Those with kids

nocheapones · Dec 6, 2008

Thanks for the encouragement.

back2thebooks · Dec 6, 2008

Ask me in a few months :) I have 2 boys---a 21 month old and another little guy who turned 4 in October. This year shouldn't be too bad, as I am only taking 4 classes spread out throughout the whole year. I think it will be challenging once I am IN the nursing program, but I think it'll motivate me.

back2thebooks · Dec 6, 2008

I'm sorry you're having a rough time with your daughter :icon_hug: What does RT stand for?

RT=Respiratory Therapist

IHeartPhysiology · Dec 6, 2008

I'm sorry you're having a rough time with your daughter :icon_hug: What does RT stand for?

RT stands for respiratory therapist. It's still a challenging program, but I feel that, for me, it will be less stressfull (than nursing) all around. And, I'm really fascinated by the respiratory system!

When I fist wanted to be a nurse, I wanted to work in a clinic. Well, after some research, and many pre-req's down the road, I learned that in order to be an RN in a clinic you have to have many years of experience and, apparently, a letter of recommendation from Jesus himself. (:chuckle) Most nurses in my area work rotating hospital shifts, as this is how our local hospital staffs nurses, especially new ones.

And, I will admit, I was naive about how incredibly all-consuming nursing school would be. Not to mention the first year or so as a new nurse. Now that I know a little better I'm starting to wonder if this is the right for my family. I would go for the gusto, no holds barred, if I were childless, but my kiddo's well-being comes first.

I will take up a less-lucrative career if it means being there for her in the way that she needs. What can I say? She's a mamas-girl!

Just remember, every family is different. Some kids really just roll with whatever comes their way. Parents who undertake a high-stress educational path/career like nursing will undoubtedly find family life challenging, at least through school and the first few years on the job.

If the rewards to you are worth it, and you feel your kids will do well (you'll NEED a great and reliable support system; spouse, SO, family, and all the friends you can get!), you'll do GREAT!

DeadHead219 · Dec 6, 2008

I'm 32 and will be finishing up my prereqs this spring. I have 3 little ones, 4, 3, and 1 and believe me, without the help from my husband and support, I wouldn't be able to do it. He is with the kids on the days I have school and allows me the time I need to study. I try to carve out study time while the kids are at school or the baby is napping. I even bring my books with me to my daughter's ballet class. I save dinner time to bed time for the kids (except the 2 nights when I'm in class), and then work when they are asleep. As long as you have a support team, you can get through it. Best of luck to you!

Mommyto2and2 · Dec 6, 2008

Are you a full-time student? In a BSN program, or associates? I think it will be key to separate myself from the family when I'm trying to work.

Yes, I am a full time student. I just got accepted into an associates program. I refuse to put my family through a BSN program when there isn't that much of a difference in pay. I am not the breadwinner in my family and I am fine with that so there is also no reason to focus on management. Get in, Get out is my motto right now.

My kids have changed some. They are used to me being with them for whatever it is that they need. My only thing with that is that if I do for them, they aren't doing for themselves. My kids are learning independence that will be very important for them later in life. Also, I am a much healthier happy person when I have interests of my own to pursue.

If you can pool your resources and separate yourself when you need to from both school and family, you can do it

Readyforthenextstep · Dec 6, 2008

Hello,

I have a 4 years old and a 23 months old...I just started my prereq this semester take 2 classes 6 credits twice a week. I would love to take more classes but I am scared to be way over my head. Next semester I already sign up for 2 others classes but 8 credits. I have no family around (they live abroad) my husband family lives on the west coast. So we are pretty much by ourselves. My kids don't go to preschool day care since I cannot afford it. And I am 28 years old!

dreamon · Dec 6, 2008

Hi fellow Mommas. I'm 28 years old, mother to a 7 y.o.

I am currently studying for the nursing exam and hoping I will be accepted into a diploma program. I am going at this alone, I'm currently going through divorce and while it is still painful for myself and my little one- we will make it through the hard road to a better life.

My soon-to-be-ex lives hours away, so the only support I have is from a close friend who opened her home to us in our time of need. Thank God for good friends.

Next year I will have to juggle a divorce, finding a job (was a SAHM), and hopefully tackling pre-reqs while being a single parent. If I get accepted into the program I want, I will have to move 1.5 hours from where I am currently and that scares me. There are are associate programs nearby, but you know the story- long waiting lists. So I try not to worry and plan to do my best and leave it in the hands of the universe. If I have to move, I will- if not I will stay put and successfully make my way through a different program.

Good luck to us all, we WILL get through it!

(((HUGS)))

aleighc1 · Dec 7, 2008

I'm getting ready to get back into school and finish my pre-req's. I'm going back with twice as many kids as I had last time I was in school, but I also have twice the determination now that I really know what I want to do. As much as I hate missing out on anything in my kid's lives, I'm willing to sacrafice a couple years now for a secure future. I'm lucky that I have a husband and family around to help out with the kids while I get an education. I realize that may not always be the case, so I want to take the opportunity now so I'll always be able to provide for my family if the task falls on my shoulders alone.

Good luck to all of you going on this journey with little ones in tow!

lilo2010 · Dec 7, 2008

Hi! Have an 8 & 5 y/o. Almost finished with 1st semester ADN program. It has been rough! My husband works out of town on a 28/14 schedule, so not much support there! Keep reminding myself it will be worth it in the end!

Felicia327 · Dec 7, 2008

When I started out back in 2001, I had a 1-year old in diapers and a 3-year old still semi in pull-ups. I had no college experience and I was 32 years old. The first semester, I only took 1 class, to be sure if I could" do" this college thing,. I got a B+. The next semester, I took 2 classes and did very well. I have worked full time at the same time, with hubby working nights, so we balanced it this way for the last 8 years. It has taken me forever, but thank God, I have completed ALL of my pre-reqs and have been accepted into my schools nursing program for spring 2009. As I look at it, I now have only 8 more classess and then I am finished. It will have taken me 10 years to finish. I am now 40 years old and I now appreciate all the time it has taken. I had to repeat a couple of classes twice, it's been a long road, but I made up my mind years ago, that if it was God's will, and he opened the doors for me, I would walk through and do all I could do to become a Registered Nurse. Yes, You Can Do It. Start out slowly if you need to. Don't ever over load your self with classes in an effort to finish more quickly. One semester, I took 14 credits.... I would NEVER do that again. Pray ALOT. Ask God to help you and he will. You will be doing a wonderful service for God's people by helping them when they are most in need. :loveya:

olliesmommy1005 · Dec 7, 2008

Hi! I'm in my pre-reqs for nursing school (I start school in Fall 09) I have my final for A&P on Tues. I have a 14 month old and I go to school in the evenings and work full time during the day Sun-Wed. It's tough on my husband and I and it's only going to get tougher, but it will be well worth it!!!! Good luck to you!

Oh yeah, and I'm 27....