Working Mom

BerthaRN · May 29, 2007

That is definitely a challenge....but people have done it and you can too. You just need to plan and work towards your goal, and ofcourse, keep your children #1:). I hope someone else can give you some advice or personal experience.....

Good luck to you!

missgigius, RN · May 29, 2007

I work part time, married with two kids and applying for wcccd program starting this fall. But my sister was a single mom with two kids and worked full time until her last semester and she did fine. It was a definite struggle from her but she did it, graduated wcccd program and passed her boards on her first try. She is my inspiration and motivation. Again it wasn't easy for her but she did it.

PedsNurse322 · May 29, 2007

I worked FT in my first semester, and then had to cut back to PT hours.

amybethf · May 29, 2007

At HFCC, where I go, 96% work. It can be done. Is it going to be hard? Absolutely. But if u keep your eye on the prize and be dedicated, keep a smart and strict study schedule, it is yours for the taking. There will be many sacrifices but u will be rewarded greatly.

If u find that u can't do FT work and motherhood alone, then u might need to be creative and see if there are PT RN programs in MI or offered online. If there's a will, there's a way.

Good Luck and keep us posted!

Treasure30 · May 30, 2007

Good Morning Brandi110,

I did it, Discipline, Studied & Sacrifices. BUT BABY IT'S ALL, ALL, ALL WORTH IT, :lol2: :wink2: . I had little support, I love my divorce parents, but my parents had not been to college, so they didn't understand. My sister was in med school in another state. Occassionally we encouraged each other.

I was a fresh divorce mom, 2 children, son 7 yrs & daughter 4 yrs. I started off working 1 job, went to the PTA meetings, the football games on Saturday morning, took the child to practice, church on Sundays, met for the study groups twice a week, which was so fun. I had to adjust my schedule & go part time once. It had it's up & downs, BUT BABY, IT'S ALL WORTH IT, COMPLETELY SATISYING,:roll :roll :pumpiron: :wink2: .

We don't get paid enough, BUT BABY, THAT'S COMING TOO. I heard the studies & research says that nurses will be making 3 digits & that's not including overtime. WE ARE OVER DUE AS A PROFESSION.

It all depends on the person & how they adjust, keep them babies 1st. Include them in some of your studies, be creative. I pin post card of the muscles on my children one week. The next week it was the bones,

STAY AROUND POSITIVE, ENCOURAGING PEOPLE, :wink2: .

Treasure

brandi110 · Jun 3, 2007

Thanks to everyone who has responded so far, your encouraging words are really appreciated.

happybunny1970 · Jun 3, 2007

Many of the people I went to school with worked as well, and many had children. (This actually gives you a 'leg-up' in nursing school because Mothers are ALL Nurses of a fashion). Many of those ALSO received money from the state that helped to cover their expenses while in school -- child care, gas and mileage, etc (This is Texas). I don't know what programs they qualified for to get this, but if you haven't been to the school's Financial Aid Office yet, it's definitely worth the effort!

I have a girlfriend who is currently in school to become a teacher. She is a single mother of four, works full-time, and also takes full time+ classes (the last two semesters she has had 15 credit hours). All four kids play soccer and softball, so she is a busy woman! And she still comes out with straight 'A's' It's all in the attitude, and the organization.

Do you have family nearby? That could be a GREAT help (as my friend has). I never had that (live 600+ miles from nearest family). I had two little ones when I attended, but only had to work enough to pay for child care while I was in class.

You had the drive to apply, you had the intelligence to be accepted. You will come out on the other side SO much stronger.

07302003, ASN, RN · Jun 11, 2007

It helps tremendously if your family can help you with childcare. The expense of daycare on top of all the other expenses would be insane. You also need to figure out childcare if you have to be in the hospital for clinicals at 6:45 am, not many places open at 5:30am besides your own family (especially for single parents!)