I'm IN!!! but in need of some advice

shellrn97 · Mar 24, 2003

Six years ago next month my third child was born. My husband had been released from the military after being injured badly. I workded 40 plus hours a week, plus nursing school full time. I was 25 years old and scared to death. He was and is a complete blessing but the future of our family depended on my graduating and supporting the family. I attended a community college, 2 year degree. I am not the greatest test taker in the world and had to study constantly to "stay with the pack." It was the hardest thing I ever did. My son was born on a friday afternoon and I went to my class that following tuesday morning with him in tow. I could not believe the support I received not only from my teachers but my classmates. Quite a few of them were older LPN's from one of the local large hospital that specialized in women and children. They actually passed him around the room during lecture just to help me out and give me a break. I was lucky because he was such a good baby the teachers did not mind as long as he did not disrupt the class. He was born Apr. 11 and I finished in mid May. I actually passed the boards the first time!!! So if this is something you really want, dont let anything stop you!! I am not the sharpest tool in the shed and if I could make it with all I had on my plate anyone can.!!!!! Good luck, just remember there is always a light at the end of every tunnel!!!!

l_e_mae · Mar 25, 2003

Thanks so much for all of your words of wisdom and advice! I do have a lot to think about but I think that I will give the nursing program a try.

Nurse2b: If I start the program and then quit, I still have to start all over with the application process and hope to be chosen out of next years applicants (there were 250 this year) there is no waiting list, they take the top 30 ranked and then randomly select the other 10 (I was a random selection). They rank according to GPA, classes taken, certificates or degrees earned, etc.

I still have to ask the school lots of questions. There will be a meeting May 30 for the students to let them know of all of the requirements (CPR certification, clothing to purchase, etc. etc.) I'm sure I will find out everything then, and feel kind of bad bothering all of the nursing people with my questions now.

BTW, does anyone know if there are immunizations that you have to have to be admitted...I don't think I'm allowed to get them while I'm pregnant, am I?

well, thanks again......keep the thoughts comin'!!!!

Ortho_RN · Mar 25, 2003

I don't think you are allowed to have any vaccinations that are made with a live-virus.. BUt I have no idea really :)

TeresaRN2b · Mar 25, 2003

Yes, that's what I was told. You can have the ones not with live viruses. I am pregnant now and was able to get the hepatitis b vaccine and there is no problem with getting the TB skin test either. You cannot get any of the vaccines with live viruses though.

BranRN · Mar 25, 2003

I would say go for it, esp. since you will be getting maternity leave during that time, which will leave you time to study, etc. while your little one sleeps. Since you are already in, don't decline. (IMO) We had pregnant girls in my class and the professors worked with them during the time they were out. Even let them makeup test, clinical days, etc. If your school has instructors like that then you shouldn't have any problems. You may want to ask then when you go to meet with them. They will definetely be able to give you a clearer picture of what they expect and require of you. And if they will be able to work something out during the time you will be out.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Brandi

larae09 · Mar 28, 2003

Go for it! I was pregnant last semester. Granted I had my baby over christmas break, but you can do it! Just make sure that you have a good babysitter that will take your baby when it is only a couple of days old. You won't be able to miss much nursing classes. I now have a 3 month old and it is going well!! Good Luck!

Suzanne

birdsongRN · Mar 28, 2003

Congrats on being accepted to the program. I became pregnant while working on my pre-req's. I wasn't allowed to take A&P labs while pregnant, so that set me back a bit, and I decided to only take one lecture the semester my son was due. Also, there was a year's wait to start clinicals once I was accepted. My son is now a year old and will be 17 months when I start my clinicals in the fall. (taking pharm now) I am grateful for the time I've had to spend with my baby, but am ready to start the clinicals. The biggest issue we're having is finding and affording child-care for when I have to be in full-time. Good luck in what ever you decide to do.