To all the parents, yes YOU can do it!

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Specializes in Neuro, Trauma, and Psych.

I have just 3 teeny tiny little weeks before I finish nursing school, AND I have a 3 year old. So I just wanted give words of encouragement to all the parents wishing to go back to school and earn a nursing degree. I have seen so many people ask if it possible or if it is too difficult. I have to say emphatically, YOU CAN DO IT!!!! And you will probably ROCK AT IT TOO! (especially in OB or peds, but I digress) :D

You all have heard the stories about how hard and terrible nursing school is. You may be wondering if you have it in you to focus on achieving a goal that you are passionate about. Fearing that it may take away what time you have with your family. BUT I just want to say YOU CAN DO IT!

Disclaimer: What I'm about to TELL YOU is merely my opinion or what has worked for me, so take it for what is and be your own judge.

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Nursing school is NOT the hardest thing in the world. (Performing a skill in front of your intimidating professor for a pass/fail grade for a course may actually be though. LOL)

I found it pretty easy to balance family and school. Not much different than when I become a nurse and have to balance work and family.

I did NOT have friends and family to help. I live 700 miles from my family. It is only my husband and I, and I still find nursing school relatively easy.

I gave up on absolute perfection and pursued balance (I could study my butt off and make A's. Or I could study some and spend time with my family some and make B's. So I made B's and I am ok with that.

I LOVED nursing school

I did not damage my daughter by attending nursing school.

I have spent several awesome 12 hour days in clinical to come home clean, prepare lunches and outfits for the next day and give my daughter a bath and put her to bed. It CAN be done.

She LOVES preschool and she is well taken care of while I'm in class, studying or at clinical. It was good for her and good for me. (I was a SAHM for 2 years.)

I appreciate my family EVEN MORE because of clinicals. I really get to see how fortunate I am that my family and I have our health.

Nursing school was much easier than my BS Psychology degree: Why you may ask? Because I am a adult learner and much more focused now.

Being in Nursing school as a parent was awesome, because there were a few other parents who understood and I always had to stay on top of my assignments so that I would have free time to spend with my husband and daughter.

I am absolutely BROKE but you know what? I have everything I need. So when you find yourself asking how can you afford it..... Buy your books used. Use your school printer or computer if you don't have either (I didn't have a printer), don't buy school supplies-use what you have, pack your lunch, hang your clothes to dry, ask the previous nursing students for uniforms, don't eat out, go to the thrift store... This is how I made this past year on a budget (I cannot even tell you how many cans of beans I had to eat and carrot sticks. Sometimes that's all I could afford) I bought clothes from Goodwill to wear to psych clinical. Do what YOU have to do!

That is pretty much the gist of it. So, can you be both an awesome parent and an awesome nursing student? Absolutely!!!!!!;)

Best wishes to everyone starting in August!!!!!

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Thanks for the advice! I will be attempting this wild ride with 2 young kiddos and I am so ready to take it head on! Did you work while going to school?

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Thank you so much for this. I start school in the 6 weeks. My son will be 14 months old. I will also be working 30 hours a week for fall then reevaluating in the spring.

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Specializes in Neuro, Trauma, and Psych.

Good for you! One of my friends has 2 kids under three years old and she is finishing in 3 weeks also. Im in an accelerated program so I did not work until this semester. I had more time in this last semester so I took a PT job as a nursing assistant to a elderly lady in her home. I wish you the best of luck!

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Specializes in Neuro, Trauma, and Psych.
Thank you so much for this. I start school in the 6 weeks. My son will be 14 months old. I will also be working 30 hours a week for fall then reevaluating in the spring.

That's a very reasonable plan. I meant to say in the previous response that if you HAVE to work, then it is also doable! You have to do what works for your family. Just plan to stay on top of your assignments so that you can enjoy some free time without extra stress of school work hanging over your head. It's all about balance and knowing what you are truly capable of.

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Im planning to start nursing school next fall 2015 and its absolutely very encouraging knowing that other parents survived nursing school..minus the husband plus 2 kids under 6 I'll be giving it my all

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You are so awesome! Thanks for the encouragement and sharing your story! This is just what I needed to hear (as a single mom). Thank you and good luck in your future:)

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Yep! I agree. I have 3 busy kids and I'm graduating next May. It's not easy... But it's not impossible. I work too :) you can do it!!

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Specializes in Neuro, Trauma, and Psych.

I hope other Mom or Dads (especially single parents) reply to this post to give even more encouragement! It would be a lie to say that I didn't have my moments of struggle. We all do. But I absolutely love nursing and taking care of patients. They make it worth it.

Just a heads up: I am very open to questions but I will be in clinical all day tomorrow. I will get back to you but it may be a little late. :cat:

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THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! YOU ROCK :)

:up:This was so very inspiring and inspirational! Thanks so much! CONGRATULATIONS on ALL of your HARD WORK and SUCCESS!!

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Thanks for posting this! I have 2 of my own kids under 2, plus 3 others aged 5, 9, and 10 that live with us full-time. I work 24 hours a week and am hoping to continue through school. Thanks for the positive post!

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THANK YOU! I am starting in a month with a 4 & 2 year old. I appreciate this so much!

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