Pregnant and nursing school?

Published

Ok, I am 18 weeks pregnant and have been having a hard time finding work..so I decided why not go back to school. I decided to look into nursing schools and am happy and excited that I found one that fits me well and I can start in August. I am just concerned about it holding me back when I need maternity leave but if I wait until after the baby, I wouldnt be able to start until 4/2012. Thats like 8 months from now!!! I feel like that would hold me back more..at least I can start now, take a couple of months off, and come back and continue...IDK what to do!!!????

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oy.... pregnant and nursing school... that's going to be hard when you're exhausted or feel lousy (or end up on bedrest, God forbid). And, going to nursing school with a newborn- that wouldn't be any picnic, either.... :eek:

I'm sure there are plenty of moms out there who have some good advice...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have thought about all of that!! Luckily I have had a great pregnancy with no issues!! And I feel energized but I know as I get further along that can change! I have 2 kids already! I just have held off on nursing school and am dissapointed in myself that I didnt do it right after high school and went for a different path instead. I could have been done already lol...so I almost just want to get it going!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

At least you already know what it's like to have kids and recover from childbirth. That's a plus!! I know people do it; it sounds like you're fairly young- that will help, too :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

:) Thank you! Im only 24 and feel like i have already let too much time pass before actually starting nursing school! but I am deteremined to become a nurse!! it has been my dream and Ive put it off thinking it would be too hard but life is hard in general lol and I have gone on different school paths and ended up dropping the last courses I took since it wasnt interesting to me!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Tele.

I'm confused..do you mean pregnancy leave at your job? They don't give pregnancy leave in nursing school. If you miss more than a couple days, your out!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The school Im going to attend has a leave of absence that can amount up to 180 days (which I definently wouldnt be out that long) so I can use that for when I have my baby. I know it doesnt offer maternity leave I should have said that differently lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That helps a lot :) Wow- things have come a long way !!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Tele.

Wow! I wish my school offered that! ha That makes more sence. Do you have to wait a semester to come back though? Like for instance if you have to leave the middle of a semester do u have to wait til the beginning of the next semester to start back?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thats what I am trying to figure out. Im calling tomorrow to speak to the counselor again since I forgot to ask a few questions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical Surgical, Public Health.
ok, i am 18 weeks pregnant and have been having a hard time finding work..so i decided why not go back to school. i decided to look into nursing schools and am happy and excited that i found one that fits me well and i can start in august. i am just concerned about it holding me back when i need maternity leave but if i wait until after the baby, i wouldnt be able to start until 4/2012. thats like 8 months from now!!! i feel like that would hold me back more..at least i can start now, take a couple of months off, and come back and continue...idk what to do!!!????

congrats on both baby and nursing school! :yeah: i gave birth twice during nursing school...2 pregnancies, a boy and girl 18-months apart. :hug: the school i went to did not allow for maternity leave. i missed a couple days of school when my son was in nicu and those days were counted towards the total number of days i was allowed to miss during the year. it didn't matter to the school or my advisor that my son was in the nicu over 100 miles away. there was zero tolerance for my situation. i was expected to be in class, on time, with assignments completed the morning after i gave birth, preferably the same day. to be honest, i have no idea how i got through those pregnancies and school simultaneously, but i did it and i graduated with honors. i was just determined i guess...it's all a blur to be honest...i'm guessing it wasn't pretty lol. :banghead: so while i don't have any specific advice per say, i just wanted you to know that if nursing school and baby are something you want at the same time, it can be done and has been done by others. that said, doing one at a time, in my opinion, would be an honorable choice as well. good luck, good grades, and good health to you and yours!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion