3 answers
Christopher
Student
Jefferson City, Missouri
1
Question
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What is the hardest challenge for obtain my bachelor in science for nusring #Spring25?
I’m just starting college at 30 to try and set my kids up for a better future I’ve already picked my major as a Bachelor in science of nursing to be a travel nurse.
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3 answers
Christine R.
Registered Nurse
47
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Well congratulations on embarking on this excellent journey, and going back to school and raising kids I commend you. The time commitment is going to be intense, especially managing your classes, clinicals, studies, and of course parenting. When I was in my undergrad program we had a few older students who had kids and returned to school and graduated. So certainly not an impossible feat. If you've got supports that can help you that will certainly be a big plus in allowing you to balance the demands of school. I'm not sure if you have another undergraduate degree and are doing an accelerated program, even though the programs are more compressed the upside is you are done more quickly.
I know you mentioned a goal of being a travel nurse, please keep in mind that generally speaking you've got to have a year plus under your belt typically before you can go the travel nurse route as they do want nurses with experience as you are expected to just sort of hit the ground running when you start your travel assignment.
I know you mentioned a goal of being a travel nurse, please keep in mind that generally speaking you've got to have a year plus under your belt typically before you can go the travel nurse route as they do want nurses with experience as you are expected to just sort of hit the ground running when you start your travel assignment.
Susana Appiah
MIDWIFE
98
Answers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Susana’s Answer
Hi Christopher, thanks for your question.
First of all, I must commend you for such an inspiring goal! Starting college at 30 while raising kids shows strength and determination. One of the hardest challenges for earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as a non-traditional student (like yourself) is balancing time — between schoolwork, parenting, and possibly a job. Nursing programs are rigorous: they include tough science courses, long clinical hours, and consistent studying. That, combined with family responsibilities, makes time management the top challenge.
Here are a few other tough spots students in your shoes often face:
Science Course Load: Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology can be intense.
Clinical Rotations: They require early mornings, physical stamina, and mental focus.
Childcare and Family Support: Without a strong support system, juggling both roles can feel overwhelming.
Financial Stress: Tuition, books, and family expenses can pile up.
Mental Fatigue or Burnout: Especially if you're trying to “do it all.”
But here’s the good part — many people have done it successfully because they had a strong reason like yours: building a better future for their family. Your motivation will carry you.
First of all, I must commend you for such an inspiring goal! Starting college at 30 while raising kids shows strength and determination. One of the hardest challenges for earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as a non-traditional student (like yourself) is balancing time — between schoolwork, parenting, and possibly a job. Nursing programs are rigorous: they include tough science courses, long clinical hours, and consistent studying. That, combined with family responsibilities, makes time management the top challenge.
Here are a few other tough spots students in your shoes often face:
Science Course Load: Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology can be intense.
Clinical Rotations: They require early mornings, physical stamina, and mental focus.
Childcare and Family Support: Without a strong support system, juggling both roles can feel overwhelming.
Financial Stress: Tuition, books, and family expenses can pile up.
Mental Fatigue or Burnout: Especially if you're trying to “do it all.”
But here’s the good part — many people have done it successfully because they had a strong reason like yours: building a better future for their family. Your motivation will carry you.
Chiquria Willis
Loan Processor - Rocket Mortgage
94
Answers
Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Updated
Chiquria’s Answer
Embarking on a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a truly transformative choice, especially as you begin this journey at 30 to build a brighter future for your children. It's an inspiring path, and while it presents challenges, it's entirely within your reach with the right mindset, preparation, and support. One of the key challenges in a BSN program is the demanding coursework. You'll tackle subjects like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology, along with nursing theory and practice classes. These courses are meant to equip you with critical thinking skills and the ability to provide safe, effective care, so disciplined studying and good time management are essential.
Balancing school with personal and family responsibilities can also be challenging. As a parent, you’ll juggle assignments, clinical rotations, and your children's needs. Clinicals offer invaluable real-world experience but can be demanding. Creating a realistic schedule that includes study time, childcare, and rest is crucial. Your maturity and life experience are strong assets. Non-traditional students often bring unique perspectives, determination, and a sense of purpose, which can truly set you apart.
Finally, preparing for and passing the NCLEX-RN licensing exam after graduation is another step. While it's challenging, your program will thoroughly prepare you, and there are many study tools and review courses available. Remember, you're not alone in this. Many colleges provide tutoring, counseling, childcare support, and resources for students with families. Your decision to pursue a career as a travel nurse is incredibly motivating, and with your focus and dedication, you can absolutely achieve it. If you need help creating a study plan, finding on-campus support, or getting ready for clinical placements or the NCLEX, I'm here to support you every step of the way.
Balancing school with personal and family responsibilities can also be challenging. As a parent, you’ll juggle assignments, clinical rotations, and your children's needs. Clinicals offer invaluable real-world experience but can be demanding. Creating a realistic schedule that includes study time, childcare, and rest is crucial. Your maturity and life experience are strong assets. Non-traditional students often bring unique perspectives, determination, and a sense of purpose, which can truly set you apart.
Finally, preparing for and passing the NCLEX-RN licensing exam after graduation is another step. While it's challenging, your program will thoroughly prepare you, and there are many study tools and review courses available. Remember, you're not alone in this. Many colleges provide tutoring, counseling, childcare support, and resources for students with families. Your decision to pursue a career as a travel nurse is incredibly motivating, and with your focus and dedication, you can absolutely achieve it. If you need help creating a study plan, finding on-campus support, or getting ready for clinical placements or the NCLEX, I'm here to support you every step of the way.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Christopher
I am so happy i could help you :)
Chiquria Willis