Need help coping with death of a loved one while in nursing school

[lobatse]

Today is the saddest day of my life. I have cried my heart out on receiving the sad news that my mother is no more. I am in the last semester of an accelerated BSN program with two clinical rotations in progress and 20 credits load. I have classes full full time 3 days a week and 2 days of clinical. I am struggling with the decision to skip class to attend her funeral abroad(I need at least 4 days).

I am scared that the school will not let me skip a day of clinical hours and a couple classes. i think they will likely tell me that without enough clinical hours they will fail me. This is not a feasible alternative for me because all the money invested in this term will go to waste. I do not work and my credit wont allow me to borrow more money to return next semester to complete those same 20 credits.

On the other hand if i do not attend my mothers funeral I feel like I will feel guilty and haunted for the rest of my life.

I don't know if i'm making sense to myself or any of you but I guess what I'm looking for any suggestion or advice especially from anyone who has gone through similar experience.

i feel so alone and lost.I will really appreciate any input.

[nowim clean]

I a so sorry for your loss. I lost my mom last year and it still breaks my heart. The wife lost her dad while we were in nursing school, and the instructors gave us both time off. Most places will allow you to miss sometimes you have to make clinical up at an extra cost but it is doable. Know that your mom is smiling down on you but that will replace the phone calls life will get hard just take it one day at a time.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Since it is an accelerated program, they may allow you to return at another time if you need that time off.

Go to the funeral. (((HUGS)))

[laKrugRN]

Please listen to your heart. You school should be more than understanding. HUGS!

[RunBabyRN]

Good luck speaking with the dean. I agree that you should go. Things like this, nursing schools are generally willing to bend the rules. Life doesn't stop just because we're in nursing school. I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my grandfather in nursing school, and it was hard, but I can't imagine losing my mother. Hugs.

[ladybuglovee]

I am so sorry for your loss. Your school should let you attend your mother's funeral and take a couple days off, I can't imagine that they wouldn't. My brother suddenly passed away at the end of my summer semester this year, and my program allowed me to take a week off, even though I was scheduled for SIM lab, two tests, and clinical. They just had me make it up the next week. I recommend giving yourself a at least a few days to do nothing - I needed at least one week just to regain physical functioning and pass through the symptoms of shock. Even if I had failed out of the program I would not regret dropping everything during that week for my brother, it truly was necessary. It's been two months now, and I am able to function through my last semester in a way that appears normal, albeit with great difficulty.

[lobatse]

Thanks all for your comments. i followed my heart and was lucky enough to have understanding faculty.I was able to take a couple of days off to attend the burial and return to school. Some days are worse than others but i'm thankful for how everything turned out.

[StudentOfHealing]

Hugs just plenty of hugs. I know no words or advice will turn around your feelings, I know. I just wish I could give you a good ole hug. Take some time for yourself. Eat your favorite foods. This is such an aching and dwelling pain. My prayers are with you. It may be online but know you have a community of support here for you.

:hugs:

[SnowballDVM]

I'm very sorry for the loss of your mother, and I'm glad you were able to attend her funeral. Best wishes for the rest of the semester, and your career as a nurse!