How Did You Know You Could Handle Nursing School?

Nursing school is difficult, but it's nothing compared to the actual "nursing".
I have worked in the medical field in one way or another for many years and I'm cut out for it, HOWEVER, I am NOT cut out for being a nurse in any way, shape, or form, and I know it. I have been a patient too many times. I am so very thankful for the wonderful nurses, both male and female, that have cared for me. It takes a special person with a special heart.
And, a strong stomach.

I know lots of people going through nursing programs and it does take juggling, especially if they have families. However, they are determined and they make it work. Many who graduate and work like night shifts so they can have time with their kids during the day. Many work weekends when their husbands are home with the kids. It just depends on what it takes to juggle things in their own personal lives.

There are many different areas of nursing. OB, Geriatric, working in the ER, ICU or on the Med/Surg floor, working in a doctor's office. You need to also think about what you'd like to specialize in.

I definitely respect people who dedicate themselves to nursing. Like I said, it takes a special person.

I hope you get some great responses.

1) I had 3 solid years of school behind me already (and I started when my son was an infant, each year just got easier as he got more independent). I knew the hours involved, and had gotten very good very quickly at figuring out how to work school & being a mom.

2) Math. Nursing school is still FAR fewer hours than a full time job, and far more flexible. Yes, yes, study time... But I could always study when my son was asleep or in classes. You choose your course load, your class times, and are actually IN class about 10 hours a week. That is MASSIVE flexibility.

For ME school is a heckuva lot easier than working, because of the flexibility, vacations, and priorities involved. I'm currently double/triple majoring... And as far as TIME goes, it's flexible enough to maintain As while homeschooling my son. I may be quitting school though and going to work here soon... And there is no way -time wise- that I will be able to continue homeschooling.

I'm not sure I did know I could handle it I just knew I had to.

I did initially get my ADN before marriage and kids. But finished my BSN, married, working full time, with a 3 year old and pregnant. My husband and I learned to count on each other's strengths during that time.

I don't want to sound cliche or to make it sound like I'm not taking your question seriously, but if you want it bad enough, you make it work.

You need help. For schedule flexibility for class time, study time, and clinical time. I dint know your family situation but it's best if they support you. If your committed to reaching your goal you'll find a way to make it happen. There were lots of moms and dads in my nursing school when i was doing it. The most important thing is that your committed and your family supports you. :) good luck!!!

My suggestion would be for you to go ahead and enroll in a college program with the nursing program as your goal. You will find out how you do in regular classes and if you are able to handle that.

My friend that is a nursing professor would tell prospective students that there were basics they had to do first. They have to get those out of the way before you get admitted to the nursing program.

If you find that managing the hours and studying you have the opportunity to meet with the nursing professors and talk to them about the hours required and how hard it is with kids.

I think that once you start clinical's you will be very busy. Our girls choose to do them all day, twice a week, or whatever. They had some say in it. Some liked getting it out of the way and others liked only doing them in a regular shift.