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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To take up a nursing program with kids at 2 years old?

7 replies

NoHolidaysforyou · 04/05/2019 11:03

Sorry, posting here for traffic. (I tried Back to Work but it's a bit empty).

Anyways, so I have been given an unconditional offer to start BSc in Adult Nursing at a university about 30 ish miles from home. I have twin 2 year olds, and they are currently in nursery for 3 days a week from the morning to the afternoon. My husband is in IT and works from home. He is completely supportive of me going to university to start this program. I have always wanted to do nursing so I feel very excited yet nervous at the same time.

I know the schedule will be demanding but my DH works from home so I feel like I should be able to make it work but is there anything else I'm not considering? Any advice on starting nursing in the current climate of the NHS? I have heard that nurses are severely overworked so if anyone has anything to say about it I would really appreciate if I could read it Smile

OP posts:
Justaregularmum · 04/05/2019 21:40

Didn’t want to read and run and thought this might bump for you.

No advise re nursing degree but I had just finished my first year at uni for different degree and have 2 young children. It’s been tough but luckily I have a supportive husband whose managed to work shifts around me.

I’ve got no doubt it will all be worth it in the end!!! Good luck!!

ThisMustBeMyDream · 04/05/2019 21:45

Sounds ideal for you. I'd go for it. I did my midwifery training when my eldest was 2. I'm still doing it 15 years later! Your circumstances make it absolutely possible. More than possible. Good luck.

TheStakeIsNotThePower · 04/05/2019 21:46

I did midwifery starting when mine were 6,4 and just turned 1. Was tough but we survived, with your dh working from home it is as close to ideal as you can get. The NHS isn't an easy place right now but when is it? There is a load of shit but there are also committed, passionate and innovative people.

Pungifries · 04/05/2019 21:53

I’m a qualified nurse.
Nursing will give you lots of opportunities and options as your children grow as you can always find a job for the hours out want...nights / weekends / days / agency.
Training might be hard as you gave yo dance to the tune of the uni and placement but that’s only a short time and can be flexible

Thatsnotmyotter · 04/05/2019 21:57

I honestly don’t know how the ladies with kids, especially very young ones, on my (midwifery) course did it but they did. Tbh they were far more conscientious and committed than those of us who were young, free and single. I think having lots of responsibilities and plates spinning is the making of some people, and completely destroys others so I guess it’s what kind of person you are. The fact that you are seriously considering, and have been accepted onto, a nursing programme suggests that you’ll probably cope just fine. The NHS is a mess and it’s not easy work but it has its benefits and it isn’t something people stick with unless they really feel it’s a vocation.

123bananas · 04/05/2019 22:15

It is doable with children, I am managing it with three. My DH is also home a lot and my youngest is now full time in school, but it is tough. My sil did her training as a single parent with five children and help from family.

Things to consider:

The placements may be much further than the university and getting home after a long day/night might make it even longer.

Most shifts are 12 hours, you will likely do 3-4 a week and may not see your children on those days.

If you do nights and your children are at home it can be hard to sleep in the day.

It is like working a full time job and studying.

The essays and placement work have to be done around placement hours.

It will all affect the time you have with your children and your husbands working hours if he is shifting that to watch them while you are gone. That could impact the income he is able to bring.

It will be easier to manage when they are 3 and get free hours in nursery, if you can last until then by juggling things.

It is physically and emotionally draining at times, but very rewarding. I do not regret my choice.

If you put your mind to it you will do it, I have coped better than many of the younger students in some ways because I am used to being organised and spinning many plates.

Just go into it with your eyes open and you will be fine x

Mandraki · 05/05/2019 06:56

I'm about to start learning Disability nursing in September and will have a 2 year old by then. We've sat down and made a plan, and I think as long as you're organised and have support its totally doable. I know it's going to be hard but so worth it, think of all the life opportunities you will be able to give your little one when you have a good job at the end of your degree!

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