Pregnancy & Nursing School

denaa · Nov 12, 2009

What is the wait like once you apply to MCC? Down here at Pima CC, I applied Oct 2009 and got accepted for Fall 2012 so I have a long wait. My hubby and I decided to try for number 3 (and last) while I wait. If not preggo by April 2010 we plan to stop. This way the baby will be at least one year old before I start nursing school.....

I wouldn't want to be preggo or have a newborn during NS. I have worked too hard and will have waited so long to have any reason to drop out.

nicholswife · Nov 12, 2009

What is the wait like once you apply to MCC? Down here at Pima CC, I applied Oct 2009 and got accepted for Fall 2012 so I have a long wait. My hubby and I decided to try for number 3 (and last) while I wait. If not preggo by April 2010 we plan to stop. This way the baby will be at least one year old before I start nursing school.....
I wouldn't want to be preggo or have a newborn during NS. I have worked too hard and will have waited so long to have any reason to drop out.

I believe the wait is 1.5 to 2 years but I have heard of people getting in sooner and that's my concern. What if I apply and get accepted while preggo. Eek. When you turned in your app last month they already told you that you're in for Fall 2012? I think for MCC we turn in our apps when pre reqs are done and then just wait. Congrats to you for getting in and being able to plan your 3rd child. Your timing sounds great. Good luck!

Bug Out, BSN · Nov 13, 2009

If you are unable to answer this question you are far too young to be having kids.

School, then career, then kids.

If you wait or have a kid now I will promise you that your dreams of beoming a Nurse will be vanish.

Nursing school is not like any other thing you have ever done. It is EXTREMELY difficult and stressful. You have to give it 187% which means you no distractions.

denaa · Nov 13, 2009

I totally don't understand what Bug Out is saying in that post..............Moms with kids can get through NS as well and probably better than a childless person because we have the drive to do so. Having a 3rd child or waiting until school is done is a personal choice and neither would make a dream of becoming a nurse vanish....

nicholswife, Here at Pima CC, they give you your seat date after all pre-req's are done and you apply for the program. I hear that everyone get in at least one semester earlier than the letter.......As far as MCC is concerned, I read a lot of posts here about MCC time stamps and when people get into that program...Have you read any of those posts?

Bug Out, BSN · Nov 13, 2009

I totally don't understand what Bug Out is saying in that post..............Moms with kids can get through NS as well and probably better than a childless person because we have the drive to do so. Having a 3rd child or waiting until school is done is a personal choice and neither would make a dream of becoming a nurse vanish....
nicholswife, Here at Pima CC, they give you your seat date after all pre-req's are done and you apply for the program. I hear that everyone get in at least one semester earlier than the letter.......As far as MCC is concerned, I read a lot of posts here about MCC time stamps and when people get into that program...Have you read any of those posts?

You honestly believe that having children does not hinder but actually makes you a better Nursing student??? :yeah:

Having gone through Nursing school successfully and seen many many many people drop out/fail due to family obligations I can tell you with 100% certainty that placing more responsibilities and outside obligations upon you before or during NS is silly.

What do you do when your husband has to go to work and your kid gets sick 5 minutes before clinicals? Call in to your Prof and say, "Sorry, Ill make it to clinicals next time?"

Granted you can make it through NS with kids....and maybe a newborn....but it does not make things easier. I went through NS working fulltime when everyone told me not to, I made it but I definately do not recommend it just because it did have a real impact upon my grades.

Anyone who has successfully made it through NS will tell you that planning to have a child right before or during school is a silly...

P.S. I was trying to think why a Nurse would make an outlandish statement like yours until I realized that you have not entered NS.

Please trust me...hell don't, read all the "HELP I AM DROWNING IN NS" threads around this place. NS is not fun and is EXTREMELY demanding. It has nothing in common with your pre reqs...you will work harder and be more stressed than any other time in your life. I promise...be prepared to sacrifice.

They say you will either start drinking, start smoking, lose your house, lose your marriage, or lose your sanity in NS....start thinking of which one you prefer.

denaa · Nov 13, 2009

You make good points.

No having kids doesn't make you a better NS, it just gives you more purpose. At 35 years old and still at least a 2 year wait to get into NS and still two years of school for my ADN before I graduate and then finding a new job....now is the perfect and likely only time left to have my last child.

And if nicholswife has the same kind of wait at MCC as here at PCC, she may be in the same boat. I do agree with you that back up day care and a strong support system is mandatory for moms in NS but totally disagree that you have to give up family and a life to get through school.

Bug Out, BSN · Nov 13, 2009

"totally disagree that you have to give up family and a life to get through school"

I want you to remember me in a couple of years....let me know if you still think that while in NS.

Sewbusy~RN · Nov 13, 2009

When I was accepted into nursing school (2 yr program) the first time, I found out I was pregnant with my second child two weeks later. Having had a child already and realizing I was due in the middle of a semester, I called the school to find out if it was OK to still go. They told me I could, but I still had to do all the course work, clinical work (full participation), and I was not allowed to miss classes. I opted to pass on my admission into that school. Instead, I took organic chem while pregnant, which allowed me to apply to 4 year programs as well as 2 years. I applied and got in to a 4 year right away, and I started school with an 8 month old and a 4 year old. It was really hard, but I absolutely believe I am a better nurse as a result of the skills I learned juggling my family and school. My prioritization and time management skills are pretty darn good. I did have to miss out on some things but was still able to breastfeed, sew halloween costumes for my family every year and cook thanksgiving dinner every year and make family dinners and pack lunches for my daughter most days. BUT I didn't do it alone. I have a very supportive family, my husband is amazing, and my mother in law pitched in like you wouldn't believe. I ended up with a B+ GPA.

Another note, there was a student in my nursing school class who gave birth to her first baby in the first semester of nursing school. She was a single mom, worked as a CNA, and she made it through nursing school just fine also. I think she even breastfed for quite a while.

I think if you have the drive and you can manage your time really well you can make it work. Some people can do it, some just can't. All that said, I don't think I would intentionally plan for a pregnancy in nursing school, especially a 2 year program. I don't know if I would do it over again if I had realized how hard it was going to be, but I certainly was able to adapt and make it work. I am pretty sure also that pointing out the fact that I did nursing school with small children was a big factor in getting my RN residency job right out of school. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

MystyqueOne, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2009

You honestly believe that having children does not hinder but actually makes you a better Nursing student???
Having gone through Nursing school successfully and seen many many many people drop out/fail due to family obligations I can tell you with 100% certainty that placing more responsibilities and outside obligations upon you before or during NS is silly.
What do you do when your husband has to go to work and your kid gets sick 5 minutes before clinicals? Call in to your Prof and say, "Sorry, Ill make it to clinicals next time?"
Granted you can make it through NS with kids....and maybe a newborn....but it does not make things easier. I went through NS working fulltime when everyone told me not to, I made it but I definately do not recommend it just because it did have a real impact upon my grades.
Anyone who has successfully made it through NS will tell you that planning to have a child right before or during school is a silly...
P.S. I was trying to think why a Nurse would make an outlandish statement like yours until I realized that you have not entered NS.
Please trust me...hell don't, read all the "HELP I AM DROWNING IN NS" threads around this place. NS is not fun and is EXTREMELY demanding. It has nothing in common with your pre reqs...you will work harder and be more stressed than any other time in your life. I promise...be prepared to sacrifice.
They say you will either start drinking, start smoking, lose your house, lose your marriage, or lose your sanity in NS....start thinking of which one you prefer.

I do not agree with this pessimistic attitude. I will share my story in a bit. Basically, it all comes down to individual motivation and determination. How motivated are you to get through NS? How determined are you to become a Nurse?

MystyqueOne, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2009

Maybe I am one of those "super women" as I hear a ton of times, but here is my story. I was about three months pregnant and decided to take the CNA course. I knew I didn't want to be pregnant during nursing school. So, while pregnant, I completed my CNA class and became a certified CNA. WHen I was seven months pregnant, I got hired on with Hospice care. Yes, they hired me knowing that I would be taking maternity leave in a few months! When I took my maternity leave, I only took off two months, but since I was working in Hospice, I pretty much was able to create my own schedule. Meanwhile, I got everything I needed to do (HESI entrance exam) and get ready (transcripts) for Chamberlain (where I am attending now). When I started at NS, my baby was four months old. So far, I have completed my first semester of NS and in my second right now. I have not had to miss any days or times. I even breastfeed my baby (no formula or bottles for baby), so I have my schedule worked out that I am not away from my baby any longer than five hours. When it comes to those "long" days when I know I will be gone for more than the five hours, I just take my breastpump and take care of "baby's" business. Luckily, though, I think what makes it a bit easier for me is the fact that my husband works the graveyard shift. So, he is home when I have to go to school. The other agreement we share is that if, for whatever reason, if he can't be home for the kids when I have to be at school, he will make sure he is. There are times when he is called into work during the day, but if he can't go in, he won't, if I have school. So, basically, my school comes before his work. It's sad to say, when finances are important, but luckily, we haven't had any of those incidents happen. We both understand that even though his work is important to pay the bills and feed our mouths, my education can be jeopardized if I have to miss a day here or there, thus prolonging my graduation. In addition, the school is flexible in regards to attendance. You can miss a day here or there if needed, but only if truly needed and not for one of those "I just need to sleep" days. Since what you miss will not be made up, it's up to you to make sure you are present at every class meeting. So, in regards to having a baby in NS, it's completely capable. I will tell you that being pregnant during my CNA class was MUCH more tougher than having an infant in NS! I was just way more tired and exhausted while being pregnant. Now, I'm just exhausted from lack of sleep or being so busy studying! Oh, I also have a preschooler, too. So, that takes up more of my time. I just wanted to focus on the baby aspect since that is what you asked. In the end, it all depends on your motivation and detemination. It is extremely tough. There will be days in which you only see your baby long enough to feed him/her, but otherwise you are out studying. You will miss your children on those days, but just know that in the end, it will all be worth it... Plus, your baby wouldn't even remember those days anyway! She/he would be too little!

I wish you tons of Blessings in your decision! I'd say Go For It, but only if you are truly determined!

nicholswife · Nov 14, 2009

If you are unable to answer this question you are far too young to be having kids.
School, then career, then kids.
If you wait or have a kid now I will promise you that your dreams of beoming a Nurse will be vanish.
Nursing school is not like any other thing you have ever done. It is EXTREMELY difficult and stressful. You have to give it 187% which means you no distractions.

At 31 years old I already have the "distractions" of life (husband and two kids). I was right there as my husband went through nursing school. I understand it is stressful but it is not all consuming for everyone. We had a normal life, he worked part time, I worked full time, we went on vacations, got a house, etc... Life still happened.

I appreciate the responses from those of you who have done it and are continuing to be super moms! Pregnancy and healthy babies before the age of 35 is the most important thing for our family. So there is no question that we are having the children. And now, not after a two year waiting list and two years of school.

I am anxious to go to school and graduate and work as a nurse, my impatience is getting the best of me I suppose. That and my biological clock ticking! Congrats to those of you who have made it and hopefully before I am 40 I will make it too! Thanks for the input. I suppose the best thing for our family right now is for me to become a CNA, get comfortable in the hospital, have the kids, and then when they are older and in school I can go to school too!