Leap of Faith

I was originally thinking I would give myself a full year to grieve and heal and mend, before considering any other life changes.  

But, I continue to have a prompting to take another leap of faith right now.  

I am going to pursue that Nursing career that has been on the back burner for years.  

When Jersey #2 was born with a heart condition, I had to come to grips with the fact that my medical school dreams needed to be halted, so I could be home to provide her care.  (Ironically, I wanted to be a Cardiologist).  When we decided to homeschool our children, I had to entirely abandon the idea of becoming a Doctor.  I comforted myself with the idea that I could still work in the field of medicine one day, by becoming a Nurse Practitioner.  The plan in the back of my head was to go to the community college and get on the slow track, once my kids were old enough to be home alone or with each other.  The Associates of Nursing (RN) program is 4 semesters long.  A Bachelor of Nursing program can often be done online after that, at many universities.  By the time I would pursue the Master's training to be a Nurse Practitioner, the kids would be grown.  It wouldn't matter how old I was as I was pursing this "next" career, because my heart's desire is to go on medical mission trips.  I can do that as a Nurse, even when I am a grandmother!  

I have been considering the details of life as a single mother, and how to provide for my children.  My previous employment was in bio-medical research laboratories, and clinical testing laboratories.  It was interesting work, but very low pay.  

I realize that Nursing is a really good career for single motherhood.  A family can live on a Nursing salary.  There are many options for a flexible schedule, to work as few or as many shifts as are needed.  Even if our basic needs continue to be provided, I can work part-time to supplement the budget to allow for more schooling and extra-curricular opportunities.  Best of all, medical insurance is a benefit of most Nursing jobs.  

The prompting to look into it was so strong, that I stayed up way too late one night, researching the information on the computer.  I was really encouraged by the details.  My previous Biology degree gives me majority of the prerequisite courses already.  I have to repeat 3 lecture classes, and possibly 1 lab class,  because my coursework is considered too old and outdated.  There are 3 other prerequisite classes that I have also had previously, that may or may not transfer.  So, I would only need to take 3 to 6 classes to complete the prerequisites to apply to the program.  The wait list to enter the training is approximately 2 semesters to a full year after that. 

Add the detail that majority of those classes have an online option.  I could take the prerequisites now, while still being home with my kids.  I was really encouraged when a family at church offered to help me with the kids for the classes I need to take on site.  This family is going to teach enrichment classes, in their home, so that my children can be learning while I am at class, 2 afternoons a week.  

At age 11, children can stay home alone.  At age 12, children can take the Red Cross babysitting course and be responsible for the care of others. 

In the amount of time it will take me to complete the prerequisites and wait out the application process, my children will start turning 11 or 12 in succession.  That means we can get through the 4 semesters of Nursing school, without having to depend fully on others for childcare.  

It won't be easy, but it certainly seems possible.

When I started to mention the idea to friends, I received a lot of encouragement.  One friend commented that she thought I would do well with the academic distraction right now, instead of dwelling on the emotional challenges in my life.  I think that is a good point.  

I am thinking this is the time to embrace academics.  I am blessed to be able to homeschool the children still, so I will make education our top priority, and set the example myself.  

It is a big leap...

Ready.  Set.  Go!