Student, mom, wife... In that order

Nursing Students General Students

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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?!

With love,

AndreaNY

That's a great idea to record the lectures! Thank you í ½í¸Š

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Great advice! Ty

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Hi! I am in a similar boat. I'm 42 with 4 kids, and 4 semesters ahead of me-Going back for my 2nd degree. I just finished my first semester of some nursing prereq (microeconomics, advanced physiology, etc) It was really hard, but I made it through with A's and B's. Its a huge juggle and I often feel like I'm putting some things on hold. I couldnt do it without my husband, he is a huge help with the kids when i have to study. But, of course I want to be doing it too. I love reading the comments..I'm glad to know I'm not the only one going through this!

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You already have an upper hand against many of us because you don't work, which is a big plus. I was also a non traditional student, married, two kids, and working full time all while attending nursing school full-time. You got this. It will not be easy but if you keep focus on your goal you will accomplish it. Good luck.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

Many of us on AN can relate. Myself included. I am 35 and about to enter my last semester of RN school. I have 3 kids, ages 10-20. I was married when I began this path and my priorities were different then.

Student comes first for me. Because passing school means I can provide for my children.

You can do this! Being an older student has the benefits of being better focused on studying and learning and finishing our goals. Plus we bring real world experience to our nursing practice. While this isn't helpful on all exams, it certainly is helpful when working with pts.

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Perhaps I am the only one who thinks your priorities are spot on. I'm 55 and although I really wish I had gone to nursing school in my youth, I waited until my youngest son started college. With two kids still living at home and a husband, I know it can get difficult to cover all the bases. Because I went to LPN school my schooling was only 18 months long. I explained to my family that this was something I wanted to do all of my life and in order to pass and do well, I would have to give it my all. I read so much everyday, always had a test coming up and projects to do. It did indeed encompass my entire life. But at the end I graduated with the highest GPA in my class and my family couldn't have been more proud of me. I know it's hard to put yourself first, that's one of the great qualities of being a nurse. But this is your time to shine, they will love you for it and they will learn from your experience and the kids will remember and respect the hard work they saw you do to reach your goal!

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I am 33 and I'm about to enter my first semester of nursing school starting January 11th. I am a wife and mother and juggling it all can be challenging at times. But I absolutely agree being and older student has it advantages most are more focused.

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I had a block of time every night that was study time. If the kids had homework, they did it at this time but knew they had to go to dad for help, not mom. If they didn't have homework, they spent time with dad while mom studied. I usually wore headphones (oftentimes with absolutely nothing playing in them) so the kids thought I couldn't hear them. Made it a little easier to "ignore" them and have dad handle any issues. I also tried to keep one night a week study free so we could have family night. (Barring huge tests or projects). It's a fine balance but it's definitely workable. Best of luck!

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I'm 31 married with 2 year old triplets "student, mom, wife" in that order is so my life right now my family is my #1 priority and they receive all of my love, affection, and attention. I'm a stay at home mom and student. But the consensus around my house for the next 2 1/2 years is school comes first....luckily all of my friends are all over the country so my social life is my family. And my husband wants this for me as much as I do. Best of wishes to you :)) being a mother is the hardest job ever being able to juggle it all does make us super women

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You got that right! All us moms love and adore our children but this is a commitment for the next couple of years that everyone of us have to make sacrifices for! Good luck to you! You're hands are full and you'll still graduate a rock star!

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