is it realistically possible to train as a nurse when you have small children?

[Divastrop]

i just wondered,as i looked into mental health nursing when dd1 was at nursery.it was something i really wanted to do,and i started an access course at college and also did voluntary work for MIND.

however,due to personal circumstances i couldnt finish the course,and had to leave mind when i had ds2.

since then i have only done a couple of courses through sure start(community support training and such),i have also had 2 more children(a total of 5 now).

i want to start thinking about my future again.dd3 is almost 1 now,and part of me would still like to go into mental health nursing in the future but i dont want to set myself up for failure if it would be impossible with 5 kids.

any advice would be great.

[jomamma]

You say dd3 is one. So how old are 4 and 5???

Nothing is impossible! Having said that, you do need to weigh up the pro's and cons of starting this now.

I trained as a Nurse before I had my three kids and it's a tough job (physically and emotionally). There are assignments and deadlines to meet as a student Nurse too. A friend of mine is doing RN training with four little ones at home but she is really struggling to keep on top of the work.

Also worth considering is childcare as you'll be starting some mornings at 7am and you'll be expected to do nights and weekends too.

I suppose you have to ask yourself just how much you want this - is it worth the stress and fatigue? If you feel it is, just go for it! Things never turn out to be as troublesome as you'd expect - somehow we just muddle through n the end.

[Divastrop]

thank you.ds1 is 10,dd1 9,ds2 4,dd2 2 and dd3 almost 1

i wouldnt consider starting training untill dd3 starts full-time school at the earliest,but if i am going to do it eventually then i want to work towards it iyswim,i would need some more qualifications first and some work experience.

it also depends on what dh is going to do as well....