Balancing nursing school and motherhood
November 4, 2011
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job prospects for registered nurses are expected to be excellent over the next decade. In addition, the average annual salary for a registered nurse in the U.S. is more than $62,000, making it both a rewarding and lucrative career for many people.
However, balancing nursing school and motherhood can be overwhelming for some due to the extensive class time, exams and clinical requirements necessary to obtaining a degree in this field.
Nursing student and mom Diane Brandsrud gave others in her situation advice on making the most of being a parent and going to school on the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) website. She suggests creating a reliable support system of family and friends to help you when needed as well as simplifying your life as much as possible. For instance, keeping the house clutter free makes cleaning easier, and planning meals ahead of time and shopping for the entire week at once ensures you always know what's for dinner.
"When you are in nursing school, it can consume your life," Brandsrud wrote. "You eat, sleep and breathe nursing. But it is still important to me to be there for my family, and particularly, to be a good mom."
Moms who want to pursue a degree in nursing - or any other field - should consider alleviating some of the financial stress of going back to school by researching college scholarships and grants for parents.
