while I work several shifts a week as an LPN, taking my LPN to RN bridge program online. That would allow me flexible hours, more time with the kids, etc. (I already have a bachelor's degree in another field so I am also considering applying for the one-year accelerated BSN program, but I have to finish up some more pre-reqs before I can do that.)

Excelsior has an online LPN to RN program, and so do a lot of community colleges these days.

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Specializes in Medical Surgical & Behavioral Health.

The best thing that you can do as a single mom going through the nursing program is maintain a strong support system with the people caring for your children while you are away. I have always worked full time while going to school part time for the past 6 years (i had alot of things to clear up from when I was 18 and was not ready for school), but I went to part time once I got into an actual 4 yr program. I cannot tell you how much my mother, sister and day care provider has helped me and my daughter through all of this. THe hours are long and there will be days when you just want to give up because you feel guilty about not being there 100% of the time for your kids, but in the long run, they will have more in life because they watched how hard you worked and they were a part of it too!

4 more semesters to go for me... and everyday my daughter says, I want to be a nurse when I grow up too!

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