LPN program & new mom?!?!?

[vlynn08]

So I'm interested in starting the LPN program that is being offered in January at MVCTC but I have my doubts as to why I shouldn't start. You must be certified before starting the program and I'll have only one try to pass my STNA test before I have to retake the whole course all over again so I'm nervous I won't pass. But that is not my biggest concern. I'll be giving birth to my first child in December!!! I'm worried with the stresses of being a new mother that I wont be able to handle the full time course schedule. I guess I'm just looking for words of encouragement because this is something I really want to do. Any other new moms that went to nursing school after having a baby?

[missnurse01, MSN, RN]

Wow that is a lot on your plate! Are you going to have lots of support with the new baby-child care, babysitting while you study etc. Studying while watching the baby is going to be very difficult. Of course nothing is impossible, but waiting till the next start of the program might be easier on you as the baby will be a little older, sleeping through the night etc. Also an issue is if you are going to breastfeed-if so then you will have to pump every few hours at the school and at clinical.

Good luck with your decision!

[garnetgirl29, BSN, RN]

You will definitely need a GOOD support system and very reliable child care. You are definitely going to be sleep deprived. If your program is at all like mine though, our first semester was the easiest (not easy, but the easiest of the 3). It was a lot of CNA and just the fundamentals with lots of skills labs. Our second semester was the hardest because we had NUR 103 & Pharmacology. That semester was all consuming. I'm about to finish my 3rd (last) semester now & it's been very stressful, but we did have 2 weeks off, spring break and the week of the 4th, so that was nice. You won't know if you can do it if you don't try. A lot of my classmates failed out & are coming back in the fall. So, that is an option, too. But...if you have the determination and a good support system, it could be doable.

[missnurse01, MSN, RN]

my third semester was over the summer, it was 40 hours a week between lecture and clinical-then you had to study and do careplans on your own. it was really rough for 10 weeks!

[vlynn08]

Thanks for the replies! The CC I am enrolled in now has a LPN program, but since certain classes are only offered fall/spring semester it will take longer for me to finish (Spring 2014). I just want to get this done and over with I know that the faster I get my degree the better it will be for my child and I but I know motherhood has its demands. I looked into another school that offers the LPN program and they have evening classes starting in February through December. I guess I'm just in a hurry but I don't want to screw myself either...

[dancingostrich]

I did my prereqs with a baby. And I had an easier time studying when she was little and couldn't grab at my books or run away from me. She also took longer naps when she was younger. In saying that, I found out I got accepted into school july 17 to start aug 27. I gave birth to my second july 19th. I'm kind of worried, but I do think it will be easier starting now than waiting until she is older. I do know 2 girls who have had babies in the middle of the semester. So it is doable with the right support system. But you know yourself and what you are capable.