Young mom, nursing school

anyenydia · Jan 12, 2014

I feel the same way as everyone else going to school is tough when you have a child but if u have the opportunity to get it done now go for it especially while u have the help. My daughter is two years old n im glad that I have my mothers support. I will be starting my nursing program in the fall n im currently finishing up my last two pre reqs. Its been hard but I still spend time with my daughter n I know when she ready for school it will make a huge difference that me n her father will be there for her. So if u want to be a rn go for it, do ur best n u will be happy that u did

ReinventingMyselfAgain, MSN, RN · Jan 12, 2014

Often I give the perspective of the professor who sees many students like you struggle. But after our nursing ceremony last week (for the class that finished in December), I realized how many of the students actually gave birth during their time in school, and made it through.

As others have said, when they are younger, they actually need you less. I am currently a PhD student, with a 13 year old. When I stated my masters degree, she was 3. Without a doubt, sit was easier when she was 3. Many of her needs could be tended to by others. Now, she needs and wants ME more than anyone else- teen age issues, I need to make sure she is on the right path academically, socially, emotionally, and hygienically. Safety issues are different; I need to monitor her social media use and who she is hanging out with. HW is harder. Communication needs to remain open. When she was age 3-6, I relied on a 'village' to help me raise her. While my parents and my husband are still very supportive, there are just some things they cannot do for her. I feel the need to add, she is a typical, normal teen: no special needs. I just feel that this is the most impressionable time in a child's life- I'm not about to become a grandparent, nor do I have the money to bail her out of jail or admit her to a rehab facility.

This is not to say that parents of teens cannot go to school. But when they are infants/toddlers, their needs are different. And believe it or not, they are much more forgiving of your absences. It's the moms who seem to think the kids can't live without us.

suzw · Jan 13, 2014

Like ProfRN said, it may very well be easier to go to school while he is a baby. My daughter is 4, and I just started my second quarter. Made and A first quarter, but I sort of wish I had started school when she was younger. She is very attached to me, says she misses me when we are both at school (she's in pre-k). I was supposed t have all sorts of support (and would've 1-3 years ago) but now my husband has to work on the opposite coast and is gone 3/4 of the time, and my mom and aunt, who both used to babysit a lot, have to take care of my ailing grandma, and are seldom available... AND our back-up babysitter is also having health problems. So I have very little support. :-(

The only thing that may have been harder when she was younger, was that she was breastfeeding, and it would've been hard to be away that long, or to do the nighttime feeds when I was already sleep deprived. But even that can be overcome, if it's even an issue or you (and pumping at school, if I had to, would be do-able). Oh, and sometimes she can play independently while I study, when I am alone with her. SOMETIMES, not always! I say if you can afford it, and it's what you want to do, go for the RN. But if you can get away with not working, don't. I don't think I could handle a job on top of all this...

lilredrunner · Jan 13, 2014

I was 25 when I started nursing school, and my kiddo was just barely two. I went back to school when she was one, though, to finish my pre-reqs before applying. I'm graduating this May, at 27, as a single mom, with my RN. I actually finished my LPN certification, but continued with my RN and just worked with the LPN whole finishing my RN.

It's hard. Really hard. There have been days when I wondered what I was doing, and whether or not I could just take a break. I end up being the first one awake and the last one to bed in my little household of two, and it's very tiring. But I did it, am graduating with honors, and it is possible. I have some AMAZING people who have helped me and supported me, and that has really been the key to me making it.

Just remember, YOU need to do what is best for YOU. There have been people who have taken breaks in the program, and gone back later. Or done their LPN, and then done the rest in their own time. There are also people who have charged through and done their RN and made it. I've seen 'em all. It's okay. It's possible. Just remember, listen to yourself, and do what you feel is best for YOU and your family.

Randi.holmes22 · Jan 13, 2014

I am somewhat in the same boat. I am 27 with three girls ages 1, 2 and 3. I started pursing nursing About 5 years ago before I got married, life happened nd I didn't do Anything about it. This time is different. I am doing my pre requisites now and hope to get into the program fall of 2015. My oldest will be in kindergarten then and the baby will be almost old enough for preschool. I know it's not going to be easy but I also have a great support system as you. I think the most important factor for me and my decision was my kids. I need a career And I need to be able to support my family!

If there is a will, there is a way. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide!

Irish_Mist, BSN, RN · Jan 15, 2014

I started pre-req's when my son was 6 months old, started the RN program when he was 1, and graduated when he was almost 3. I took out student loans so I didn't have to work and could spend my time with him when I wasn't in school. I did very well in nursing school- life is always going to happen and only you can decide if you want to push yourself to achieve your goals. In my opinion having a child is not a reason to settle but is a reason to push yourself even more.

kaydensmom01, your post is so encouraging. I recently found out that I am expecting a child yet I still want to be an RN. Luckily, my fiance, his family as well as mine is supportive. Reading your post helped remind me that I can still be a nurse even if and when I have the baby, especially your last statement.

WillyNilly · Jan 16, 2014

You can do it! I had my first while doing prereqs. ODD was 2 weeks old when I went back. I was pregnant again in nursing school and took my nclex while 7mos pregnant. I got my first job 8mos pregnant.

It was rough but I learned time management quickly, how to manage on little sleep and how to cope effectively with stress. Daycare helped for studying and socialization for babies.

I wouldn't wait because there will always be a reason not to do it....but more reasons to do it! Good luck!

savoytruffle, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2014

I was 22 when I started school. I ended up pregnant during the first semester. And then again five months after my son was born. I had two babies back to back amid clinicals and exams and stress. It did take me an extra year, but with the help of my family I made it through. If you know you have the support system in place, go for it. Lean on you family and friends. Let them be there for you. After an experience like putting yourself through school and raising babies at the same time you will KNOW with certainty that anything else life throws at you will be cake. Good luck!

CindysBrain · Jan 16, 2014

Do it now if you can. I am a mom of a 1st grader and its a challenge when we are both in school. There are quite a few events that I regularly miss and the mommy guilt is a brutal. It sounds like you have a good support system...follow your dreams :) Best of luck to you & your family.