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.
Yay! We def should ... yes I'm 5 weeks and school starts end of August! This is my first baby... but I have a supportive family so I'm not too worried :) I live in Virginia- school is John Tyler Community College ..I will be in a Hybrid program, so many of the class activity will be online.
What about you?? Isn't it such a race of emotions to find out you're pregnant AND accepted into nursing school?!?
Yay! We def should ... yes I'm 5 weeks and school starts end of August! This is my first baby... but I have a supportive family so I'm not too worried :) I live in Virginia- school is John Tyler Community College ..I will be in a Hybrid program, so many of the class activity will be online.
What about you?? Isn't it such a race of emotions to find out you're pregnant AND accepted into nursing school?!?
That is exciting! I start the beginning of July and am supposed to graduate May 2013. Each of my classes are 1-2 months long (one class at a time). This is my first baby too. It was crazy to find out. I took two tests because I was sure that I was having impaired vision haha! My husband and I have some family that live down in California but none of our parents. However, we are moving onto base in a couple months and we have a couple friends there that I am sure would help us watch the baby during the day while I was at school etc... I am ready to shop already! I am going to National University in San Diego.
It could very well be in the 'contract' you sign with the school that if you should become pregnant then you have to take time off. While I don't think a year is needed, I do think maybe a semester would be best.
They could have this rule for their protection as well. If you were to get injured or ill they don't want a lawsuit. Also, if you needed to go on bed rest, your tuition is gone, so its protecting you.
I found out I was pregnant while in nursing school. I was in the sophomore year of my program and had 2 yeas to graduate. It was very sad for me to have to quit. He was due in November.
Now he will be starting kindergarten in the fall and I will be going back to school to finish my degree.. I am so excited...
Congratulations on your pregnancy and nursing school acceptance.. what an exciting time..
My school does does not work in semesters unfortunately. It is a private school and it is one class at a time. Each class is one-2 months depending on which class it is. I was told I would have to take time off, the minimum is 3 months since their nursing programs start every 3 months. However, if the proceeding cohorts do not have any students drop or take time off then I cannot start my program. I even asked if they could "secure" me a spot to take 3 months off and start again in February (I am due in December) and they said no. I think it is crap because I am not even in the nursing program yet and I made my school aware and am trying to be a good student/mother at the same time.
I really appreciate all the anecdotal evidence about pregnancy while in nursing school. I believe that there are some exceptional women out there who are capable of having a baby, popping it in daycare, and finishing up school without skipping a beat. The reality is that most drop out. We've lost a couple of pregnant classmates who have left, not due to health reasons but due to failing grades. You might as well try and see what you are capable of. You can also try to push the rules but you need to be really flexible in case not everything turns out perfectly.
I really appreciate all the anecdotal evidence about pregnancy while in nursing school. I believe that there are some exceptional women out there who are capable of having a baby, popping it in daycare, and finishing up school without skipping a beat. The reality is that most drop out. We've lost a couple of pregnant classmates who have left, not due to health reasons but due to failing grades. You might as well try and see what you are capable of. You can also try to push the rules but you need to be really flexible in case not everything turns out perfectly.
I too believe it is all on the person. I am hoping I can be one of those! Not saying that newborns are "easy" but it is a lot of sleeping, eating. I don't think you have to worry as much about crawling around, and getting into everything as you do with toddlers. My husband is very supportive which is nice and know he will support me 100% and help anyway that he can.
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.
You're not going to be "working" though... you're going to school. Learning. Practicing. Testing. Being successful. Graduating. All with a pregnancy and newborn. Then you're working with a toddler. Can you carry your pregnancy, your school work, then your baby and more school work without either one suffering? Your baby trumps your school plans, IMNSHO. Take the time off to care for your baby. Nursing school will still be there but your baby is only a baby once.
You're not going to be "working" though... you're going to school. Learning. Practicing. Testing. Being successful. Graduating. All with a pregnancy and newborn. Then you're working with a toddler. Can you carry your pregnancy, your school work, then your baby and more school work without either one suffering? Your baby trumps your school plans, IMNSHO. Take the time off to care for your baby. Nursing school will still be there but your baby is only a baby once.
I completely agree with you. I believe that many students have done it which means anyone has potential to do both if they set their mind to it.
I completely agree with you. I believe that many students have done it which means anyone has potential to do both if they set their mind to it.
Yes, lots of people have done it. Anyone can get to the moon if they set their mind to it. Determination and meeting the goal is the least of your problems.
Rest, nutrition, reducing stress, taking care of your body, and baby. Dealing with pregnancy complications, delivery complications... Cesarean rate of the US is 1:3. If you have a cesarean, there is no way you'll have a doctor sign you off for return to clinical. Postpartum complications (depression, uterine infection, mastitis all from no rest, poor nutrition, and trying to do too much), baby complications (colic, not enough milk for her from pumping on the fly, etc.) I'm a midwife in "my other life" so I know a bit about what I'm saying with regard to women who underestimate their pregnancy and birth just being another ordinary day when they're in a rush to get back into work and school lives.
Yes, lots of people have done it. Anyone can get to the moon if they set their mind to it. Determination and meeting the goal is the least of your problems.
Rest, nutrition, reducing stress, taking care of your body, and baby. Dealing with pregnancy complications, delivery complications... Cesarean rate of the US is 1:3. If you have a cesarean, there is no way you'll have a doctor sign you off for return to clinical. Postpartum complications (depression, uterine infection, mastitis all from no rest, poor nutrition, and trying to do too much), baby complications (colic, not enough milk for her from pumping on the fly, etc.) I'm a midwife in "my other life" so I know a bit about what I'm saying with regard to women who underestimate their pregnancy and birth just being another ordinary day when they're in a rush to get back into work and school lives.
My problem with not wanting to take time off is that my husband is in the Marines and wants to transfer to the Coast Guard so he will not be deployed. Anyhow, he will be done in December of 2012 and without taking any time off I will graduate May 2013. IF I could start after taking a 3 month break my husband would be long gone or would get out of the military and get a job in SD which wouldn't be as beneficial as being in the military.
BizeeBee
5 Posts
Yay! We def should ... yes I'm 5 weeks and school starts end of August! This is my first baby... but I have a supportive family so I'm not too worried :) I live in Virginia- school is John Tyler Community College ..I will be in a Hybrid program, so many of the class activity will be online.
What about you?? Isn't it such a race of emotions to find out you're pregnant AND accepted into nursing school?!?