UT Houston students with young families (Houston)?

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Hello, I'm new to this forum and need some advice from students with young families and how they make it all work!

I recently started thinking about getting a BSN as a second degree. I already have a degree in Biology and an MPH, but I feel that having a clinical degree would add a lot to my career options... and would allow me to work directly with patients, which I feel would make my work so much more rewarding.

Being in Houston, I'm looking at UT Houston's accelerated BSN program, b/c they offer online courses and allow you to finish in 12 months. That being said, I can imagine (and have read) how stressful that type of program can be with everything crammed in!

I'm looking to apply maybe next year to start the following year (if I can get in, of course), when my oldest starts Kindgarten... but am feeling conflicted b/c I will still have a little one at home.

For those of you in the accelerated BSN program (or any nursing pgm, for that matter), how do you do it? Do you just have to sacrifice time with your family to make it? What types of hours do you put in to take classes/study a week? How many hours of clinicals do you have to spend on campus for the accelerated BSN? Can it be done as a p/t program?

I'm 34, and just not sure if I want to wait another 6 years before I go back to school... but feeling that it'll be too stressful on the family if I start now.

Sorry for the novel... but I appreciate any advice!

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I made it through as a single mom with two children one that was still at home. I managed well. It takes a strict organized schedule. It was the best decision I ever made for my family. I woke up early and made school my job from 7-5 m-f unless I had clinicals and I studied for a few hours a night after 9 when they went to bed. You can do it.

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I made it through as a single mom with two children one that was still at home. I managed well. It takes a strict organized schedule. It was the best decision I ever made for my family. I woke up early and made school my job from 7-5 m-f unless I had clinicals and I studied for a few hours a night after 9 when they went to bed. You can do it.

Thanks for your reply! Just a few questions - did you take online courses, and if so, did you place your child in someone else's care? How many hours of clinicals is it a week? It's amazing that you can still squeeze in a few hours of studying after the kids go to bed... I wonder if I'll be able to find the motivation and drive to do so...

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You def. can do it if you REALLY want to. I'm in the ABSN program and have two kiddos. BUT, you have to have major support. My hubby and mom are awesome! Your schedule must be very flexible as things can change at any time. You may only be at school 2 or 3 days a week, but you'll spend time everyday studying! In order to not sacrifice my family too much, I have to stay up VERY late at times and take my notes everywhere I go (chicfila, football practice, etc). Also, clinicals will be 1-3 days a week and 12 hr shifts.

It's a crazy schedule but I'm thrilled that I'm a part of it! But, it's def. not a part time thing! Good luck with your decision!!!!

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"Thanks for your reply! Just a few questions - did you take online courses, and if so, did you place your child in someone else's care? How many hours of clinicals is it a week? It's amazing that you can still squeeze in a few hours of studying after the kids go to bed... I wonder if I'll be able to find the motivation and drive to do so..."

I attended a in class program and now I am doing an online FNP program. I graduated magna cum laude (probably could have done better but hey I am okay with that). It is possible. You can do it. Did you start yet?

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You def. can do it if you REALLY want to. I'm in the ABSN program and have two kiddos. BUT, you have to have major support. My hubby and mom are awesome! Your schedule must be very flexible as things can change at any time. You may only be at school 2 or 3 days a week, but you'll spend time everyday studying! In order to not sacrifice my family too much, I have to stay up VERY late at times and take my notes everywhere I go (chicfila, football practice, etc). Also, clinicals will be 1-3 days a week and 12 hr shifts.

It's a crazy schedule but I'm thrilled that I'm a part of it! But, it's def. not a part time thing! Good luck with your decision!!!!

Can anyone tell me more specifics about how your weekly schedule would go? I've heard between 1-3 12 hour shifts- can you make any requests as to times/days, or is it luck of the draw? I am considering the 2011 program and my boys will be 3 & 4.5. Just trying to figure out if I can do this without leaving them too much???

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