Tell me I can do this

[Nurse2bAlissa]

Hi there, this is my first post and sorry, it's going to be a long one. LOL. I'm a 35 year old mom of three kids, ages (just turned) 4, 7 and almost 10. I have my undergrad degree from ASU in Journalism and I worked for about 5 years as an editor (healthcare mag) and copywriter (US Airways) before my first son was born in 2006.

I've been fortunate to get a lot of freelance work as a writer/editor for healthcare publications since then. I make around $35-45K a year doing this. That said, I'm looking ahead to when all my kids are in school full-time (it's about 2 years from now, my daughter is doing 3 y/o preschool this year, 4K next and full day 5K after that). While working from home has been great, I'm always living in fear that my work will dry up (95 percent is from one client, from one company).

The only other thing I have ever envisioned myself doing is being a lactation consultant (I worked at a breastfeeding resource center for a couple years) and/or postpartum nurse. I think those women do such a special job and for many reasons feel I would love doing this.

I recently began seriously looking into programs that could get me there. At first I looked at online accel options for second-degree students, but they are a lot of money and require you to quit your job, which we couldn't afford for me to do. I'm now considering attending my local community college, which has an RN program. The majority of the classes are either in my small town (literally, I could walk to class) at my local hospital or online, until you get to your last two semesters (some clinicals are about 40 minutes away).

In total, it would cost me about $11K and take me 5 years. Yes, 5. This is in part because I am only taking classes when my kids are at school or my husband is home to watch them.

I've literally been thinking about this day and night for weeks now. Can I manage this with my kids and my writing work...for five years? (I don't want to give up my writing work - if it's still available, I'd like to write and nurse part-time while my kids are young). I am completely stressed about this. I know I'm smart - 29 ACT and 3.5 cum. GPA - but I still have a ton of anxiety about the science pre-reqs. I don't want to take even one class and spend the money if I'm not going to see this through.

Also, as much as I can see myself in this role to some extent, I have been home, with babies for 10 years. It's hard to see myself doing anything else! I don't really know what question I have, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on anything I've posted here and any insight you can provide. I'd also love to post my schedule so you guys can tell me if you think it's reasonable!

Thank you in advance! This forum has been so helpful!

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

So many of us have walked in shoes similar to yours. I was also a stay at home/ work at home mom who decided to pursue nursing. There were many inspirational stories on AN that convinced me it was indeed possible.

My 3 kids were ages 4, 11 and 14 when I started my prereqs. It took me 6 yrs and I'm now an RN.

I Was similar in age to you when I started.

You can do it!

[Nurse2Bella]

Well as I dont have kids personally, I know a lot of my friends and peers that did/do! I think you have a good plan; it doesnt matter how long it takes you to get somewhere...the end result is the same. My suggestion, take Anatomy and Physiology - this was my first (and as close as you can get before nursing school) medical/nurse topic class. Both A&P 1&2 are deep and requires a lot of dedication. So I say to take this because it will give you what I feel is the closest look at what things would be like going into nursing. Put everything you have into the class and REALLY learn and understand the material (you will do great on tests and you need a great A&P foundation in nursing school). So give it a try - best of luck!

[Extra Pickles]

If you keep your priorities straight, and that means a priority on excelling in classes, you will do fine. People tend to get into trouble when they lose sight of the bigger picture and hyperfocus on little stuff that doesn't matter along the way. Remember to keep yourself organized, but it's important to allow for some unexpected turns in your plan. Nursing school is famous for throwing monkey wrenches into the most uber-organized lives. If you can't bend, you'll break.

You should be changing your user name for this site, though, to something like Nurse2BAlissa. Can't use the legally protected title of Nurse until you actually are one. Good luck to you!

[Hoyasaxa96]

Have you looked into being a Duella that is someone who helps people with breast feeding and troubleshoots problems. They will come out to your hse and help if you are having oroblems or consult over phone with you. My sister had her 2 kids at Brigham and Womens Hosp in Boston and they utilized Duellas. May want to investigate since sounds like that was what you originally talked abt as a lactation specialist. This maybe more suitable to you being home more with your kids. If you decide nursing school is for you then I would take a science class alone by itself and see how you do in it like A&P. This would give you an idea If you can handle time mgt and organization with studying and spending time with your kids and family.

[ngiam12, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Absolutely you can do it! Sounds like you'll need some patience to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it also sounds like you're a patient person :)

I noticed you mentioned working as a lactation consultant. Have you looked into becoming an IBCLC (non-nurse)? It may be difficult to find a job in a hospital (requirement may vary by state, I have no idea, my hospital only hires IBCLC RNs) but you could work for WIC, other government programs?? Might be an option with a shorter time commitment?