Any students out there?

OliveOyl2014

Just curious if there are any other moms out there currently in school, or planning to go back in the near future? What are you studying and how far into the program are you? How many classes are you taking/plan on taking each semester? For those currently in school, any time management tips on studying or getting homework done? I graduated with an associate degree in criminal justice three weeks after my LO was born. I am enrolling for the spring semester to continue on to get my bachelor's degree. I am a little hesitant because my LO has a hard time playing independently and she only naps for half an hour at a time. Classes don't start for another three months, so I know a lot can change by then. I hope I can get some sort of schedule down where I can get enough time to study and for homework. Would love to hear from the other student mamas!

Jessimax

I'm working on a nursing degree, it's through distance education though and very flexible and I only take 1 class at a time. I live at coffee shops, only place I get things done. At home I find laundry to do and TV to watch.

Keckers

Another nurse here and looking at continuing on in the field by starting a BSN or MSN bridge program in the spring. I'm currently caring for LO during the day and working full time on the night shift. Not sure how I'll squeeze classes (online) in there too. Heaven help us!

Keckers

@tlp2558‌ I work 3 nights per week, 12 hour shifts plus one on-call shift per month. Pre-baby, I preferred to work all of my days in a row in order to have a long "weekend" each week. It was great! Now, I'm finding it necessary to stagger my days due to childcare needs.

This week I will work Mon, Wed, and Fri nights. I'll get up with LO in the morning and try to take a 1-2 hour nap when DH gets home at 4pm. Once I get off work Tues morning, I'll again be up with LO until DH gets home in the afternoon. My parents have offered to watch LO some afternoons but they are out of town often and I don't want to pay for formal childcare at a center if I can avoid it. Unfortunately, some sleep deprivation is inevitable but I'm taking it one week at a time. I'm still getting used to this new schedule myself! I'll be sure to pass along any tips and tricks as I come across them

OliveOyl2014

tlp2558 said:

:-h I'm a full time nursing student, in my senior year (Bachelor's). Each semester varies, I have 14 credits this semester. Next semester is practicum, where I will be essentially interning to fulfill 225 hours plus a few hours of class per week which will include several papers.

I try very hard to save studying for after LO goes to bed. I will work on small assignments if he is content playing but always with the mindset of his needs trump schoolwork without even so much as a blink. My family is my priority.

And I'm with ya OP, my guy usually only naps for 30 mins at a time and most of the time ends up just being snuggled for naps so I don't even count nap time as getting-stuff-done-time cause it's just not consistent enough.

It's intense and I've had many late nights but it's worth it to me to try to do things after he's asleep for the night. He's only this little once and I can push through for the short term. Just 5 more months! Plus I know it will just get harder as he gets older and more kids come. I would regret it forever if I didn't go back this year.

Believe in yourself and just take it one day at a time! You can do anything you set your mind to! Would be happy to be here for support for you

Thank you! I plan to just start slow and do one class in spring to see how it will go. Unfortunately for my program, the majority of classes have to be taken on campus. Only a few will be online. This first class will be on campus. It will be nice to get out of the house for a few hours each week too! Good luck to you!

snowbound

I'll be going back full time next fall. My hope is that LO will be more independent and daycare will actually be beneficial. I only have three classes left but the internship must be done over two semesters. So I could technically finish my degree in one semester but I have to do an entire year. Boo! My days will only be half days so I can leave LO in daycare for an hour or two while I finish up school work. I'm excited and ready to be done. I've had to repeat an entire year due to moving and I've put off a year an half to stay home with LO.

greendaycla

Nursing student as well. Going for my BSN through distant education online. Taking one class at a time and should be done in 1 more year. I do majority of the homework while I have downtime at work ( work night shift 12 hours 3 days a week) or stay up till 2 or 3 in the morning working on homework. I have learned to work on very little sleep and coffee is my BFF.

hordol

I'm starting my master's program in January. I will be working on my special education licensure. I'm sooooooo nervous. I work full time teaching 5th/6th grade so it's going to be busy. The program is designed for working professionals so I'm trying not to stress out so much. I'm just worried that I won't get to spend enough time with DS though I'm going to do everything in my power to do well with time management so DS is not affected. He's already at daycare 8-9 hrs a day, it would kill me to have to be away from him even more!

It's one class at a time but they are condensed into 7 or 8 week classes so I have two per semester. No breaks except Christmas for 2.5 years but I know I will be so much happier that I did this now instead of procrastinating even longer.

Dixon813

I'm similar to @hordol‌

Full time high school teacher starting my masters in January. It's all online and since Liam goes to bed around 7, I'm going to do my best to wait until after he's in bed to do work. Still not looking forward to it!

ambarnett1

I have all my prerequisites for my nursing degree. I had applied and been accepted for the spring semester, but since #2 is on the way, I will have to stop for a while. This semester I'm taking extras just to fulfill any humanities credits I need for a bachelor's done the road. I take my classes online and do work during nap time, content playing time, or after he's asleep for the night. I hope to get my degree someday. Unfortunately, DH doesn't want a nanny or sitter because of the chance they may hurt DS because he is high needs sometimes. So we will see!

OliveOyl2014

I'm jealous of those who can finish their degree online! I will most likely have to do daycare when I finish all the online classes. My college has cheap daycare, but LO has to be three years old and potty trained before they will take her.

OliveOyl2014

ambarnett1 said:

I have all my prerequisites for my nursing degree. I had applied and been accepted for the spring semester, but since #2 is on the way, I will have to stop for a while. This semester I'm taking extras just to fulfill any humanities credits I need for a bachelor's done the road. I take my classes online and do work during nap time, content playing time, or after he's asleep for the night. I hope to get my degree someday. Unfortunately, DH doesn't want a nanny or sitter because of the chance they may hurt DS because he is high needs sometimes. So we will see!

My DH is the same when it comes to childcare. LO has never been with anyone besides us. I am hoping by the time I need to attend classes on campus he will be more open to the idea of a sitter or daycare.

Mport90

Want to go back but the thought gives me anxiety. I also want to go for nursing.. have few pre reqs first so I can try and take that part slower I guess...

Mrs.Kohalic17

I'm doing a full time RN program right now & working full time. I try to study whenever I have time or if LO is napping. Like PP said tho his needs come first. My schedule right now is work every sat, sun & tues (12hr shifts) & school is weds, thurs, fri. It's insane right now but I'm doing well. Since this is the first semester I won't be done til spring 2016.