single mother pursing nursing????

mohkull · Mar 2, 2007

so I wonder whether I should continue to do this

you must continue in your job

و الله بعين

justme1972 · Mar 2, 2007

I have a couple of friends that went through this when their children were teenagers as single mothers. They had a "meeting" with their kids about the importance of Mom going back to school and how everyone's life would change for the better, but it was going to take a group effort. It seemed to work out.

If it wasn't for my husband and his family taking care of our 3-year old twins, I would be at a total loss.

There is single mother in one of my classes that has six children. Her mother helps her out and there is no question she works 20x harder than I do for the same grade.

GottaGetIn · Mar 3, 2007

Don't think about how you are going to do it.....It becomes discouraging. Just DO it! Take it one day at a time.

I think nursing school will be a struggle for most. It's just a battle that you have to be ready to fight! You can do it.

WDWpixieRN, RN · Mar 3, 2007

I know 2 of the single moms in my class have their parents helping them...but their children are VERY young...

All I can offer is my empathy....the teen years are often more needy than when they're very young....I never felt like my kids needed me less by that time...or is it that we need them? Because believe me, the time between now and their graduating will go by in the blink of an eye...

I'd hate to see you give this up until then...are there other parents that you can start lining up to help once you start NS? Other relatives?!?

If you are still some time away from actually starting NS, then you've got time to work those kinks out....your child will be older...do you trust him? Are you in a good neighborhood where he'd be okay by himself? Can you trust his friends? Are there any part-time or evening programs near where you live?

Lots of things to consider, but if both you and he feel this is important, then it CAN be worked out...if you think you might have to wait until he is out of school -- or closer to it, then start taking those classes that don't have a time limit on them for admission such as nutrition, medical terminology, human growth and development, and anything else you can squeeze in....at least you'll be working toward your goal...and with my being 51, I can tell you, it won't be too late then for you to forge ahead at that time........

shippoRN · Mar 3, 2007

Don't give up, nothing in life that we really want ever comes easy. One thing i would suggest is to investigate all of the nursing schools in your area, some schools have evening programs, try to look into those and accumlate as much information possible about what you need to do to secure yourself in one of those programs.

you can do this, you just need to believe that you can.

CrazyScrubNurse, BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2007

Here was my solution....Financial Aide!!!!! And working your tired little white scrub wearing, pen holding, care plan writing butt off!!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!! Don't get me wrong you will have the crying fits, the wanting to quit fits, the depression, the lack of sleep but in the end it will be what drives you to suceede. And in most schools they offer a variety of scheduling options. I am in second level RN right now, I go to class Wed & Thurs 10:30am-12:30 pm and clinicals on the weekends for 12 hours (only had to go 4 days total this 8 weeks) so I don't have to do as many and I still get the same hours. Our school also has a night class from like 5:45pm-7. Check it out and fill out the FAFSA!!!! www.FAFSA.gov they will hand you money if you are a single mom!!!

midcom · Mar 3, 2007

Almost all my classmates are single working Moms. I am in the minority. Actually, I think it would be easier with a teenager than preschoolers, and yes, I have gone through the teen years. I know they can be challenging to deal with. Good luck. You'll make it if you really want to.

Dixie

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2007

One of my close friends went through school as a divorced mom of 3 kids. She was the sole bread winner. Hubby (or ex) was a loser, once the papers were final, he was gone..never sees his kids, doesn't pay a dime in support. She put herself through LPN school (got minimal FAFSA money..not enough to let her quit her job and be able to live). She worked full time, took care of her kids and made it through school. She had her oldest daughter help out.

I asked why she didn't go through school before she got divorced..her answer was because she never wanted him to be able to say..you are only where you are because I helped you. And in the end..she did it all on her own.

You can do this. Remember all those people who say "let me know if you need me to watch the kids" etc..well call them on it. Friends, family..anyone. My montra now is "if you can dream it...you CAN do it"..go for it.

KellieNurse06 · Mar 3, 2007

Hope2be......as one poster mentioned...just do it! Can your son get an afterschool job to help out????

You can do it..trust me! I have a severly disabled child who is 17...but it is like having the worries of a small child. If I can do it with a child that is very compromised ....than anyone can do it.

I have gone to school with my child in the hospital..and believe me ...feeling guilty about that is the worst.....but I just stuck to my guns & pushed through. It took me 7 years to achieve my dream.....so trust me you can do it!

It is not forever..and if you really really want it.....you'll go for it. You don't want to sit back in a few years and say you wished you did, or you should of done........

And...btw.....I am going for my BSN then hopefully my CRNA or if not my MSN....so I am a glutten for punishment...lol!

Once you get in to nursing school & start..you may want to keep going on.....

Good Luck!!!!!! :nurse:

katiem · Mar 3, 2007

If you really want to be a nurse, you can do it. It may be very difficult, but I have no doubt in my mind you will get through it. Just take it one day at a time and try not to think too far ahead. ALso make sure you have a good support system-family, friends to care for your son if your not there.

Im also a single mom, to 2 very young children, ages 4 and 1 year and Im hoping to get into a nursing school next Fall. My almost EX husband has to pay my mortgage for at least the next 1.5 years, but after that Im on my own, only child support. It's going to be rough, but nothing is going to stop me pursuing my dream. I know you can do it!:)

CilliansMommy06 · Mar 5, 2007

I am not a single mother (but sometimes feel as though I am). My situtation is I am currently married to my son's father. June will be 2 years married and 3 years together (sometimes I ask why). My husband works 3, 12 hour shifts over the weekends than has off all week long. He sleeps all day and is up 3-5 hours at night. Therefor since my son sleeps through the night he is up all day except at nap time. I am currently a stylist and work 2 nights and 2 days. When I am not working I take care of my son and do everything that needs to get done around here because sleeping or him partying with his friends seems to be more important than trying to help me out (all while he wonders why I never have any time for him....) well in any case when I go to school (if they accept me this year) I will be working 20-30 hours a week in the salon and going to school full time. I will have little time for my son (which is heart aching for me, but I know in the long run it will benifit him and make our lives easier....then maybe I will leave my husband because I won't feel so trapped all the time....don't get me wrong I have love for him and care for him it is not the same anymore though....I am tired of being his mother) Best of luck to you. Just know you can do anything you set your heart to, anyone can!

Amy