Parents have a lot to juggle as it is. Can you really add nursing school to the mix? While it may sound intimidating, it’s possible to balance nursing school and family responsibilities with an approach that includes planning, time management, and a little flexibility. In this article, we’ll offer helpful tips for managing nursing school with kids.
Is Nursing School Doable With Kids?
Yes, it can be doable to go to nursing school if you have kids. Balancing childcare, coursework, and clinicals may seem overwhelming, but it’s possible with careful planning and some flexibility.
If you’re a parent who feels nervous about starting nursing school, it may be helpful to know that many nursing students are parents. Data from the American Council on Education shows that about 1 in 5 undergraduate students are caring for at least 1 child or dependent.
At West Coast University, many students have found the support and assistance they need to balance parenthood and nursing school. Debbie Lee S., a mom who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from WCU-Texas, credits WCU’s support system with helping her succeed. “I got the support that I needed here to fulfill my dreams and my children’s dreams,” she said.
Nursing school is a big decision, especially when you have kids to think about. Before you apply, look into a program’s learning format, clinical scheduling, and student support services. Many of WCU’s nursing programs offer options for students who need flexibility, such as different course paces and classes on evenings and weekends.
Tips for Parents on Balancing Nursing School With Kids
If you’re ready to enroll in nursing school with kids, here are some helpful tips for making it work:
Create a Study Schedule
As a parent, you understand the importance of routine. Before a new term begins, plan a study schedule you can reasonably stick with. You might use your lunch break to catch up on reading, or carve out some time to study in the morning before your kids wake up.
Some weeks, you may need to be more flexible with your schedule. But having a plan can make it easier to find chunks of time to prioritize your schoolwork.
Plan Ahead
Often, skills labs and clinical rotations create the biggest challenges for parents. At the beginning of each week, review your schedule and plan ahead. Block out your school and family commitments, and look for potential conflicts.
Consider what adjustments you can make to balance everything on your plate. For example, can you arrange for backup childcare on weekends when you have clinicals? By planning ahead, you can feel more prepared when your schedule gets busy.
Practice Time Management
Time management is an essential nursing skill, so start practicing it now. Prioritize your to-do list to make sure you’re tackling high-priority tasks first. If you only have an hour to study before picking your child up from school, review the material for tomorrow’s exam before starting on an assignment for next week.
Practicing time management can help at home, too. For example, finishing your homework before dinner can give you quality time to enjoy a family meal together or put your kids to bed.
Dina P., a mother who enrolled in the BSN program at WCU-Texas, advises other parents in nursing school to keep family and school time separate. “The time for studying is your time for studying, and your time for family is your time for family,” she said.
Ask for Help
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember this: you do not have to do everything on your own. Reach out when you need help. Tell your partner, relatives, friends, or neighbors what they can do to support you, especially during weeks when you have competing priorities.
At the same time, you can lean on the support system you have at school, including faculty, clinical instructors, and classmates. At WCU, students also have access to a range of support services, including online tutoring, counseling, and personalized guidance.
Share Goals With Your Kids
Your kids may have questions about why you’re going to nursing school. Have conversations with them about your goals and aspirations. Explain how nurses help people and make a difference in their communities. You may just inspire your little ones to consider a career in nursing when they grow up.
For Joseph C., a father and WCU-Miami nursing graduate, his son was a big part of the reason he pursued nursing in the first place. “I wanted him to see his dad do something that matters,” Joseph said. “Something that gives back.”
Make Time for Yourself
Between your family and your schoolwork, it may feel difficult — if not impossible — to take any time for yourself. But it’s essential to prioritize self-care, especially when you’re feeling stressed or exhausted. Take a short walk, read a chapter of a book just for fun, or treat yourself to ice cream after a big exam.
These small moments of self-care are necessary to stay happy, healthy, and motivated to keep working toward your goals.
Explore a Flexible Nursing Program at West Coast University
Balancing nursing school with kids is doable, but it requires planning, persistence, and hard work. Think about ways you can manage your time to handle all your school and family responsibilities. Ask for help from others when you need it, and don’t forget to make time for yourself, too.
If you’re looking for a flexible program that allows you to navigate nursing school with kids, West Coast University may be a good fit. Some nursing programs, like our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), can be completed online with in-person clinical components. Other on-campus programs, such as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, offer flexible options, like a Working Professional pace with classes spread out over more semesters.
Ready to get started? Reach out today to schedule an information session!
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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