Hi all!!

I was wondering if any of you are nurses and are single moms. I left my husband a couple of months ago and am hoping to pursue a career in nursing starting this summer. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue a BSN in an accelerated program at the local university while living with my parents under their support. I should be able to complete my BSN and attain an RN within 3 years from now.

My concern is, though, that I want to know that working as a nurse won't be detrimental to raising my quadruplets on my own. By the time I graduate in February 2007, the children should be in the middle of first grade. I worry about affording so much child care and needing it for different hours of the day and night. I worry that I won't be able to spend enough time with my kids.

Does anyone have any experience they can tell me about? I appreciate any responses. THANKS!!!

Julie

mother to 2˝yo (34mo.) bbgb:
Stosh Alon
Noach Ari
Rivkah Ivanova
Nuriel Alexander

"The 'hard' is what makes it great." -- Tom Hanks in "A League of Their Own"

Julie
single mom and BRAND NEW NURSE!

Stosh Alon (B)
Noach Ari (B)
Rivkah Ivanova (G)
Nuriel Alexander (B)

Julie

Why wait three years to get your BSN? You can become a RN with an associates from Del Tech. It should take you only two years and Christiana Care usually hires all of their nursing students when they graduate. The only reason to get your BSN is if you want to be a manager later but other than that you are suppose to paid the same whether its a 2 or 4 year degree. I start clincials this fall at DCCC (in PA). I look into the program at Del Tech and it was pretty easy. If you need any info let me know at chester427@aol.com
Lynn
Meghan, Cira and Amanda born at 34.5 weeks
Jenna, ^Thomas^, ^Nicholas^ and ^Ashley^ born at 25.2 & 25.5 weeks

Lynn
Meghan, Cira and Amanda born at 34.5 weeks
Jenna, ^Thomas^, ^Nicholas^ and ^Ashley^ born at 25.2 & 25.5 weeks

Thanks, Lynn.

Actually I looked into Del Tech's nursing program first, as I wanted to get my degree as soon as possible so I could get out on my own. Unfortunately, their program would actually take about 4-5 years to complete (yes, for an associates degree).

You have to take the NLNs first to get into the program. The next time they will offer the NLNs is January 2005. You then have to wait a year after the NLNs to be considered for the program (meanwhile you are taking all of the pre-requisites and courses that don't include clinicals). This puts me getting into the nursing program in spring, summer or fall of 2006 (depending on when they can let me enroll). However, they are VERY oversubscribed for this program - they normally have about 380 applicants for 120 seats. So I have roughly a 33% chance of getting into the program.
If I don't get in, I can reapply the following year (or maybe semester, if the seats are available). Then the program will take 2 years from that point. So, I'm looking at at least 4 years at Del Tech to get an associates degree, when I can go to U of D and get my bachelors in less than 3 years.

Besides, I really want the opportunity for advancement and the ability to get a MSN later on and become either a nurse midwife or nurse practitioner. That, and I'm noticing many jobs available right now for nurses are at least preferring a BSN. It wouldn't surprise me if in a few years nurses will basically need to have a BSN to get a good job.

Julie

mother to 2˝yo (34mo.) bbgb:
Stosh Alon
Noach Ari
Rivkah Ivanova
Nuriel Alexander

"The 'hard' is what makes it great." -- Tom Hanks in "A League of Their Own"

Julie
single mom and BRAND NEW NURSE!

Stosh Alon (B)
Noach Ari (B)
Rivkah Ivanova (G)
Nuriel Alexander (B)

Julie
Sorry to hear about that. I went to an info meeting in the fall and the NLN were being offered this spring for next year. Have you tried Cecil County Community College, in North East, MD or Brandywine School of Nursing up in Coatesville, PA? I know DCCC only takes Delaware County or Chester County residents so that is not an option.
If I can help you let me know
Lynn
Meghan, Cira and Amanda born at 34.5 weeks
Jenna, ^Thomas^, ^Nicholas^ and ^Ashley^ born at 25.2 & 25.5 weeks

Lynn
Meghan, Cira and Amanda born at 34.5 weeks
Jenna, ^Thomas^, ^Nicholas^ and ^Ashley^ born at 25.2 & 25.5 weeks

I did look into Cecil Co. Comm. College, but it wasn't what I was looking for. I didn't check into Brandywine School of Nursing.

But I think the BSN at U of D is what I really want. It'll be completed in less than 3 years from now, will give me the ability to get job advancement, and will allow me the possibility of getting my MSN in the future. I really think this is the right track for me. What I'm concerned with is managing child care once I begin working as a nurse. I have my parents to help now, but they won't be able to help as much once I move out.

Julie

mother to 2˝yo (34mo.) bbgb:
Stosh Alon
Noach Ari
Rivkah Ivanova
Nuriel Alexander

"The 'hard' is what makes it great." -- Tom Hanks in "A League of Their Own"

Julie
single mom and BRAND NEW NURSE!

Stosh Alon (B)
Noach Ari (B)
Rivkah Ivanova (G)
Nuriel Alexander (B)

Nurses are in such demand right now that I would not get the BSN unless you want to pursue the management route or want to go on to the Masters level one day. otherwise- forget the BSN- the pay is the same & you will be able to pick your work-- they need RN's everywhere.
And probably management jobs are out there for associate degree nurses- I had plenty of management opportunities & I was an associate degree nurse.


I have been an RN forever & now am a FNP- but currently a SAHM- school took many more hours of my life than work ever did- that's why I threw in my two cents about that. You can work & still see your kids a lot. But in school- studying can take more hours out of the day. Best of luck to you!!!!! You have picked a great field to work in- I LOVE it!


meplusthree BBg 9/99

meplusthree BBG 9/99

I would have to agree...you have picked a great profession to enter! The shortage is only going to get worse, I read that it will peak in about 10 years when the baby boomers are all retired.

I also agree that pursuing a BSN may not be in your best interest initially. I have my BSN and frankly, it doesn't get you any better pay. We all start out at the same rate regardless of education. However, having your BSN can allow you more negotiating power when changing jobs/ moving up the ladder after you gain some experience.

The shortage is soo great that many hospital programs will offer free tuition in exchange for your commitment to work for them for a specified period of time (two years at our hospital).

It isn't an easy job but it is one that is very rewarding. There are soo many specialities/variety in nursing that the options are endless.

Congrats and good luck!



K - mom to b (5/96), & identical ggg (1/00)

K - mom to b (5/96), & identical ggg (1/00)

I'm getting ready go go back to school to get my BSN. I don't know about your previous education, but there are programs out there (like the one I'm shooting for) in which you can get your BSN in 15 months (2 summers and 1 school year.) However, the "pre-req" for doing that, is you much also already have a bachlor's degree in another area.

Have you looked into a college like Sanford Brown where you can get your RN in under 2 years I think?

Elizabeth
AABC Mommy to:
Adriana 4-14-01
Brittan 4-14-01
Cameron 4-14-01
Abbey 3-14-02

Yes, like I said in my original post, I'm going into the accelerated program (I qualify because I have a previous bachelors and above a 3.0 GPA). The program takes only 16 months, but I have to complete a year's worth of pre-requisites first. So, about 2˝ years. The associates programs I've looked into will take longer than the accelerated BSN, believe it or not. That's one of the main reasons I'm going for the BSN.

But my main concern is not the program, it's how to manage child care AFTER I complete my BSN and get my RN. I'd like to work in a hospital and work night shifts, but who will care for my children?

Julie

mother to 2˝yo (34mo.) bbgb:
Stosh Alon
Noach Ari
Rivkah Ivanova
Nuriel Alexander

"The 'hard' is what makes it great." -- Tom Hanks in "A League of Their Own"

Julie
single mom and BRAND NEW NURSE!

Stosh Alon (B)
Noach Ari (B)
Rivkah Ivanova (G)
Nuriel Alexander (B)

I am not single but I am a nurse & I do work nights. My DH works 60 hours a week so I have to rely on my dad for child care. I work 2 12 hour shifts a week which allows me more days off for family but I still carry all the medical bennifits. I have thought about going to days but it would mean I would have to leave the house before the kids woke up and would not be home until their bedtime. I do only sleep about 4-6 hours during the day so I still have lots of time to see my kids or take care of things around the house. I know several single moms who also work nights. There is even a child care center near our hospital that offers night care.
The one thing I don't like about nights is that it has really messed up my sleep cycle. On my nights off I am frequently awake past midnight and my kids won't let me sleep in so I always feel a bit sleep deprived. :'(
Sorry I don't have any great advice as far as child care when you are single. My only advice is to consider a 12 hour shift so you have fewer nights to worry about it.
Best of luck to you~

Shell
Jacob, Daniel & Rebecca 1/7/00

Thanks, Shell!

Yes, I think my ideal schedule would be 3 12-hour night shifts per week. This would give me plenty of time with my kids while they're awake. Maybe I can find good night child care near or in the hospital where I work. I would hate for them to have to sleep somewhere other than their own beds three nights a week, but maybe they won't mind it as much as I will.

As far as sleep deprivation, I don't think I'll mind that much. I'm used to being up until about midnight and getting up at 6:30AM just about daily. I'm not one who needs a full 8 hours of sleep to feel well-rested. I think I'll manage well in that department.

Thanks so much for your response, Shell!

Julie

mother to 2˝yo (34mo.) bbgb:
Stosh Alon
Noach Ari
Rivkah Ivanova
Nuriel Alexander

"The 'hard' is what makes it great." -- Tom Hanks in "A League of Their Own"

Julie
single mom and BRAND NEW NURSE!

Stosh Alon (B)
Noach Ari (B)
Rivkah Ivanova (G)
Nuriel Alexander (B)