1st yr student & working mom of 4...

NsgChica · Jun 9, 2008

Congratulations for entering the nursing program!!!!! You have already proved that you have the strength and support to continue and succeed. I am a single mother with one child. At the time I started school she was four. It was very difficult, especially with my first nursing class. I was also working fulltime nights. But I found that if you are able to establish a solid routine, you will be able to have time to study...maybe not as much time as you want. When my child was old enough I took her to class with me. I included her in my studies...she was my experimentee during assessment class. She particpated in my group projects...she especially loved when I had to make posters. You will find ways to include your children into your studies...I found this to be helpful. This allows them to bind with you and also see how difficult school can be, they also get to see your struggles ups and downs. Most importantly they will see the fruits of your labor and will learn that nothing is free in life and you have to work hard to get the things that you desire. They will also learn to trust God even more...so will you and your husband. It will be hard...if you can, try to work part-time weekends. Eventually, this is what I had to do because it was getting strenuous. Best of luck to you and your family!!! Again Congrats!!:ancong!:

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · Jun 9, 2008

I have 4 kids and survived nursing school, it is difficult and somethings have to be put on the back burner---like house cleaning!!! You may have to miss a few things, musicals, field trips, class parties etc etc. But in the long run it is worth it for you and your kids. My kids truly are proud of me.

You will find a routine that works for you and your family, and if that routine doesnt work, try another and keep trying till you find a balance. It is possible and you can do it.

Congrats----

jessi1106, BSN, RN · Jun 10, 2008

Welcome!

I had one child when I began nursing school, a pregnancy during school - we are now trying for our third :)

It certainly can be done, as other posters have said.

While in school, I also involved my oldest child. She often came to the lab and practiced with me. At the age of three she knew SO MUCH A&P it was scary. By the age of five we were making up songs with med classes and med info I needed to know.

I chose not to work during school. I took out more student loans than I needed (that I am now paying back)...but nursing school is so demanding and draining. I chose to spend every free minute possible with my kids. Now that my husband and I both make a decent salary the student loan payment is no big deal.....just something you may want to consider.

Congrats on your acceptance to school and best of luck to you!

ltmja · Jun 10, 2008

My mother and I are both RN's. I have no children but I remember my mother going through nursing school. She started when she was 45 yrs old with me at age 8, my younger sister age 6 and younger brother age 4. She also worked but I really don't remember how many days a week. As long as your family is supportive you'll be fine. She went to school and work so she would be gone all day then be home for dinner, put us to bed and then I would hear her type away on her papers. Sometimes I would wake up in the middle of the night and she would still be typing away till 1-2 in the am. I couldn't imagine doing nursing school with children but my mother says it is amazing what you can do when you have to do it. One of the ladies that posted a comment is right though. You'll miss some things that will deal with your children as my mother did. The older ones understand more but it will be worth in in the end. 2.5 years goes but fast. Good luck and congrats with nursing school. take care:)

Kempochic · Jun 11, 2008

Thanks everyone! I really do appreciate all the encouragement. It truly is amazing how all of you have juggled family, work, etc. That speaks volume and I know from all of your testimonies that it can be done. I draw strength from what you've shared.....mahalo (thank you).

We had our first orientation today and there were quite a number of working moms. We all connected immediately. It was overwhelming yet exciting. I praise God for this new chapter in my life. The real journey starts here...........

vintagestudent · Jun 11, 2008

Permit me to chime in for a few. I also have recently been accepted into a nursing program (LVN, not RN...yet) and have 3 of 4 children still at home and a supportive husband. Our other child is legally an adult and low maintenance now.

I appreciate the mom of 4 asking for advice because I've had the same concerns. I've been told the road will be grueling, though in my case for only 11 months. What can I do ahead of time to prepare my family and home for the road ahead? What can I do for myself? (I'd be dishonest if I said I wasn't excited. This short-term goal is a definite walk of faith for our entire family.)

Thanks in advance.

Kempochic · Jun 12, 2008

It is a blessing to have a very supportive network of family/friends. It took us some time to find a routine. My husband works nights and I work days. I know from my experience(while working on pre-req's) our household operated on a set routine. I've learned over the years that routine can go a LONG ways. Assigning chores to the kids worked well too. I make it a point to let them know that I can't do it alone. My oldest daughter helped a lot(dinner, laundry, some cleaning, etc.). When I come home to a semi-clean house, I do see their effort and I let them know how much I appreciate it. I got some good advice from the above posters....it will be hard, but it can be done..they made it, so can we!! Keep your head up!! :)

1MOM2RN · Jun 13, 2008

i had 3 children when i started nursing school, 4 now. my daughter was born in the middle of it. all of the above advice is excellent, and let me tell you, having a supportive husband is priceless (i made a "toast" of sorts to him at my graduation party, because the accomplishment was as much his as mine). i worked a full time baylor schedule on weekends and had class 4 nights / week.

but i want to add something more on a mental note. i found the school work challenging, but not grueling. what i found very difficult to deal with was the guilt over not being home with my children (16, 15, 5, & 2 - i graduated this past spring). but i kept reminding myself that i am doing this for their future and that they were going to benefit from this in the end. one of my clinical instructors told me that studies have shown that children are very influenced by their mother's model in regards to education. so i was showing them that education is important, that you're never too old to follow your dreams (graduated at 40) and that with hard work, you can succeed.

and when all is said and done, these years will be but a drop-in-the-bucket in our lives. capitalize on the time you have together and make them precious. you'll blink and it will be done!

KEYLATI · Jun 13, 2008

I just joined today. And I am in a similar situation. I have been accepted into Duke 2008 accelerated BSN 16 months program but I am deferring till 2009. I am 2 months pregnant now so the baby will be about 8 months when i start school. I am not confident that the father will be present and I am not from North Carolina. I have one friend there but she is medical school but support is limited. I am afraid that I be able to attend school because of the baby. Please any questions suggestions comments. I am panicking.

vintagestudent · Jun 13, 2008

I just joined today. And I am in a similar situation. I have been accepted into Duke 2008 accelerated BSN 16 months program but I am deferring till 2009. I am 2 months pregnant now so the baby will be about 8 months when i start school. I am not confident that the father will be present and I am not from North Carolina. I have one friend there but she is medical school but support is limited. I am afraid that I be able to attend school because of the baby. Please any questions suggestions comments. I am panicking.

KEYLATI, please privately e-mail me about this. Your situation is certainly worth addressing, but privately communicating seems more appropriate.

Hope to get a pm from you soon! Remember, we're here to help in any way we can. :specs:

(I love babies! I had 4, but they grew up! :crying2: )

Kempochic · Jun 14, 2008

CONGRATULATIONS!! I think it's wonderful that you've acknowledged your husband...what a blessing! I certainly would not have made it this far without my husband's support either. I can not imagine embarking on this journey alone. I am inspired by those who have walked this path as single parents and they HAVE succeeded. I enjoy reading the success stories in this site....it's amazing what people have overcome.

Keylati, congratulations to you too. That's a lot on your plate. You have worked hard to get into the program. Priorities have shifted & it's o.k. Take care of baby & yourself first. Take it one day at a time for "there is a time & season for everything". I think its great that members of this site is willing to reach out to you.