Balancing parenting and uni: is the reward worth the risk?

Are you a parent considering going to uni but not sure if the reward is worth the risk? Hear from Jason, a proud father who graduated from a Bachelor of Nursing with CDU. He was working full time, mostly night shifts, while studying full time online. His daughters watching him was his greatest source of motivation. 

When I was considering becoming a Registered Nurse, I was looking for the best university and I thought that was CDU. Charles Darwin University gave me a really good work, family and study lifestyle. Parenting while working and studying online requires organisation, time management and multitasking. It was not easy.

On my days off work, I would drop my kids to school and then either go home, to a library or a cafe to study. Then I would pick the kids up from school and take them to their swimming and ballet lessons where I would often take my study material to read, all while popping one eye up to check how they were going. I would always have a break in between (or go to the gym) as it helped me to refresh my mind and body. 

Fatherhood and knowing that completing my degree would change my daughters’ lives was my greatest motivator

Today, I currently work for a specialised Adolescent Mental Health unit in NSW. Knowing that I am making a difference gives me a great sense of satisfaction and achievement. Every day, I see the value in educating others. In the future, I would love to do postgraduate studies in Mental Health or Training and Assessment.

For my girls to see that it's possible to get a degree through hard work has really encouraged them to study and do well. My youngest, who is 11, has spoken about going to university; saying that she thinks she will study Nursing like me.

Ready to pursue your passion in Nursing like Jason? At CDU, we offer clinical placements across Australia and simulation blocks in CDU's Darwin, Alice Springs or Sydney clinical practice suites. Whether you choose an Undergraduate, Postgraduate or VET Nursing course, you'll have the flexibility and support to achieve your Nursing qualification your way with CDU.