A Little Help Please (and thank you!)

RescueNinjaKy · Jan 13, 2015

I really cannot give you any advice as I am not in your situation, also I am from ny so programs Will vary.

For my school, we had clinicals from 7:45 to 2pm latest. It was usually twice a week and the days and time are specifically written when we registered. They sometimes had a later section for those who didn't want it so early. They also had one that was back to back on the weekend.

We definitely could not schedule it ourselves, what we registered for in the beginning is what we got. In terms of absence, one was two was allowed and a third got you kicked out of the class.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jan 13, 2015

How intense are clinicals in the RN program?

They require quite a bit of work, honestly. At least where I went to school, we had to go to the hospital the night before to look up our patient's history and hospital course, and make flashcards with their medication info (indications for the drug, pharmacokinetics--the drug's onset time, peak time, duration, etc--side effects, nursing considerations, etc. And then as we read, we were to start thinking about what kind of nursing interventions the pt *might* need (care planning happens after actually meeting and assessing the patient.)

Then you have your shift.

Then there's generally some type of writing assignment after each shift.

Is there a set number of hours?

Yes, although I want to say it varies by state. I honestly don't remember how many hours my program had, but doing a quick Google search found 450-750 hours.

A certain semester they are packed into?

We had clinicals every semester.

Can you schedule your own times?

For most, no. The exceptions in my program were 1) when we had to meet w/ a volunteer client in the community, get to know them, and make a teaching plan, and 2) when we had to make a home visit of a post-op pt. In those cases, we coordinated our meetings w/ the volunteer clients.

Are they flexible on clinical hours?

No.

How many gals/guys have done this with families and jobs, is it possible?

Most of my graduating class worked part-time, and most had families. Do you have your family's support? Myself, I had a baby in the middle of a semester and it was tough but of course I got through it...otherwise I wouldn't be an RN now. Support and help with the kids is essential, though.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jan 13, 2015

If you're concerned about being able to complete a program at this point, what about doing LPN first? It's a much shorter program, and you could get out working for more than min. wage. You can then go back for your RN later.

Of course, if upon researching it you feel that you can complete an associate's program and raise your kids at the same time, go for it! :up:

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 13, 2015

If either of my boys needed me I would choose to miss the class, because that's where my priorities are - school is important but not more important than family.

As a mother your priorities should be your children; however, be cognizant that most schools of nursing are hardliners as far as absences and tardy occurrences are concerned. The attitude toward attendance is so hardline due to regulations set forth by the board of nursing that regulates the nursing school.

Two absences in a semester would have gotten me placed on attendance probation at the schools I've attended, and the third absence would have meant I would have been forced to withdraw from the nursing program.

Therefore, perhaps it would be a better idea to wait until your children are a bit older before undertaking this nursing school venture. After all, you would not want to fritter a nursing school spot away due to absences and being tardy when that spot could have gone to another student who really wanted it.

Red Kryptonite · Jan 13, 2015

My LPN program allows ZERO lab or clinical absences.

roser13, ASN, RN · Jan 13, 2015

Clinicals are set in stone. There is no personal accommodation available. They occur every semester and the hours are posted when you register for the class.

They are very intense, with much pre- and post- work required, usually.

Do you have a family member who can be on-call for your sons while you are in school?

Barnstormin' PMHNP · Jan 13, 2015

I would suggest you contact the program you are interested in and ask them your questions, they will not be afraid to give you the straight facts and then you can make an appropriate decision. Every Nursing program is different, although clinicals seem to be the common ground, as in don't skip them no matter what. I totally agree with the LPN suggestion if you find that the ADN program is too much.

My program had clinicals at all hours some on the weekends, some were 12 hours, etc. Most of the students were working, had kids etc.

That being said, it is a lot of work and you need to be able to focus on learning. If you do not have a good study environment (small children with lots of needs) it will be very stressful.

VANurse2010 · Jan 13, 2015

Clinicals are set in stone. There is no personal accommodation available. They occur every semester and the hours are posted when you register for the class.
They are very intense, with much pre- and post- work required, usually.
Do you have a family member who can be on-call for your sons while you are in school?

This. If you're really going to miss every time your child has a sniffle, fever, or some vomit, you will not be successful in any program. Clinical schedules often change frequently - they are unpredictable and required - and you will be the one expected to accommodate the disorganization. It sucks, but that's the truth. Doctors notes etc. will be not generally be entertained.

**A Little Help Please** (and thank you!)

A Little Help Please (and thank you!)