[CharlD]

Heeeey guys! I'm Charl and I've applied to study Mental Health Nursing, commencing 2012. I have a 6 year old son and am wondering how other people are planning on/have been managing studying whilst having full care of a child? I currently have alot of help of my family however I'm considering moving to London to study as I;ve been offeerde a PgDip there (2 years is waay more appealing than 3!). But alas, my family won't move to help me =p They all live in Wales. I do hae an offer of a 3 year BSc from Cardiff and Swansea (aswel as an offer from Bristol). Unfortunatly the only place that has offered me an accelerated couse in the furthest away (UWL) - TYPICAL! I have 2 weeks to make a decision - HELP!

[Bubble87]

2 years may sound better than 3 but think about it carefully, yes you'll be qualified sooner but you'll find yourself struggling with no help from family. Student placement work around the hospitals shifts and you are expected to work a variety, who would look after him when you're working til 9 or on a night shift? Plus the entry point into the NHS is the same so you won't be paid any more for doing it as a post grad.

Personally I would recommend staying close to family then you know you've got the support there, not only for help with child care but emotionally, nursing can be very emotionally draining.

Good luck anyway

[cmadarati1]

Hi charl,
I'm hoping to start mh nursing in september too but I am a single parent too and not sure how I'm going to manage it! My mum doesn't live too far from me so I'm hoping that she will support me although I'm not too sure! If she doesn't I don't know how I'll manage, but I'm praying it'll sort itself out somehow!
Clara

[Anthony_D_S]

Don't forget to tap the childcare costs on the Bursary application and also the student finance option as a single mother also gets hold of an additional grant. I know I have pitched the money angle but childcare support has really benefited a few of my friends (single mothers too).

[CharlD]

(Original post by cmadarati1)
Hi charl,
I'm hoping to start mh nursing in september too but I am a single parent too and not sure how I'm going to manage it! My mum doesn't live too far from me so I'm hoping that she will support me although I'm not too sure! If she doesn't I don't know how I'll manage, but I'm praying it'll sort itself out somehow!
Clara

Hey,

Sorry I've only just seen this! I accepted UWL in the end, and am now thinking I've made a huge mistake and may erject the offer and think about eapplying again nex year. The more I've spoken to people, the more difficult its sounded. Howeve thats mainly because I'l be away from family. You're lucky that you'l have your mum =) Where abouts are you studying? how olds your little one? x

[Anthony_D_S]

Charl,

It is difficult but it is possible. As I said previously some of my single mother friends have managed to cope and do well on the course. I too have an 8 month old child, so i'm not preaching from some think-i-know it all book, I have the t-shirt already. If you back out now then the chances are slimmer that you will do the course in the near future or at all. Like I said previously there is financial support available to pay for childcare costs etc. Before you make a big choice like that, do a bit of further research.

I too am at UWL and I can tell you that those who have children have felt tested at times- but they really love what they are doing and that is enough to keep one going.

A

[CharlD]

Hey Anthony,

Thanks for the reply. Can I just ask, were your friends alone when they managed to do this? I'm just concerned as I actually don't know anybody at all in London =( I have no friends or family there. As I said, Josh is 6, so is in school, but I'm concerned about over-night shifts (as I'd need a sleep in sitter I assume ;/ ). My family all live in Wales so during holidays I'd need to get him back there which would be doable. I'm just concerned about placements really! And whether I'l cope financially alone as I would need to use childcare on very regular basis.

Charl =)
x

[Jrk]

Hey I'm also a single parent on a 3yr old!
Im planning on signing up for my nursing tho year but also having the same worries!
But I guess if u don't try u don't know ay!!