3months pregnant.nursing school

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · Mar 15, 2008

That is my story only add one more child at home. I was not planning baby #4- yet I was planning on nursing school. I had to go part time the 1st few years of his life because it was just too difficult having such a little one at home. I can not tell you how many times my husband (god love him--but not the most supportive) said "your the one that chose to go to school with 4 kids"

It is hard, but doable. My baby who was 5 at graduation said to me once "you never read me books out loud"...he always saw me with text books.

Now that I am done, I am very proud I was able to finish, I got good grades because I really had to have focused concentrated study time. I learned very quick excellent time management skills.

Here is my best tip----I would pack up my little ones and take them to Burger Kings play land, i was able to study for hours while the kids played. Free refills of tea for me and two tired little boys that would then go home and nap so I could study some more...We were probably at BK at least 2x a week. I used to joke with the mgr that they should give me a scholarship of free chicken nuggets.

You will have a harder time than some of your class mates, but you will be a better student because of it.

Best of luck!!!!! :yeah:

JenniG48 · Mar 15, 2008

During my PN program we had 5 students pregnant and delivered during the program. In my ADN program we have had 4 students pregnant-3 have delivered, 1 still pregnant. I can tell you that what they did was went to their instructors and worked out how they would get their work and clinical rotations done. It can be done, every one of the girls that delivered during the PN program, completed it. All the girls that have delivered this year are still in the program and will graduate in May. Most of the girls had other children at home. I would recommend talking to the instuctors for next years program now, see if you can start working on class work over the summer and make plans for getting any clinicals done. I can tell you it won't be easy, you will need good time management and family support, but it can be done.

happynursy74 · Mar 15, 2008

Congrats on the new little one! I have a friend who got pregnant during her last year of school, went home one afternoon pregnant, came back two days later - and no, I am not kidding- no longer pregnant. We all stood up and cheered when she walked into class, looking pale and a little drained but ready to go! It is hard, but she got through it with help from mom and mom-in-law, hubby and those of us who were willing to go over to her house and study while taking turns rocking and feeding the baby. As long as you are focused, willing to work hard and understand the end is closer than you think, you will get through. By the way, she is now charge nurse on a tele floor and raising her 2 boys. :bow:

LPNEMSCT · Mar 16, 2008

A fellow student was 9 months pregnant when we started the program and she had a cesarean section on Thursday and returned to school that Monday. She had five other kids at home and she is still in the program. She has alot of support. If she can do it, you can do it. Good Luck with everything.

litbitblack, ASN, RN · Mar 16, 2008

I was a single mom of two and pregnant with 3rd when I started lvn school in aug. i was due oct. I went to school having contractions cause it was hospital orientation and we had to attend if we were going to do clinicals. The instructor saw me and a friend mouthing contractions were 5 minutes apart when he said he thought I should go ahead and go to the hospital. I had her monday afternoon and was back in school on thursday. I thank my wonderful supportive mom for babysitting and helping me with things. I took the kids to the park and I studied. I wrote my papers with the baby in a carrier at the table with me. I literally fell asleep in class from being up all the time either caring for the kids or studying or working full time(yep did that to) so with determination and some supportive friends and family it can be done. I do think she missed out on time with me and I also didn't breastfeed her like the others because of school but she also got time the others didn't when I was studying cause she was content...

bandas · Mar 16, 2008

Possible...yes, easy...no! I don't mean to be a "Debbie Downer" but it is a very hard situation. The good thing in your case is that your children are older and a little more self-sufficient. In my case, I am in my 2nd year of nursing school and had a baby this last October. My other children were 2 yrs and 4 yrs. My saving grace is that I am a good student and had not been struggling previously to having the baby. In my school, I had to go back right away though. I was told that when I told my teachers that I was pregnant. And when I mean right away, I got out of the hospital on a Thurday and went back on Friday. Of course, I had a natural birth. You might want to go ahead and talk to your teachers, so that you can: 1) get a game plan for the next year, and 2) prepare for a safe pregnancy (like avoiding chemo precautions patients). Remember that your baby is number 1 priority. I still did all of my clinicals, but I did not get patients on chemo precautions when I was pregnant or breastfeeding. But there was plenty of other stuff to do on that floor anyways.

That first couple of months were awful because I was so exhausted. But Christmas break was a good time to get some needed rest. Every week I would just think, "I can do this until Christmas" and I did. Now that I'm in my final semester and the baby is 5 months old, we are doing very good. She is a good baby though, no colic, so that helps a lot. So just stay determined, rest, and study up. When you go to school in the fall, get as many assignments out of the way as soon as you can. Get your reading done early. See if you can get any reading assignments before school starts. And yes, if you are determined you can do it. And you will feel all the more proud of yourself.

Linchick · Mar 16, 2008

I will have to tell my story too. :mad: started nursing school in January, 8 months pregnant, and a 1 year old at home. month later I had the baby, contractions started at school, went to the hospital after school, delivered the baby at midnight, and 8 in the morning the next day I was sitting in the classroom. did not have a lot of help from my family, they all leave far away, cannot tell how many nights I didn't sleep at all, the rest of them 2-3 hours for a few months. It was really hard, but I did it, with good grades, and I am sure you can too, especially with help from your family. You are luky that you have someone to help you. Good luck!

labrador4122, RN · Mar 16, 2008

I will share my story too. I was 3 months pregnant when I started the RN program.

it was hard, but I had a good pregnancy, I still did everything and anything that was required of me.

I had the baby in the end of the second semester of nursing school, and everything would of been perfect and graduated in may of 07 but unfortunately I messed up on a math test that got me behind one semester.

I thank my mom for helping me with the baby, she was a hard baby, had colic, wouldn't sleep, and it was not easy...... but not impossible to complete the program.

I graduated, completed my RN degree, and made it as an RN now.

NanniesNurse12/8 · Mar 16, 2008

I am a senior nursing student due to graduate in May and I am 37 weeks pregnant with my second child. I have a 3 1/2 year old little girl. This was an unplanned pregnancy but regardless we are happy!

The only advice I can give is talk to your instructors and get ahead as much as possible. In my case my instructors know that my clinical skills are up to par if not above. My academics are good as well. I sat own with them and discussed what my options were. I did this about 3 months ago. So I have various alternative clinical assignments lined up. I will most likely end up with a c-section, and the expectation to have me working a floor two days in a row for 7.5 hours each day is unrealistic. I will take one week off completely and return to lectures the following week. They are allowing me to bring my newborn to lecture and lab, as I will be breastfeeding. The week after that I will return to lecture, lab, and clinical. My clinical instructor and I will decide how much or how little I can do. It may be only one patient, it may only be a chart study with an extensive care plan.

I think it all depends on how well you are doing, what your relationship with your instructors is like, and the comfort level with your skills. SOme people can continue on, some may need to take time off. You have to do what is best for you and your family. And remember plans can and do change!

Anyways. Good luck!!!

Jessica

newbeginnings2009 · Mar 17, 2008

Just as I expected, you all are so wonderful with all your words and stories of encouragement. I thank you all so much. It feels much better to hear it from nursing students since it seems we are the only ones who really know how demanding nursing school is. I feel much better and am so determined. Congrad's to all of you. I am very thankful to have found this website. :nuke: I know it will be hard and I guess when put in a situation you just have to deal with it and make the best of it. Good luck to everyone on their journey!!!

surromom · Mar 17, 2008

I start nursing school April 7th and I am currently 19w3d pregnant with twins. I talked to the instructors and they think I should stop the program and restart it. I am in an accelerated program with Med/surg starting second week of July and I am due Aug 7th. My only worry is a c section and going back, if its lady partsl I will be fine. I am a surrogate so thankfully there will be no babies for me to have to take care of, its just getting through the pregnancy w/o bedrest and a quick easy delivery so i don't have to step out of the program. my mindset right now is to press forward and not pull out.

its great to hear all the positive stories!!!