Change of Career & Doing a Degree

[EJsMum]

Hi there

Ever since I was 14 years old I have wanted to go into nursing but for one reason or another I ended up bypassing University and taking on various (unsatisfying) admin jobs.

Now that I am older and wiser I have realised that I really do want to go into nursing 'before it's too late' and have discussed it with DH who seems to be fully supportive. I have a 9month old DD and DSs of 9 & 11. I know that my local University does a part time nursing course as well as a full time so that option is available to me.

I was wondering if there was anyone out there who has attempted a similar feat with children and whether you found it impossible or easier than you expected (the juggling, not the course!). All stories/comments gratefully rec'd !

Thanks

[EJsMum]

Am I alone here ????????/

[LadyP]

No, you are not. I'm thinking about the same thing at the mo, although I only have 1 DS.

I was really put off by going back uni with 18 year olds etc, so I'm considering the OU. However, they do not seem to do the specific course that I would really like to do, so it's back to the prospectuses again.

Hopefully, someone will be able to give you (and me) some good advice!

[EJsMum]

I, too have looked at the OU as the idea of Uni with 18 yr olds fills me with dread but it is unavailable. I assume that this is down to the practical nature of a lot of the training.

[EJsMum]

ANY ADVICE ??????????

[bluestar]

In our local paper recently there was a picture of a group of graduates that had just passed their nursing or midwife exams and I have to say that many of them did not look 18, most were late 20s/30's and quite a few men too. Perhaps it would be worth asking your local college/uni what percentage of people on these courses are 18. May put your mind at rest and allow you to feel comfortable to apply. Good luck.

[SueW]

EJsMum, sad though it might be, there may be no-one on here who has been there done that and can give you the benefit of their experience.

Have you tried searching the boards for 'nursing' to see if any previous members who may no longer be contributing have done so on this subject in the past?

I think there was a thread a while ago about whether nursing was compatible with family life but since I am neither a nurse nor planning to become one, I didn't read it, just sort of noticed it was there.

FWIW, I have contemplated midwifery but I realise that it is pretty much out of my reach because of my home circumstances at this stage. Doesn't mean I wouldn't consider when I'm even older than I am now though!

[EJsMum]

Thanks for your help.

[susanb]

Hi

I can't offer any advice with regards to doing it but I have been offered a place to start a degree at my local uni in September with regards to teaching.

I would say, contact your Uni and explain your circumstances, mine was very helpful and I've found out that they do flexible starting times every morning for example, and about one third of the students are 'mature'. They also gave me an idea of how much time I would need to spend there and how much time I would need to spend at home.

I also have looked deeply into the OU and also have been offered a place to study with them if the full time Uni thing doesn't work BUT it takes 6 years to get degree even if you are doing the maximum points each year and I thought I would find it rather lonely.

You should also contact your Local Education Authority (number in the phone book) because if you need to apply for any financial help they can help you but need plenty of time to assess your financial status.

Good luck.

[meanmum]

I'm also in the same boat as yourself. I applied to do a masters which I am to start in September but am wondering whether I will be able to juggle successfully. I am quite a realistic person and don't actually believe I will. I am lazy by nature and don't tend to do anything until pushed by a deadline. I don't want to be leaving everything to the last minute and I believe with a Masters (I've never been to uni before and failed school)that the workload is quite intense. It is a part time course over 2 years so I will be working full time, being a mum to a young boy and also trying to finish a degree.

I would also love any advice anyone has.

[Moomicat]

EJsMum, LadyP and meanmum

Fear not - it can be done!!!! My situation is that I was working full-time last year whilst pregnant with DD1 (who appeared at 34 weeks anyway), my DH was a mature student nurse just finishing off his final year when all hell broke loose in maternity! He was worried about finishing the course, getting enough clinical hours under his belt and graduating on time but his University and hospital were understanding and flexible and this seems to be the norm these days. He was not the only man on the course and there were a lot of mature students (in fact, admissions tutors try to make sure there's a good mix because you will do a lot of group work).

As nursing students often have clinical placements, hours are often arranged as part of a rota, but don't forget, student nurses are not counted in as part of the NHS numbers so re-arranging shifts should not pose a problem and you should only be asked to do a limited number of say, night shifts, if you have childcare to think about. If this looks to be a problem, you should speak to your University's Placement Officer who will know about the rules and regs governing the use of students on placements.

I also work in a University and can confirm that tutors have be more aware of student's home/domestic circumstances than in the past, especially when it comes to supporting you through your studies and helping you to graduate.

In addition I have been doing a part-time Masters (before, during and since pregnancy) and found my tutors again, to be most helpful and understanding that as well as a family I do still have the right to have career and academic aspirations, although it may take longer to achieve both, it can be done. If you are worried about juggling coursework demands and a family/home life, again, its amazing how a deadline focuses the mind and if you can get support from family and friends to get that bit more organised just once a month to get to the library, read through your notes, make notes and prepare course stuff you will find that you can do it.

My advice is GO FOR IT, explain to people who can help you out how you think things will work/pan out once you are on the course, i.e. how much time you might need to get work done (maybe arrange extra babysitting in advance or if you know when a deadline is due)this will help you to feel in control. If you feel swamped by work and deadlines see your tutor EARLY on rather than leave till the last minute, that way things can be re-arranged for you without you feeling as though you can't manage.

Support from tutors, work colleagues, family, friends etc is vitally important and should not be underestimated.

Didn't mean to bang on, sorry, but I really wanted to encourage you to go for it. Hope this helps!

Moomicat

[meanmum]

Thanks Moomicat. I'm encouraged and enthused by your post. Just so you know I won't be doing a nursing degree and my hours will be one day a week at course from lunchtime until about 9.00 pm. Unfortunately I don't have family here so can't call on them but dh is very understanding and supportive. Let's just hope I don't fall into a hole like I normally do.

[LadyP]

Thanks Moomicat. You and your DH are an
inspiration.

Now, I only have to decide whether it will be a midwifery degree or social work degree - more agonising!

Thanks again

[mollipops]

Just to add, I'm also a studying mum of 2, although I don't have a little one like EJsmum, mine are 4 and 6. I'm studying externally part-time for a B. of Soc science majoring in psych, minor wmns studies. Enjoying it so far - will let you know how I feel after my exams next week!

Yes it can be done, it does mean sacrificing your "spare time", eg missing your fave TV shows, and letting the housework go a bit sometimes...do you have childcare options, EJsMum and LadyP, like a relative or nearby centre? Some unis have childcare on campus here (I'm in Australia) not sure if they do there. Do you have a partner who supports you in what you want to do? That's really important...my dh isn't exactly overjoyed at what I'm doing (more the cost of it), but he's slowly coming around.

If you really want it, go for it. It would be awful to reach retirement age and look back and wonder, "what if...?" Good luck, sorry I couldn't be more help!