Having a child while in school?

manna, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2005

I haven't personally, but there were two girls in my course at the beginning of the semester who were pregnant. One had her baby in late October (also is a single mom and commutes quite a distance). Her grades weren't so good, and although they were going to let her continue in the program (took only a few days off to have the baby), I'm not sure if she'll be there this term if she didn't pass her courses. The other is due in March, right around spring break. She has a little less stress and seems to be doing fine so far - but, this is her first child.

Does your school have classes over the summer?

Good luck, and congratulations! There's nothing as sweet as a new baby, I always say. :)

SarasotaRN2b · Jan 2, 2005

Hi Chris,

First Welcome to allnurses!

Okay, it can be done but even under the best of circumstances, it is really tough. One of the most important things is to see if you have a strong support system. Having 3 little ones under 3 seems kind of overwhelming all by itself and adding nursing school may be just a little too much. Will you actually be in a nursing program or will you be working on your prereqs?

It is going to take major planning and you are going to have to be strict with yourself and with little ones, that isn't always possible as I am sure you know already.

I know of a girl who had her baby during the end of the fall semester...her husband was a great support, she missed but one class due to preterm labor, and wound up making up a clinical the next day, and she also got an A for the term. Yes, it can be done...but you are your best judge. Think of your most hectic day with your twins, and if you can add a baby and a full nursing curriculum and not lose your mind...go for it!

Kris

bluesky, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2005

2 girls (1st time moms) had babies in my class and made it to graduation (one with honors) last May_ they both had good support networks. One girl, single, with two other children, is still slowly working on it...

webblarsk · Jan 3, 2005

When I started Nursing School I had a 4 year old and a 3 year old. I got pregnant with my 3rd and delivered over Spring Break my final year. I had a very supportive family and wonderful instructors! It wasn't too bad.

HappyNurse2005, RN · Jan 3, 2005

we had a girl, 1st time mom have hers over christmas break last year. she came back in spring, but failed that semester? because of the baby? i dont know.

had another, who had her 2nd baby in Feb of 2nd semester. she's still in the class, starting 4th (last!!!) semester next week.

then there's me, due with baby #3 about 3 weeks before final exam of 4th semester. i can do it, no biggie. only b/c its right at the end, though.

another girl in my class, first baby,due at same time as me.

it can, and has been done

rose

lmcnabbkv · Jan 3, 2005

I had my daughter in october and was back to class within a week...my graduation was delayed a semester because i was on bedrest at one point but i made it no problem. i think as long as you have support and help during those times you need to study etc. it can be done. wherever theres a will theres a way right?! Good luck!!!

beautimouslove · Jan 3, 2005

well super moms out there , we can do it if we have a great support system.

pink.edwina · Jan 3, 2005

I did my RN with 4 kids, youngest was 5 months at the time. You will need really good support network. I don't want to knock my colleagues in any way at all but I think having kids and doing your RN gives you an edge. You have to have excellent organisational skills and steely determination just to get through. :chuckle. I don't know how good your school of nursing is but I would never have been allowed to use them as an excuse to submit late/change shifts. They were really inflexible on that. Things may be different for you. I know others who dropped off the course because it was not working for them, they chose to put their family first. You can start anytime but babies are only babies for a little while. I know I missed out on some special time by doing what I did. Good luck

Chris80s · Jan 3, 2005

Everyone, thank you for the replys. I will be starting 1st semester on the 10th. I have done all my prereqs - and I did those with the twins at home, worked out a sharing schedule with DHs work and my school. Now, they go to day care!! They started today, full time at a good friend and next door neighbor's house. My school, incidentally, is actually mostly non-traditional students, so I don't expect them to be cutting any slack for parenthood. If they did, they'd be cutting slack for 80% of the students. I do think, also, that if I do cut it, it will give me an edge - but the big question is "if." :uhoh21:

bmw804 · Jan 3, 2005

I am in the same situation. I thought I would be able to do it, but now I don't think so. My baby is due at the end of April which is the middle of part of the semester. My school is very strict with missing classes and being late. I work full time so it has been hard getting the kids from day care and rushing off to class. I don't think I will be able to continue when shcool starts on the 11th. I will have class 4 nights a week, so it will be tough on my children. I have decided to pursue the online program at Deaconess or see if I get accepted in the accelerated RN program. I have applied to two one for BSN which is 15 months and the ADN is about 15 months also. While on maternity leave I will be looking for a weekend job and hope I can take out loans to support me while not working. That is the only way I can do it. If my job were more flexible it wouldn't be as difficult but they're not.

Jess-RN in 2006 · Jan 3, 2005

I'm pregnant too, my baby is due two weeks before the start of my senior year, so aside from no sleep, I hopefully will be able to start right back with my class. A girl in our senior class had her baby over Thanksgiving and was back later that week....our school is really good about working with us, I have very bad morning sickness right now and am leaving class an average of 4-5 times in a three to four hour period, and they are very good about it. I think there is usually one student every year who gets pregnant, so they are used to dealing with it. The majority of our students are parents or have the potential to be parents, so its just something that is bound to happen. My instructor was teasing me today, telling me that she doesnt know what it is with nursing school, but it makes every fertile.....

but like everyone else has said, its rough but it can be done. My bf and I are engaged, and he wants me to move in once baby comes, but I am thinking about staying with my parents until I finish school, that way the extra help is right there....bf works long shifts and wont be home as much as I need him to be.....as long as you have the support, I'm sure you'll do just fine, esp since you have your pre-reqs done!