I held a 3.81 GPA through pre req's; Yay me, right?! I start nursing school in one month and I am so nervous!
I was part of Corporate America for 14 years and then made the decision to go back to school to finish what I've always had a dream to do... Be a nurse! I became a young mom and wife and have always put that dream on hold... Circumstances have put me in a position to make a move! I know I can do this but once and a while I wonder at 36, can I? I am not working but life is busy as a mom and student. I am proud of my journey so far and will be thankful in the end but nursing school scares the hell out of me! I know it's going to be the hardest thing ever but I want to stay confident that I can do it! I am not a straight A like most of these younger girls are... But I hope my wisdom and motherhood along with some books smarts can make me successful.
I need your opinions, advice, and tricks to help me! Anyone out there that can relate?!
Indeed, moms are taking over accomplishing our goal. Congratulations to you and I look forward to keeping in contact with you during nursing school for us both. We may need to lean on one another. God bless and Merry Christmas
You will be very pleased to find that your life experience and maturity are very much appreciated by instructors. Use this to your advantage. Also, consider the fact that you will be very much ahead of the pack by getting a nursing assistant/student nurse job (you don't necessarily have to go CNA - in my case, many hospitals consider the first year of nursing school a qualification to take on the job) which gives ample experience and a leg up during clinicals. Good luck!
No... I think "student, mom, wife... In that order" is completely accurate.
I am 33, I have a 2yr old and a 13 yr old. My partner and I are having a very very long engagement because I'm not sure what kind of wedding I want- probably will have it after nursing school.
It's important to spend time with the kids every day, but if I don't put 'student' first, then I would allow myself to be consumed by chores. Instead, my studies are my priority and what I have to keep coming back to over and over.
Family time is totally important,... But so is your future. You got this 😊
I am in the same situation also. I am 35 I have four children two of them are teenagers so a little more self reliant (but not by much lol!)I have completed my pre req's in May and have to take the HESI to enter into the 16 month BSN program. I have been working in accounting for 7 years with same company and dropped down to an hourly part time position as I prepared to make the transition to leave my job altogether. I think I have been dragging my feet a little bit because I am nervous about managing nursing school a household, kids and husband as well. From what others have told me you need to remind yourself that nursing school is not forever, everything that is hard about it is temporary and when we are all finished we will be amazed at what we have accomplished. Fingers crossed that this all works at, lol! At 35 who wants to go through all of this and then find out its not for me (I think thats my biggest fear that holds me back). I think making sure you keep yourself on a schedule, keep organized that will help with your sanity a bit. Also have a family discussion on the temporary changes and how everyone can pitch in and help. You can definitely do this! :)
Offering my 2 cents... I started nursing with child & hubby at the same range as the OP. I did NOT have a 4.0 or a 3.5 and up. I became the President of my SNA, very active in the community & brought my mini along (where allowed) every step of the way. Sometimes dinner slipped & hub made it. Sometimes cleaning slipped but mini & Dad picked up the slack. They watched me get pinned 2 weeks ago. They were in the room when the job offers came in (prior to grad). Just note that nursing school is hard. Don't add the extra stress of "perfect grades" on top of that. We've LITERALLY had students have psychotic breaks by adding that stress to themselves. Bring your family on the journey with you & its going to be AWESOME!
Life is the best experience of all. I did my bsn and msn as a mom and wife. My best advice is to set aside time that you put the books aside and have an hour or two that is pure family time each week . Good luck!!
I'm a 30 something mother of a two year old and I'm getting ready to start my last semester of my ADN program. I completely understand where you are coming from! For me, my prioritization has been: mother, wife, student. Becoming a nurse is important and will positively impact my family situation, but it is not the most important thing in my life. If I focus first on school, I'll miss out on all the fantastic memories of my son growing up and my relationship with my husband. I look at it this way: when life comes to an end, which will make a difference - that I was a straight A student, or that I was a dedicated and present wife and mother? Will my son look back and say he's glad I put him on the back burner, or will he say he cherishes the time spent with his father and me? I'm not saying that nursing school isn't important and won't require time spent studying and away from your family, because it absolutely will, but I don't want my son to ever feel like I put him in second place.
One of things that has really helped me has been recording my lectures. I listen to them when I'm in bed for the night while I sleep. This doesn't take time away from anything and I get to hear the lecture over and over. This has been the biggest help to me.
Also keep in mind that nursing school gives you the basics of nursing and teaches you to pass the NCLEX. That is it's focus and purpose. All of the nurses I've spoken with at clinicals have said that you learn to be a nurse on the job and school just gives you the foundation to build your skills and knowledge on.
You can absolutely do this! You will learn and build on your knowledge and things that are completely overwhelming and make no sense will come together as you progress and will become something that makes complete sense.
You will do great. Just stay ahead of the game as best as possible. My first semester my toddler conveniently got a fever or otherwise sick the day or two before my exams.
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Andreany9
16 Posts
Everything at our own pace right?! With the right attitude, determination, and maybe a little patience we can do anything!