Pregnant and Accelerated Second Degree BSN

newnurse2005 · Mar 27, 2005

I'm in an accelerated program right now (2nd degree). We have a student who gave birth right in the middle of the program. Get this: it's her third child: all are under age three!!!! She's really energetic and very, very intelligent. She's doing just fine with everything, although she does need to miss a few days here and there because her children have some health issues. You really have to be committed to the program. Personally, I don't think I would have done it. If this is your first child, then you'll miss out on a lot of time with the baby that you'll never get back. Plus, you need to look at the accelerated nature of the progam itself. What about when you're finished? Is there really a rush to go back to work? If it were me, I wouldn't chance it. I just wanted to post this message to let you know that it's been successfully done before, and to realize that there are definite drawbacks. There are options: like going part-time in a traditional program. That way, you'll have an outlet and your independence: but you wouldn't be completely stressed out. Tough decision, indeed!!!

Let me know what you decide! Good luck to you! :)

Pride of July28 · Mar 27, 2005

I took a pregnancy test Monday and it was positive. I am starting an accelerated second degree BSN in May. I didn't exactly plan it this way (though we didn't prevent it). Am I crazy to think I can do both? I really don't want to put off school it I can at all complete the program now.

Hello and congrats

I am currently in a 15 month accelerated BSN (2nd degree) and am 5 months pregnant-- first baby. I will deliver in Aug as well as finish school and I say go for it! You will need lots of sleep between studying and you need to pay close attention to your body- squat to lift lighter stuff, sit when you need a breather, etc. Don't be afraid to ask for help. That being said, be careful not to "milk" it either. I hate to say it but you'd think that women would understand pregnancy and most do but you will run into the occassional "when I was pregnant, I pulled a plow, squatted -delivered and picked it back up!" but you do what's good for you and your baby. I'm not sure how long your program is but with the right balance and support from your school-- it can be done. My dean told me" we'll work it out-- we are a womens profession" (no offense to any male nurses out there- that's what she said though!) The previous poster does make a point in that-- when you deliver in your course of studies does matter-- I will be finished 2 weeks after delivery and in summer I will go 1 day of class so I will only possibly miss 2 class sessions and she said I can get the info online. You will need to really work things out with the school but you know. .. .I guess I just believe you received both of these gifts for a reason. :Present1: :Present1:

Feel free to email me for support or chatting etc.

best wishes

Altra, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2005

Congratulations :balloons:

First things first ... you'll want to check what your school's policy is on attending clinicals after you have your baby. My school prohibits attendance at clinicals until after the 6-week post-partum exam.

I'd urge you to think about what another poster mentioned: accelerated programs are extremely demanding (so are traditional programs :chuckle ). You can't get this time with your baby back. You'll have to weigh how you feel about having someone else care for your baby, not just one or two days per week, but a lot.

JMO, but I'm a great fan of "having it all" -- but NOT all at the same time.

riverviewyeah · Sep 5, 2010

Hi!! I'm in the original posters' boat now. I just found out I am pregnant. I am supposed to start a 12 month ABSN program in January and I'll be delivering in May, probably close to the beginning of my 2nd semester. I'm not sure what to do. I really want to continue with the nursing program but I'm scared that I'll be too exhausted to study while I'm in later pregnancy. I'm also worried that it will be hard to study with a newborn. Any advice? Past experience? Would it be easier to go to school while pregnant or with a newborn? Easier with a newborn or a toddler?

milksteak · Sep 6, 2010

I didn't start the nursing program while pregnant but was pregnant for 2 semesters and summer semester of co reqs and pre reqs. To be honest, I never did better than when I was pregnant. There was something about it that made me concentrate more, my head was clear.. I had a great pregnancy! But as far as taking classes with a newborn- I think everyones different. i had my son in January so I took the Spring semester off.. I started back up in the summer and it was alright. Didn't get much time to study seeing as my child is the most active kid in the world but I made time like when he takes his naps or at night.

You will be able to pull through it no matter what if you set your mind to it. You're a mom and once you realize that picking up that book and getting through a study session will benefit your kid, you will do it. I always say that to myself when I don't want to do an assignment.

riverviewyeah · Sep 6, 2010

Thanks a lot for replying! Can I ask you another question? If all goes well with the delivery...how soon do you think I could go back to class? Is missing only 2 days realistic, for example?