I'm due to deliver a week before clinicals start. Should I take a semester off?

beth66335, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2008

Are you going to be working in clinicals the semester after you deliver? If so there might be a problem, as women who have had a baby are usually put on lift restrictions for about 6 weeks postpartum. If your school will work with you, then stay in school. I had a friend who gave birth 5 weeks into 3rd semester and our school made accommodations for her so she could stay in...but her deliver was perfect w/ no complications. If this is your first child (or really even if it isn't) you have to consider the possibility of a less than perfect birth and therefore needing time off, but don't worry if that happens you will still finish. Finishing is still finishing whenever it happens, and your health and the baby's is most important now. Good Luck to you, and a safe delivery and healthy little one too!:heartbeat

avahnel, ASN, RN · Dec 21, 2008

There was a girl in my class this year who gave birth on a Mon and was there at clinicals on Thurs. She could not take a year off school. She was on light duty for moving patients, but she did not have to ask for help any more than any of the rest of us. The CI just did not give her pts that were full assists. So, it is doable!! I am sure if you have family support you will be fine. Good luck!!!

Riseupandnurse · Dec 21, 2008

It is doable, but is it desirable? I know of several students who tried this. They wound up failing the clinical and had to repeat it, losing a year anyway. In the meantime they missed precious time with their baby that they will never get back. My baby turns 30 in two weeks---what i would give to have just one of those days back.

Alternator81 · Dec 21, 2008

A girl in my class gave birth on a Friday and was at clinicals on Monday. I remember that she didn't finish a careplan because she was up all night with a crying baby and was not cut one bit of slack- she got in big trouble. Just make sure you have a good support system!

caliotter3 · Dec 21, 2008

Everyone who was pregnant and/or delivered while in my program kept up with the program. I would have to say that you have to weigh whether or not you want to miss out on an entire year of school. Frankly, I would not want to. Hopefully, you will actually deliver before clinicals start so you can start with everyone else. A lot can happen in a year off from school. I just wouldn't chance it. But then that is me. You have to give this a great deal of thought. I do remember one person that I met on the job who had been attending another program. This is what happened to her. She took off to have her baby and was promised a seat in the RN program where she left off when she was ready to return. The school screwed her and said there was no longer a space for her, but they "allowed" her to finish the LVN program instead. Food for thought. I would get any promise to save your space in writing.

melmarie23, MSN, RN · Dec 21, 2008

This is one of my greatest fears actually. I am recently married and have been reading up on Natural Family Planning (NFP) as a means of birth control as I no longer wish to be on hormonal birth control any longer. I was recently accepted into a direct entry MSN program set to start next month (Jan. 2009). Since its accelerated, the thought of an unplanned pregnancy is scary as I dont want to have to drop out of my program/fall behind. Sadly, I think I am going to stay on hbc for the time being as I dont want to chance it. Whats another 2 years right?

I hope that your school can work with you and that you are able to finish on time. I wish you all the luck and congrats on your pregnancy!:bby:

tntrn, ASN, RN · Dec 21, 2008

This is one of my greatest fears actually. I am recently married and have been reading up on Natural Family Planning (NFP) as a means of birth control:

I'm old, my kids are 32 and 36, and here's the advice my Dad (81 today) gave me when I first got married. Do you know what people who use the "rhythm method" are called? Parents.

melmarie23, MSN, RN · Dec 21, 2008

its not the "rhythm method" at all actually.

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/contraceptive/126.html

http://www.ovusoft.com/library/primer002.asp

liteskin_qtee · Dec 21, 2008

I'm old, my kids are 32 and 36, and here's the advice my Dad (81 today) gave me when I first got married. Do you know what people who use the "rhythm method" are called? Parents.

:chuckle:yeah:lol..ur dad is a very wise man :cool:

melmarie23, MSN, RN · Dec 21, 2008

its quite frustrating how ignorant those in the medical community are about FAM/NFP. I very much suggest checking out those links or picking up TCOYF (the book referenced in the 2nd link I provided).

**CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN** · Dec 21, 2008

As for birth control, there are plenty of non-hormonal methods. I relied on condoms until a few years into my relationship with my current BF. I switched to a hormonal "nuva ring". There are IUDs which are temporary. One can be hormonal. There are (or were) the diaphragm, spermicidal jellies and foams, the "female" condom, and I'm sure some others.

As far as having a baby is concerned. Although I'm not a parent, I feel strongly that a parent's first duty is to the child. The first few months in an infants development are very critical. The child's feelings of safety and security. The health benefits from breast feeding (for both mother and child). The overall bonding between mother and child. I think taking a year off is only fair to your child (and you). I think when people chose to have children, they should accept the responsibility of being a parent. School can wait. There are women on these forums getting their degrees in their 50s. A one year gap in your education won't matter much in 5 years. But, like I said. I'm not a parent, and a good part of the reason is that I believe children deserve more in a parent than I'd feel capable of giving.