Anybody have experience with taking a Leave of Absence during nursing school?

caliotter3 · Jul 18, 2010

When I needed a medical leave of absence, I could not get one (do not remember the precise reason, I assume the School of Nursing refused to acknowledge my request). So, on the advice of another administrative office at the school, I withdrew from the university, lock, stock, and barrel. When I returned to school, I was told straightforward, in the most hateful conversation you could imagine, by the Dean of the School of Nursing, that I wouldn't be pulling that one again. She stated I was playing games with the school process, trying to get around the rules, blah, blah, blah. I only met two other hateful people like her in the School of Nursing. Needless to say, my memories of nursing school are not fond, and the Dean succeeded in her quest to see me fail to graduate. When another situation came up, just as compelling, I never returned to the school. I am certain that made her happy.

Bobbkat · Jul 18, 2010

I didn't take a leave exactly, but I split my second term into two semesters. I was pregnant and due a few weeks into the semester so I opted to only do the lecture classes, which worked out to 8 credits. Then next semester I took the clinical coursework.

My school had a policy where I could have taken a full leave for up to 4 semesters however, and been readmitted where I left off.

elkpark · Jul 19, 2010

I had to take a LOA during nursing school for medical reasons. My school (a hospital-based diploma school) was extremely cooperative and supportive, and I was welcomed back without any difficulties or complications when I was able to return.

However, policies vary among schools.

anonymousstudent · Jul 20, 2010

I would like to have another baby before I finish, and my school provides for a leave of 6 months and you are have to petition to be re-admitted. It doesn't seem like it's a huge big deal, but there would be a lot of things you'd have to keep up on so you didn't re-enter back at square 1. I'm going to try to do it with out the leave, but you never know. GL!

Silas · Jul 20, 2010

I know a few people who have taken a year off from school for different reasons. Some opted to take a lightened course load, while some completely left for a year to heal, and then returned back in the fall to finish their degree.

heatherhammy · Aug 1, 2010

I would like to have another baby before I finish, and my school provides for a leave of 6 months and you are have to petition to be re-admitted. It doesn't seem like it's a huge big deal, but there would be a lot of things you'd have to keep up on so you didn't re-enter back at square 1. I'm going to try to do it with out the leave, but you never know. GL!

That's the reason I am wanting a LOA... I know the general consensus is to wait until after nursing school to have children/more children but for a number of reasons it makes more sense for us to have another now. I can hopefully time it to be due over the summer between my 2nd and 3rd semesters, but my third semester is when the 12 hour clinicals start AND my husband is supposed to be out of town for that entire semester. I'm worried about that with the kids I have already, let alone with a newborn. So I was thinking of taking a LOA for that semester and taking my 3rd semester in the spring.

I've been debating with myself on how to find out if I can take one. I was thinking that I should wait until just before I would actually start trying to get pregnant and ask about it and say that I "may be pregnant and was wondering..." and pass it off like I accidentally got pregnant. Or just tell them I'm planning on it, but I'm afraid they will be less willing to work with me. Or try to ask annonymously without giving a reason.

I tried emailing and they thought I was trying to take the FIRST semster off and were ready to withdraw my application :eek: . Any ideas on how to find out this answer before I get pregnant and end up being screwed?

anonymousstudent · Aug 1, 2010

That's the reason I am wanting a LOA... I know the general consensus is to wait until after nursing school to have children/more children but for a number of reasons it makes more sense for us to have another now. I can hopefully time it to be due over the summer between my 2nd and 3rd semesters, but my third semester is when the 12 hour clinicals start AND my husband is supposed to be out of town for that entire semester. I'm worried about that with the kids I have already, let alone with a newborn. So I was thinking of taking a LOA for that semester and taking my 3rd semester in the spring.
I've been debating with myself on how to find out if I can take one. I was thinking that I should wait until just before I would actually start trying to get pregnant and ask about it and say that I "may be pregnant and was wondering..." and pass it off like I accidentally got pregnant. Or just tell them I'm planning on it, but I'm afraid they will be less willing to work with me. Or try to ask annonymously without giving a reason.
I tried emailing and they thought I was trying to take the FIRST semster off and were ready to withdraw my application . Any ideas on how to find out this answer before I get pregnant and end up being screwed?

Well, I directly spoke to my advisor about it. She pretty much told me it was a terrible idea and that I should not consider it. But you should really seek to have good relationship with your advisor where you are open and honest. The way I see it, if you're running an ADN program and you've got older students who are pursuing second degrees, *chances* are they are going to be in the middle of their child bearing/raising. I mean, this is not rocket science! :rolleyes: I am still on the fence. I know how my body responds to pregnacy and I know what's best for my family. I'll be a nurse for 20 - 30 years but a mom for a lifetime. Good luck figuring it all out!

suanna · Aug 1, 2010

I'm not putting down the nurses who were born with with the ability to get pregnand but honestly!!- if having a family and a baby was your priority at this time, why did you take up someone elses place in an RN program to start with. I'm not saying you can't go to school and be a good new mommy (it's tough but it can be done)- but to expect a LOA because you WANT to have a baby?!? We are not talking about breaking your leg and having to take a medical LOA- You are the one to choose to become pregnant and then expect the school to juggle clinicals, classroom time and to plug you into a spot whenever you decide to return. I'm sure it varies from school to school, but if I got bumped out of my clinical center of choice by more senior student who decided to take a little break from thier nursing education for a new baby project- I'm not sure I would be happy with that decision. I took two LOAs during my nursing education- One for Mono, the other my mother had a CVA and had no one else to assist with home care.

healthstar, BSN, RN · Aug 1, 2010

In my school you can take a semester off for family reasons.They do not kick you out of the program unless you are failing classes or want to take a vacation that semester instead of attending school. Health & family comes first.

bigeyes4 · Apr 12, 2012

I was most unfairly treated. One day at the hospital I had a melt-down because from pre-conference to lunch the instructor did nothing but criticize and needlessly berate me. I finally broke down and she told me I was unprofessional and abandoned my patient. It's a long story, but we had a meeting with the department head. They both encouraged me to take a medical leave of absence which is what I will be doing. I was humiliated in front of the patient and her family. It just wasn't fair - talk about lateral violence. This is it for sure. Unfortunately, since I totally impulsively reacted, and relapsed into a former maladaptive coping mechanism, I don't have a leg to stand on as far as filing a grievance is concerned. The teacher kept telling me I was unsafe. It was a momentary lapse. She blew the whole thing out of proportion. Unless I magically transform myself into a tough brassy female, I will not survive in this environment. I know that this kind of thing is rampant, so there is no sense applying to a different institution.

dudette10, MSN, RN · Apr 13, 2012

At my school, I know of only one LOA, granted without problem. She didn't have the money to pay for another semester, and a space was held for her in the semester of her anticipated return. No issues at all.

As for your situation...there is no perfect time to give birth to a baby, but there are times that are better than others. During nursing school isn't one of those "better" times. I'm assuming you're in a two-year program. Can you wait 16 months before getting pregnant?