Pregnancy in nursing program

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Hello,

I just found out I am pregnant (I am guessing almost 6 weeks along) and I am going to be starting a BSN program in July of this year. I have been reading on here that other students that have had babies during their nursing program have been able to avoid taking any time off from school and completed their program on time. I have been asking my nursing faculty and they indicated that a leave MUST be taken because there are certain things that cannot be completed due to physical limitations and doctors clearances. How have other students been able to avoid this? I am worried because if I end up having to drop out of my cohort I may not be able to join with the next cohort. In the event there are no other pregnancies in another cohort, drop outs etc... there will be no space available. Is it possible that is all goes well with my pregnancy that my doctor can provide clearance throughout my pregnancy and post-partum care? Physical limitations for my program include being able to complete the following:

Frequently work in a standing position and do frequent walking. Lift and transfer patients up to 6 inches from a stooped position, then push or pull the weight up to 3 feet. Lift and transfer patients from a stooped to an upright position to accomplish bed-to-chair and chair-to-bed transfers. Physically apply up to 10 pounds of pressure to bleeding sites, or in performing CPR. Respond and react immediately to auditory instructions/requests/monitor equipment, and perform auditory auscultation without auditory impediments. Physically perform up to a twelve hour clinical laboratory experience. Perform close and distance visual activities involving objects, persons, and paperwork, as well as discriminate depth and color perception. Discriminate between sharp/dull and hot/cold when using hands. Perform mathematical calculations for medication preparation and administration. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar, vocabulary and wording. Make appropriate and timely decisions under stressful situations.

Thank you in advance for any helpful advice.

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I don't think they can make you drop or make you take a leave while you are pregnant. I know a girl in my program who made it through all of her classes so far while being pregnant without any problems (she just had the baby). They even told us at our orientation that there are no limitations with being pregnant in school or as a RN (unless of course you don't feel comfortable with lifting, etc. or want to take a leave).

Good luck!

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as a guy that would be really weird :eek:...we had a girl who got pregnant after we got accepted to NS, had the baby and then had to quit school because she had a 2 mos old to care for. That really sucks because if we got in when we applied (over 1 year earlier) she would have graduated before having the baby.

I quipped that she probably got preggers celebrating her acceptance letter. :yeah: :o :confused: :down:

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

First Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now as a mother of very lil ones and a nursing student I personally would find it hard. Not to perform while pregnant (I worked til my due date in a physical job) but going back right after right away. I'm curious if this is your first? It's hard to predict what it will be like for you because everyones experience is so individual. For me I had a hard time concentrating on school while being pregnant, the academic portion. I also had a hard time thinking about anything else but my newborn after they were born. So this was only my experience and I have heard so many stories of people that were able to do it, I think that the only one that will be able to figure out how it will be for you is you. Just don't put too much pressure on yourself, you're pregnant and that isn't going to change so just enjoy your pregnancy and if school works out it will and if not youc an always go back :)

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I don't see why you wouldn't be able to participate - after all, pregnancy isn't a disability.

Good luck to you! :)

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Thank you for all the responses. I don't see how it would be a disability! My school has "special circumstances" as well where students with ACTUAL disabilities can be accomodated. If they treat pregnancy as a disability I might as well conform to them for the purpose of being able to finish school. I worked so hard to jump through hoops to apply to this program and am on a time schedule since my husband is in the Marine Corps and is only stationed here for a certain amount of time. This will be my first child. I know it will be hard to go back to school right away but I need to try to do both. I will have school/clinicals 3 days per week and feel that it would make it harder having a baby but not impossible. My school was stating that being pregnant would require a leave of absence which is BS in my opinion. If I am capable and willing to continue the nursing program without taking leave then I should be allowed. I have read other posts where students have had a baby on Thursday and went back on Monday. If any work would be missed I would not expect "handouts" meaning I would be excused from the assignment or clinical. I am going to go to the doctor today to see what I can find out. My school wants to have a phone conference with me on Tuesday to discuss this. I have a feeling I am going to get ganged up on. Funny how nursing students are taught compassion and how to care for others yet I am getting no help or useful information what-so-ever!

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I work at an OB office and the only restrictions we give patients are: may not lift/push/pull more than 25 pounds and may not climb ladders. You can work until your due date! You will probable need a couple weeks off post partum though. But I don't think they can force you out. You might be able to still do homework if you have a lot of support.

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We had a woman who had her 5th child and her husband is deployed. She went into labor the day before clinicals started! she missed 2 weeks of clinical which is all we can miss...thats only 4 clinicals for us. When she started back she even pumped at clinical! the different instructors were very understanding bc she spoke with them before hand. Maybe if you bring it to their attenion and explain again also talk with several people from your school. we can fail 3 clinicals and still pass if we make 75 on all the others. maybe you could work the schedule like my friend did.

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Specializes in MPH Student Fall/14, Emergency, Research.

One of my classmates got the royal runaround when she became pregnant - they told her she'd have to skip a year, or would receive a chance to register only after the "rest of us" had done so and if there was room, etc etc.

She lodged a formal Human Rights grievance and they changed their minds pretty quickly.

Since she blazed the trail, I know of at least 4 other moms who have successfully juggled their responsibilities to both babies and school.

I can't imagine why being pregnant might preclude you from such taxing nursing student duties as reading, studying, raising your hand, and writing papers. If they mean clinical, well, there are plenty of 8 months+ pregnant RNs hard at work out there in the Real World...

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canundergrad- I am having the same sort of issues! I emailed my school and was talking with one girl, then she forwarded my email to another person, and so on. I was told that I HAVE to take leave. Which, it is BS if I am determined to do both then I should be allowed.

I understand that I will not want to leave a newborn at home with his/her dad since the military gives out 2 weeks of paid leave after birth. But, I want both and I feel that I am capable of doing both. I will pump during clinicals etc on breaks! Clearly it would make nursing school harder but I really do stand by the fact that there is no "perfect" time to have a child. I have worked as a CNA for years and I know pregnant women that have worked throughout their pregnancy. CNA's do heavy lifting and transfers throughout the entire day. I can't see how in nursing school it would require much patient transfers. I may be wrong. It seems like I will deliver during the med/surg part I. My school did say that I have to get doctors clearances throughout the program to make sure that I am physically capable of performing duties. Anyhow, I would think that if all goes well and there are no complications a doctor would be able to "OK" me for staying in the nursing program.

I really appreciate all of the helpful comments!

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I found out I'm pregnant last week... and this week that I was accepted into a nursing program! I'm worried about how my school handles this situation as well... but I hear "moms" do best on school due to their determination :) good luck to you!

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I found out I'm pregnant last week... and this week that I was accepted into a nursing program! I'm worried about how my school handles this situation as well... but I hear "moms" do best on school due to their determination :) good luck to you!

Congrats BizeeBee! Looks like we are in the same boat! It would be great to stay in contact throughout school since we will have similar experiences. So you are probably 5-6 weeks as well? When does your nursing program start? Where is your nursing school? I used to hear a lot that students that worked were better with time management resulting in better grades. I believe being pregnant and having a newborn would have the same outcome. Hard yes. Doable.... yes!

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