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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think I can do this?

8 replies

HolidaypleAse2 · 16/06/2022 09:11

I have been accepted onto An access to nursing course in September alongside my maths GCSE, I have 2 kids and work 24 hours per week (although one day is a Sunday) how realistic is it that I will be ok? I am VERY determined and apparently that is half the battle.

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HolidaypleAse2 · 16/06/2022 09:11

My children are 5 and 2

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TimeForTeaAndG · 16/06/2022 09:13

Congratulations. Being determined is definitely a huge help getting through courses while having young kids.

Do you have robust childcare in place and what kind of nursing do you want to do afterwards?

Mybestyear · 16/06/2022 09:29

@HolidaypleAse2 - your biggest issue will likely be completing clinical placements and continuing to work. All nursing courses (including access and the degree) have a number of mandatory placement hours which must be completed within a certain time frame to progress on the course. Placement places are currently incredibly difficult for colleges and universities to secure so as a general rule, students must take what they are given. This will include weekends and nights (not sure if nights will be required on the access course but certainly on the degree program, students may be required to do some nights).

While your college (then later university if you proceed to the degree) will try to accommodate requests owing to your caring responsibilities, be aware it might not always be possible. Do you have a partner who will be looking after the DC? Also - the university calendar is 3 trimesters in most places - you don’t get “the summer off” like some college students do. In fact, where I am, there are 6 weeks of clinical placement over July and august. These placements are essentially credit bearing courses, the results of which must be presented at an exam board in September- if this doesn’t happen , the student cannot move on to the next year.

that said, I have supported a fair number of students in your position who have excelled. I remember one in particular who was a lone parent with 3 DC, one of whom had serious health issues - she actually got the top dissertation prize one year and has continued to excel as a registered nurse.

so it can be done! I would find out as much as you can about the number of placement hours and when they need to be completed. Ask what flexibility there is with your caring responsibilities. Same if you progress into your degree. Also ask for the course assessment calendar so you can see when assessments will be due and plan accordingly.

with a lot of work and some sacrifices, you can do this! Good luck!!

Lunarpsychobitch · 16/06/2022 09:32

You can do anything you put your mind to. Good luck, I'm sure you'll nail it :)

HolidaypleAse2 · 16/06/2022 09:38

Luckily yes I have a very supportive DH and my mum is also a great help! I will also use nursery for my youngest if needed.

Thank you for all your well wishes! Feel a lot more positive.

oh, and hopefully adult nursing or midwifery, I haven’t fully decided but I know I want to be a nurse of some kind!

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BaaCake · 16/06/2022 09:39

Do you have someone who can watch the kids while you go on placements etc?

Good luck and well done for getting on the course.

BaaCake · 16/06/2022 09:40

Ah cross posted. I think that's a major part of the battle, the childcare.

HolidaypleAse2 · 16/06/2022 09:42

Yes I do have a lot of support luckily, DH in the evenings, through the night etc…my mum has offered to do school pick ups when required, my son is at nursery 2 days a week too so I can use nursery when necessary.

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