Getting ready to apply to a bunch of schools....pregnant :/

queserasera, RN · Dec 6, 2012

I just had a conversation with one of my professors today that said everyone told her to take a year off after her baby was born, and her, like yourself, was a go getter. She's super high energy and knew she could handle teaching 4 classes with a newborn. She said she did it and she got through it, but were she to do it again, she said she wouldn't do it. Her reasons were that she felt like she missed a lot of firsts, she was exhausted all the time and wasn't able to keep up with the pace of full time work. Nursing school, as we all have heard is very demanding. Parenthood, especially 1st time parents have it pretty rough the first few months.

My input, if it were me I would go to nursing school despite the nay-saying, I believe better children come of situations where the parent doesn't change their whole life to rear the child, life doesn't stop at child birth. If you have a support system to both go to school and know your babies in the best care, go for it. Ultimately, only you know what is right for you. I think if this is your passion, it will be there whether you take a year off or not.

PCroizier · Dec 6, 2012

I say go for it. I was pregnant during my last semester of prereqs and baby was born spring break, I got three days off and then back to school. I then took a CNA course in summer which was 4 days a week and made it. Now I am at SDSU and baby is 8 months old, I'm starting my nursing classes in January and couldn't be more excited. The entire experience has definitely been tough, I recall saying I'm tired more than anything in the past 8 months, but I would not change it. I want to have my career and my children ( I also have a 3 year old). My only support has been my husband and daycare since we live so far from family. I have had no personal life between school and children, but that's a sacrifice I was more than willing to make. I also agree with the previous poster that we don't completely stop are own lives but instead we organize them around children to include both the things that are good for ourselves as well as them. What could be better for them than to have than a great role model about going after your dreams and having a career to be proud of.

PCroizier · Dec 6, 2012

That should be our,not are. Speech to text failure, haha.

Stephalump · Dec 6, 2012

I haven't done it. I was set to enter nursing school until I got pregnant and realized I'd be starting with a four month old. Could I have done it? Maybe. Do I wish I did instead of starting a year later? No way. All time with your little ones is irreplaceable, but let me tell you....that first year is so full of magic and bonding I wouldn't miss it for the world.

He also didn't sleep through the night until he was a year old (and only then because I weaned him ). You can't predict things like that, but man, was I absolutely exhausted. I seriously don't my grades would have been anywhere ear as good as they are now.

People have done it and people will continue to do it, but I personally would not unless I somehow miraculously found myself pregnant halfway through a program. Of course people have different priorities. For some, getting through school ASAP has to be priority to provide a living for the baby. Some people couldn't stand the idea of being a sahm for any length of time. But I could stay at home with my kids and did for as long as I could stand it :)

zoe92 · Dec 7, 2012

Would taking a year off make a difference in the long run? No I do not think so. I would say take the year off to spend with your baby.

Hibbzem17 · Dec 14, 2012

Thank you for all of your replies! I have decided to at least take a semester off and see how things go. Especially since u never know (sick baby, baby not sleeping etc) . I will graduate with my AS in liberal arts in fall, and be able to get used to the parenting routine as this is my first child. This is my dream!! I'll get there just taking a detour for a bit

FutureNurseLCW · Dec 15, 2012

Honestly I Had my son 15 months ago and I just started applying to programs. The first year is harder than you could ever imagine, but it is also amazing too. I still went to school part time to make my transcript look good for the programs! Im so glad I waited because it is so much easier now and I got to spend so much time with him! Go for it if you want to, but I'd wait! Best of luck! Being a mommy is amazing!

Shorty11, BSN, RN · Dec 15, 2012

I think you made the right decision. I understand having the desire and drive to get there.. but it's not a race. Nursing will still be there waiting for you. I think your grades could suffer if you try to take on all this at once too. You cannot replace those first moments with your baby. Especially being your first, you need time to learn how to be a mom too! Like they say, when a baby is born, so is a parent. I think you might have looked back and regretted not being there or being too busy with school to focus on your baby while he/she is still so little! Babies grow so fast.. you blink and you miss it! I know not everyone agrees, but I would take a least a semester off. You will still be a nurse someday and you this way you will be present and have those moments and firsts to cherish forever!