Would you sacrifice to be able to go to nursing school

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I'm taking prereqs, but want opinions from those who've been through the grueling prereq process:

If your spouse asked you to leave the home, and you have 2 kids that were biologically yours and not his, (plus one more kid between the 2 of you) would you make finishing nursing school a priority or would you make earning an income your priority? For example, would you consider living in a small apartment to save on money so you could finish school? Or would you focus on getting a well paying full time job even if it meant quitting school?

I've been unemployed since April, but have been working my whole life and have managed to provide the majority of the financial support for all of us while working at home and not placing our kids in daycare. I wasn't able to keep my business going while finishing up micro this last semester. I'm highly confident that I can develop some income to be able to support my family, I just don't know if I can continue taking classes. It takes a lot of study time for me to be able to earn the grades that are required to get into the competitive BSN program in my area.

It's getting harder and harder to get the classes you need-and I got into great class times for Fall that work with my kids school schedule and everything.

I'm confused and sad. :crying2: for so many reasons.

Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.
instead of a BSN program (3 years or longer) how about ADN or even LPN - it will put you out in the workforce faster

In my area, both the ADN and BSN clinical portions are 2 years long. Because I went to college before, I only need to complete nursing prereqs prior to entrance.

The ADN program has a lottery system, which means that you might get to go the 1st time you apply or I've heard horror stories of it taking 3-5 years to get in. The BSN program has no waiting list-if you test well and earn a stellar GPA. I'll apply to both, but am shooting for the BSN program because it's a surer shot of my grades are on point. And they have been.

I'd totally consider LPN- except I hear that there are NO JOBS for them.

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I too vote sacrafice NOW...then you will not have to sacrafice later. And will be able to carre for your children without help from abusive men!

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Thanks for your response to me.

I feel that women (rightfully) sacrifice for their children, but that often means that they are left in a mess when a man decides move on.

Trust me. I have been strongly encouraging my daughter to get her career established before she gets married and has kids (if she chooses to do so).

I really wish you the best!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.
I feel that women (rightfully) sacrifice for their children, but that often means that they are left in a mess when a man decides move on.

Trust me. I have been strongly encouraging my daughter to get her career established before she gets married and has kids.

ITA! it makes me so sad to finally come to this realization. I always felt that sacrificing for the kids was worth it- until this current circumstance. I still think kids deserve the sacrifice, but, like you said, I, too will completely encourage my DD to get an "employable" degree first.

lrlat: Thanks for your support and input, too.

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

See I am different, I am glad the way I did things. I wouldn't have wanted to go to college and have a career first then have kids, I am glad i had my kids first and got to stay home with them and then went onto nursing.

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To the OP: I would take your husband to court and make him committed, to pay alimony and child support.

Then, I would enroll myself into school and go without ever looking back.

Personally, I would rather take out loans and have my kids in a safer school district (and place to live) and deal with it after you graduate. That doesn't mean live in a mansion, just a nicer apartment than what you described. You will be financially more secure in the future and able to take better care of your family and yourself. And, yes, I've had to make sacrifices to get through nursing and yes, it was worth ALL of them. Good luck to you!!!

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I have spent the last 4 years completing my pre-req's. In the beginning my husband was not as supportive as I would have liked. He would tell me discouraging things like "yea right if you ever become a nurse." I still continued and the further I progressed his whole attitude changed. I start the actual program in the fall. He has encouraged me to quit work to make sure I pass. I would definitly continue on. If he is not being supporitve now is he going to ever support you? I gave my husband that choice (thankfully he chose to be supportive)

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

I just want to say thank you for all of the supportive comments posted, with the helpful tips. It's so good to know that it can be done. :redbeathe

Happy Fourth of July!

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My husband and I are sacrificing now so I can go to nursing school and we can be in a better situation in the future. There are times that it stings to downsize but moving into a smaller apartment recently has turned out to be great. It's not in the " best" neighborhood but it is safe. My oldest goes to a magnet school, and my youngest is still in preschool so school districts aren't an issue right now. Our apartment is tiny but it doesn't really feel like it since we got rid of a bunch of stuff we don't need. It is actually a lot easier to clean, which is great since we are so busy! We've found that we don't really need all that stuff, or space. We are now talking about buying a condo after I do finish school rather than the big house and yard we use to dream about. I also reward the whole family for our "sacrifices", by celebrating with dinner or a night out when I do well on a big test.

Good luck, whatever you choose to do.

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Yes, I would sacrifice. I am currently making a lot of sacrifices myself to go to night school. It will be worth it in the long run and there's no time like the present. Just think you will be done and can make more money and get in somewhere that you can advance. :-) It's better to finish now then worry and wait. I've personally put this off for years and now am glad to just push on through and move forward.

Good luck!!!!

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Im sorry to hear about your situation, my input is i would not leave my children if it were me and i left i would take the children with me. I am a single mother to 4 children 11,9,6,2. I finshed up all my pre reqs and start an ADN-RN (not sure if thats the right acronymn) in January. I am currently recieveing assistance like food stamps and health insurance and picked up a job in the local community hospital (pt sitter). I had my CNA but it has lapsed so i need to retest so i can move over to PCT (more hands on im craving). im in debt but keep my eye on the prize which is graduating and passing NCLEX. With organization anything is possible, people are flawed but we only have a short time here to fulfill our dreams, it will take courage, endurance and character...you CAN accomplish great things~keep the faith

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I would also suggest that you continue with your schooling. In my state they have a WIA program that will pay for your gas, bills, and other things to make sure that you can go to school. There are a lot of options out there to help with this. I am also going to sacrifice and work hard to try to go to school. My husband wants me to wait another year or so but my gut and my heart is telling me now is the time!

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