Single, working mother wants to go to nursing school...

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Hello! I am new to the board. This is my first post but I have been "lurking" for a few days soaking up as much info as possible :) I am a single mother with a 10 year old boy. I have had my own residential cleaning business for 7 years. I do like my job because it is super flexible and about 22/hr. However it is very physical work so I can only physically pull about 30 hours a week. Also, while at 33, I am easily able to do this kind of work, but in 10 or 15 years I'll need something that doesn't put so much stress on my back and body in general. Not to mention NO BENEFITS. With that said, I am seriously looking into a career change. Before the business I worked in medical and dental offices on the administrative end, while wishing I could actually work with the patients. So I am going this week to apply for financial aide to start my pre-reqs for the nursing program!

I wanted to ask though if it is doable... while still working about 30 hours a week?? Or will I need to cut back on my work load? How many hours a week will I need to expect to dedicate to class, clinics and studying? This is a very scary step for me. I know that I have the intellect to do this.... it's timing and still being a good mother in the process that scares me to death. I don't want to be so frazzled all the time that my son suffers. Anyway, any insight would be so very appreciated!

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Well first of all, how much you need to study, how many hours u need to cut at work, and how "difficult" the workload for classes could be depend on how many classes you take. For me, I took five classes equaling to 15 credits straight off the back. He work load was intense and I had no social life really because my admission is based in my GPA so I had to get all A's in my five pre req courses . Depending on how your college accepts students into heir nursing program via GPA, ACT, TEAS scores, previous clinical experience, or just plain lottery, that also plays a crucial role on how "difficult" your life may become. A&P will be the most important class and really the pre basis to nursing so getting A&P down like it's your sons life depends on it is essential and in no way am I exaggerating because if your school goes by GPA and your nonchalant and not really caring about you science grades, your chances diminish of getting in. But check around ur school to see how they accept students into their program.

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We have two choices for ADN nursing here (community college and a vocational college), and they both offer part time/hybrid programs. So, instead of the typical 4-5 full time days a week, these programs offer classes online/evenings/2 or so days a week. I think that would give you a bit more flexibility and allow you to work. Granted, it will take a bit longer. But, not everyone has the ability to just quit their job to attent nursing school full time!

Good luck!

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Keep in mind that nursing is VERY hard on the body, especially backs and legs. Pulling, pushing, lifting, being on your feet for hours at a time takes it's toll.Injuries and physical problems are common.If you are already having physical issues nursing is not going to make it better.12 hours on your feet is tough even for my younger colleagues.

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Thanks for all the input!

Ansumana ... admission is mostly dependent upon GPA so I know that however many classes I choose to take I will definitely not take any of them lightly.

neldel ... our local college, Lamar University no longer offers the associates in nursing. I will be going for my bachelors. Which at first I was disappointed until I realized that the asn actually takes 3 years counting pre-reqs. For the extra year I'll take the more advanced degree. I should be meeting with a counselor some time this week and I'll learn a little more about scheduling then.

loriangel14 ... I know it's a physical job and I'm ready for that. Cleaning for a living is quite a bit different in terms of physical labor though. As a nurse, when I'm in my 50s and feeling worn down I can take a more laid back nursing position. With cleaning ... it is what it is, nothing can be changed.

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It is somewhat intense if you take too many sciences together. I took Microbiology with Chemistry and A&P I and II together, also. That was probably insane on my part. I am 34 and have a child and I have been unable to work while taking the course loads and managing everyday life. My wife works which definitely helps us. Nursing school is NOT easy and the professors are tough as hell! Sorry if I am being too honest but it is not easy especially while working. I did have a part-time job working 15-20 hours per week and I was fine. It just came down to spending more time with my family or working on the weekends. I chose them. So, good luck! It will be worth it but it won't be easy.

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It is somewhat intense if you take too many sciences together. I took Microbiology with Chemistry and A&P I and II together, also. That was probably insane on my part. I am 34 and have a child and I have been unable to work while taking the course loads and managing everyday life. My wife works which definitely helps us. Nursing school is NOT easy and the professors are tough as hell! Sorry if I am being too honest but it is not easy especially while working. I did have a part-time job working 15-20 hours per week and I was fine. It just came down to spending more time with my family or working on the weekends. I chose them. So, good luck! It will be worth it but it won't be easy.

That's what I've been told.... to pair science classes with a course that isn't very demanding. I will have no choice but to work. I'm single, own my home, car note, bills etc. So not working isn't an option for me. I will have no life outside of work and school. My son also plays football in the fall, which I will be able to study while he practices 3 days a week. I will just have to learn to manage my time.

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