Is this do able?

SingleMumOf2_3

I have a 3 month old baby and a 2 and a half year old.

I really want to apply to university to do Midwifery for starting September 2011.

Which means my children will be 1 year old and 3 years old.

I would need to finish driving lessons within the next year and buy a small run around. It would mean putting both kids in nursery full time.

Am I being selfish wanting to do it right now? Has anyone done it as a single mum with young children?

Thanks.

Britwife

I think is unselfish to want to provide a better future for you and your children. You are their role model and this would set such a great example of going after your dreams.

You'll learn how to juggle your quality time with them and manage your education.

I wish you all the best!

Becles

If the midwifery course is going to get you a job in the future and good career prospects, then I would go for it. It's certainly not selfish to have study and career aspirations. It will show a good example to your boys of how you can work hard to provide a decent income to look after them, especially as children get more expensive as they get older.

It's going to be tough juggling studying and caring for little ones. I've just finished an OU degree and it's been tough. The best advice I can give is to make sure you factor in a little me time, so you can have a rest and recharge your batteries.

Best of luck with the course xx

helphelphelphelp

Hi there

Just today I have sent off my UCAS application form for the nursing degree I want to start next year. I too am a single mum of 2 (aged 9 years and youngest is 18 months). I know the next few years will be hard with the all the studying and placements, but although I am doing this because it is my choice of career, I also feel I am teaching my children a valuable lesson in that it is never too late to follow your dream (I am now 40) and also that in the future they will benefit from me having a stable career.

If you feel that you can cope with all the studying then I would say go for it. It is not for ever. I would definitely recommend a trip to the open days at your local university as they really give you an insight as to what is involved in the course.

Good luck

SingleMumOf2_3

I have actually started the midwifery degree before.. when I was married and my eldest was 1. And yes it was hard, but also enjoyable.
It is eating away at me that I had to give it up.. I am dying to go back. I have my UCAS form all filled in.. just need to get a reference.. and am debating whether to send it or not lol.
I dont want to miss my boys.. and I dont drive as of yet. Aswell as a DRO going through which I am hoping wouldnt be effected if I got into uni.
But I love everything to do with pregnancy and birth etc. I had 2 complicated births with my children.. yet at the same time enjoyed the experience. Which makes me seem weird enough lol.
My kids would be 4 and 6 when I qualified.. my plan would then be to work part time to start with and spend as much time as I could with the kids.. and then build my hours up.

SingleMumOf2_3

helphelphelp.. do you know how much help is given towards childcare etc? do your children see their dad at all?

I know many people on the nursery degree (aswell as the midwifery degree) who have children, some are single mums and some arnt.. but they love it!

I am so gutted I gave it all up.. but I just had no choice with finding out I was pregnant, a marraige break down and a one and a half year old to care for.

lauren_1

Personally I would do a nursing degree and then do a conversion course on top.

It may take 18 months longer but a dual qualification would see you through any further funding cuts (we have a lack of midwifes but not enough in the pot to employ what the NHS needs) also you may not be able to get in to a midwifery course 1st or even 2nd attempt and the fact that your started and failed to finish may go against your application and having a HE qualification (a nursing degree) would boost your chances considerable as it shows more aptitude and a keen understanding.

Sorry to put a dampener on it but to get back on to a midwifery course your qualifications need to be top notch in order to beat the other 50/1 ratio of applicants per place.

hippychick1

SingleMumOf2 wrote: »

Am I being selfish wanting to do it right now? Has anyone done it as a single mum with young children?

Thanks.

I started my nursing course in January this year, and had the same concerns as you. I am a single parent of 8, 4 and 2 year olds.

I can say without any hesitation whatsoever it is the best thing I have ever done. I am so glad I am doing it now, and not waiting till the children are a little older. It is very difficult at times, especially when I'm on placement, as I am at the moment. Money is tight, but the situation is manageable.

My advice would definitely be go for it. My confidence and self esteem has been boosted by doing this course. I feel guilty at not seeing the children as much as I would usually when I'm on placement, but then I've got 5 weeks off over Christmas to look forward to.

Good luck!!

LJM

i dont think you are being selfish at all wanting to get yourself a career and i admire you as all the hard work and 2 small children you will be one busy lady.

SingleMumOf2_3

lauren I got on the course before... did 3 months and had to give it up. so i have the correct qualifications plus am studying with OU atm for extra. and I did my first community placement there.

they are now doing away with the 18 month midwifery degree for registered nurses.. and I would not enjoy nursing.

If i apply this year and dont get in.. I will just try again each and every year until I do get in... whilst studying other related things to help with OU.

Even if it takes me another 5 years of interviews.. I dont mind. At least I will have tried

lauren_1

SingleMumOf2 wrote: »

lauren I got on the course before... did 3 months and had to give it up. so i have the correct qualifications plus am studying with OU atm for extra. and I did my first community placement there.

they are now doing away with the 18 month midwifery degree for registered nurses.. and I would not enjoy nursing.

If i apply this year and dont get in.. I will just try again each and every year until I do get in... whilst studying other related things to help with OU.

Even if it takes me another 5 years of interviews.. I dont mind. At least I will have tried

I know you go on the course once but dropping out for what ever reason may go against a 2nd place on the course, Plymouth and UWE do not accept repeat applicants as you have already taken up a place before that another could have used and wasted a large chunk of NHS funding (you cannot fill that place once the course is fully underway)

I would really urge you to contact the admissions team of your chosen uni to check what their policy is.

Also have you any recent study with in the last 3 years? that too may go against you if you are relying on the qualifications you have used for the first time. Believe it or not qualifications expire in the eyes of admissions teams after about 4 years and you need to show recent study.

NHS funded courses differ to those funded by yourself or the SLC regarding being selected for a place