What is nursing school really like?

I am really excited about the prospect of nursing school, but need some idea of what it will really be like with two children. I have a BS, but had terrible grades so in August I will begin my 4 electives, plus several courses that are called support courses, some actual nursing courses. My goal is to complete these courses at a reasonable rate and apply to nursing school in 3-4 years. Here is my question. Once in a program, if I am only taking actual nursing classes, no electives or basics, and am doing clinicals, is this something that I could do with one child in school and one at home? I am a stay-at-home-mom, and full-time childcare will not be an option, but possibly a preschool 2-3 times a week. I just want to make sure that I am not going to get in over my head. Thanks!!

Ashli

[goodknight]

I am really excited about the prospect of nursing school, but need some idea of what it will really be like with two children. I have a BS, but had terrible grades so in August I will begin my 4 electives, plus several courses that are called support courses, some actual nursing courses. My goal is to complete these courses at a reasonable rate and apply to nursing school in 3-4 years. Here is my question. Once in a program, if I am only taking actual nursing classes, no electives or basics, and am doing clinicals, is this something that I could do with one child in school and one at home? I am a stay-at-home-mom, and full-time childcare will not be an option, but possibly a preschool 2-3 times a week. I just want to make sure that I am not going to get in over my head. Thanks!!

Ashli

Hi!

There have been tons of threads about this lately, some with really awesome advice. My situation is nowhere near yours, so I don't feel like I can answer, but I do suggest looking over the past 2-3 pages of this forum. Lots of goodies.

[mitchsmom]

As far as the daycare situation, it probably depends a lot on your program. I never intended on going to my program more than 2 days/ week but I'm bumped up to 3 until I'm done due to changes they've made midstream - and of course they aren't on the preset part-time days at the daycare so I pay full time for daycare whether my son goes on my "days off" from school or not. I have Stafford loans that flow straight to the daycare.

I would do a lot of talking with people at your schools of interest. It really varies. Even with talking to someone, alot could change in 3-4 years schedule wise... plus you don't always get the right answers in the first place (at least I didn't). If the bottom line priority is being able to still spend a lot of time with your little one, it may be a better idea to find out if they allow part-time, exactly how many credit hours, etc. to get a more general idea of time involved. I am lucky that my program allows part-time & I'm also lucky that my husband can support us financially & his work schedule allows him a lot of time at home. There is no way I personally would have done it full-time with my little ones since I had the choice. I don't know if that helps any, good luck though.

[twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN]

I had to get child care vouchers (thankfully we were accepted to get them). Its been life saver for us. Expecially since my husbands family has been getting weird and we had to cut them off so there is no one else I can depend on.

Depending on your income (and your husbands if it applies) you can qualify. Its worth checking out.

[AmyLiz]

Sometimes colleges have daycare on (or near) campus that students can utilize too (at a reduced rate), so that may be an option for you.

[Emma123]

Our school doesn't have daycare.

I have one son age 13.

One daughter, 11.

One son, 8.

One stepson, 11.

One stepson, 8.

And I start nursing school August 22. I'm scared outta my mind, yet excited....does that make sense? :rotfl: :) :uhoh21: I feel like I may be "manic"; my emotions/feelings change from one minute to the next.....LOL

[MamaCheese]

It can be done:)

I had two children when I started school and had another about 1/2 way through. They are now 2, 4, and 13 and we've managed just fine.

Like you, I took all my electives and pre-reqs before entering the RN program. That left me with my core nursing classes and clinicals once I started. I've been able to manage quite nicely and keep daycare costs to a minimum. The two little ones spend anywhere from 15-25 hours a week in daycare depending on my schedule. I usually try to leave them in an extra hour or two per day to finish independent study projects and cram for exams.

You can do it:D

[youknowho]

Its been fun but hard. Especially difficult is leaving the boys every day. Today my son had a horrible ear infection and was in alot of pain and I had to go to school...I felt so guilty. Luckily my parents are helping me big time and my husband now works from home 2 days a week.

Childcare is critical but also make sure you have a plan for when they get sick .