stay at home mom and pre-nursing student.

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I am a 24 year old stay at home mother of three with our last child on the way, due this March 2nd.

I am currently enrolled with NAU to get generals and such out of the way and looking to do A&P and micro either on campus in California or online. Most likely in California on campus someplace.

I know NAU is a bit pricey but tuition wise I get military discount and the price per credit hour is actially cheaper then the tuition rates of the community colleges in MN. Which is where I'm originally from.

So I have been out of the school game obviously for a while and am deathly afraid I won't do well but determined to be a nurse because it is my dream.

I am relocating to SD and will be taking the professional medical tech program at cmc while enrolled in NAU doing generals and such. With the pmt program at cmc I will become a pct to get my foot in the door and plan to try and get some experience and networking down while getting generals done.

Has anyone done anything similar to this? How did you manage time and homework with kids? And what are your thoughts on my plan.

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I would love to hear some inspiring and motivational stories. :)

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We are the same age, I have two kids and have done 16 credits so far (including a semester of double sciences) and have a 4.0 so far. Time will tell, I still have two semesters of pre-reqs and yet to get an acceptance letter from the program I picked, but I think you can do it. You seem very motivated. The only advice I have is make sure you have solid study skills and learn good time management. I'm still working out that second part. I'm not sure if they have a private message feature on this site, but if they do, feel free to message me :)

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I have three kids (6, 3, and 1) I just did 5 pre reqs in 10months. When my husband had his two days off a week those were my days to "work" meaning I locked myself in my room and studied, studied, studied. I was not to be disturbed unless it was an emergency or the baby needed to be nursed (he was 4 months when I started.) for me the study when the kids are asleep didn't work for me bc I felt like someone was constantly waking up needing something and I couldn't focus.

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I do 5 classes a semester with 3 kids, 2 of them are not in school yet. I have a very supportive husband so it helps a ton. I go to class on his off days and study at night when my kids go to bed.

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You mommas are definitely an inspiration!! I have been so afraid that it isn't doable! I strive to be as great as you ladies when classes start this January!!

Where did you all get your science pre reqs done at? On campus? Online? And does anyone have any suggestions for online pre-reqs other than straighterline?

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Specializes in ICU.

I am a single mom to a 7 year old. I have been a SAHM since I was pregnant with him. I took 5 classes this last semester and got A's in everything except micro. I got a B in there. I will have 4 classes starting in January. It is all about time management.

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I started my prereqs when my youngest was 5 months old. She is now 16 months. I have been taking it easy by doing only two classes online at a time. This spring I am taking three classes, two online and one on campus, which I am scared to death of! I think the biggest thing for me is that I have been out of school so long that I lost my confidence. I graduated high school in 2000, so its been a while! I find that when I stop focusing on all of the work I have ahead and just taking it one class, one day at a time, I don't feel as overwhelmed. I was laid off while pregnant 6 years ago and have been a stay at home mom ever since. I used to be really motivated and hard working on the job and was promoted to management two different times, but being home so long has really made me lose my confidence. I am slowly gaining it back though and I know nursing is what I want to do, so I will keep plugging away until I get there. Time management is not my strong suite. I am realizing that I could do more classes and be successful if I manage my time and study whenever I get a chance. This last semester I started studying in small blocks of time and writing the answers down as I am saying them out loud. This really helps cement the info in my head. If I can do this, so can you! My confidence is slowly returning. A year ago I probably would have worked myself into a nervous wreck at just the thought of attending and on campus class. Now even though I am very nervous, I know I can make it through. Being in my thirties was making me feel very old, which was another factor contributing to my anxiety. This site actually made me realize there are many students my age and even older succeeding in school. Good luck to you and everyone else in our shoes!

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

My son was a few months old when I went back to school. I started with one class at a time, going to school in the early morning before my husband had to go to work. I studied while I nursed him and whenever I could. I did well that first semester, so I took 2 classes the next semester, and added in more over time as I felt I could. I work with my husband and family to get time out of the house to study (because it's IMPOSSIBLE to study at home, for me at least!). I also had my son in the preschool on campus last year (he's in kindergarten now, and I'm graduating in May). But my husband and family's support has been vital in my success. Rally all of the support you can!!

Be careful about an online Micro class, because it may not be accepted by a nursing program. I know the programs here in CA require a lab component, so you HAVE to be in class.

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Keep at it, I believe that you will become a nurse one day.

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There is geared to income housing that might be worth looking into. Some offer rent for $80/month. If you can get into that, you may have more money to spend on childcare, which can help you manage your time.

(I'm from Ontario, I don't know if it is applicable to your circumstance/location, but I thought it was worth mentioning.)

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I can't do online classes...I have to be in the classroom learning. I'm a mom as well but I just recently quit my job of 8 years also, so I'm able to time manage pretty well. I don't have my son everyday since his dad and I share custody, which does help out at times!

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