Any single parent Nursin Students out there?

Brooke - posted on 12/10/2009

Yes I have lots of advice!! First thing is most colleges have daycare on site USE IT!!! ALso there is a program called daycare assistance... different states call it different things, but if you say daycare assistance they will know what you are looking for. It can be found through your local DHS (Dept Human Serv) office.

Also, you are going to need a night sitter most likely. Clinicals can be 30+ minutes away and at night. So you'll need to have a back up plan because there's no garauntee you'll be home.

Lastly, go to Barnes and Nobles and get the nursing flashcards!! They will help you so much. When you're in class take a digital recorder and record the instructor so you can listen to her. It will help with the tests.

That's all I can think of right at the moment... if I think of more I'll let you know.

Good luck!! =)

Angela - posted on 12/05/2009

You know what it takes to make it through nursing school??? Perseverance and the will to succeed! I found myself going into a divorce after my first semester of junior college. With 3 children ages 7, 9 and 10, I knew more than ever that I needed to get an education so I could provide a stable home for my children. Within the first year on my own, I also adopted my 15 year old niece who was pregnant and went on to help her raise her baby boy. After finishing junior college, I transfered to Kansas University for my BSN. When I look back, I realize it was by the grace of God and the love and support from my family that helped my through. My family didn't live near me, but they helped by listening to my frustrations and trials. I planned meals for a week in advance, cooked in the crock pot a lot. Made flashcards with the spiral bound note cards so I could toss them in my purse and take them to baseball practices and Scout meetings. I learned to say "no" when I was asked to do extra things that I ordinarily would have taken on. That in and of itself was very liberating, and saved me tons of time! I helped my kids with homework as soon as they came home from school and had a trusted friend come to my house to eat dinner with my kids and hold the fort down on the days I was home at 6:30pm. Nursing school doesn't have to be a marathon! I took 6 hrs my first semester and 10 my second semester, gradually increasing to 16 hrs my 4th semester (I still don't know why I did that! Major stress that was uncalled for lol) In junior college you can set your own schedule til you get in a program. If they have an ADN program, I would go for it! I went for my RN BSN, and quite honestly, the only difference is maybe twenty-five cents/hr.... 2 years of college after prereqs are done and you are able to work right away. Scholarships and Pell grants were my saving grace too! When I applied for scholarships, I found that being a single MOM has some fringe benefits...When I collected my scholarship funds after the fees were all paid, I always applied the left over money to my house payment. It eased the pressure of making enough money to support my home. You can do it Amanda...you just have to sit back and think about who you can rely on to help with your children when you need it, and you also have to decide just how much effort you are willing to put forth. I studied 5.5 years to get a 4 year degree. It was tough, but the benefits are amazing! I work 24 hrs, (2-12 hour shifts on weekend option), get paid for 36 hours, have full time benefits and I have the entire week off to spend with my new husband and our 6 kids. Back in 2000 when I started, it all seemed like a hazy dream. Take it one semester at a time, one class at a time and next thing you know, you will be done!!! Best wishes!!! Pray often and plan ahead for your children's needs. You will be so proud of your accomplishment in the end!!!

Amanda - posted on 12/03/2009

Thanks Stacie- Yes I remember A and P was INTENSE! I dont know how I managed but I got A's in those two classes- I just remember always having my nose in the book! I'm hoping that the excitement of starting the program will kick in and I'll be more interested in pushing the grades up and applying myself as much as possible! Good luck with your LPN!

Stacie - posted on 12/03/2009

I am not a single mom but my husband travels constantly. I am finishing up my first semester of lpn school. My grades have not been the best in the past. I struggled in A & P. My little girl is 5 and in kindergarten. My grades are better than ever. It is hard -but not impossible. I find a consistent bedtime for her gives me study time and relaxing time too! My teachers have told us a million times don't over think things-nursing is not A & P.

Goodluck with school!

Amanda - posted on 12/03/2009

The oldest is 7, my son is 5, and the youngest girl is 3. The 5 year old has ADD so it takes alot to get him to sit still long enough to focus on his homework by himself. Do you find that you have time for notecards- I keep hearing these horror stories that Nursing classes are so fast paced you have no time for notcards or anytype of chapter outlines..is that true or are they just trying to scare me?! And thanks for all the advice!

Denise - posted on 12/03/2009

How old are your children? Make note cards and if they have homework, study with them. My daughters thought that was real funny that they got to study with mom. Make it a learning time for everyone.

Amanda - posted on 12/03/2009

Do you have any study tips? Right now- I'm taking Chem, History, HD, and Govt- this is my last semester of prereqs and I start in the spring. What I am doing now is going to bed with the kids really early- like 8/830 at the latest, and I get up around 230/3 am to study b4 they get up at 615. I study all day when they are at school but when they come home its impossible! So I was wondering if you had study tips- that save time and work efficiently toward good exam grades?!

Danieal - posted on 12/03/2009

I am attending nursing school now it is really hard and very trying at times. Even though it is very very very hard I fight through it all for my kids. I know that if this is really something you want you will fight for it and through the storm to make it happen.... Good luck!!!!!

Denise - posted on 12/01/2009

I am a second year nursing student and I have 2 children. They are old enough to take care of themselves. I could not imagine having 3 under the age of seven and trying to tackle nursing school. You will need organization and patience. And say a lot of prayers to help you get thru. Good luck!! It will be worth it in the end!

BAHIYAH - posted on 12/01/2009

yes im a single mom of two and I will tell you as much as it will cause u stress and maybe eben depression at times...lol....I wil say if you made it this far (assumin you finish your prerequiste) than push yourself all the way threw....having three kids will never go away....they are here!! and if you have not started schol yet you may want to wait until you have a system down that works well for you...maybe if they r too young u may want to wait until they r old enough to stay out of your hair as much...good luck

Heather - posted on 11/30/2009

I just finished nursing school in October and i have 3 children. I'm not going to lie it was hard but the benefits are awesome... You will make it out alive, it will just be a little harder cuz u have kids.