Pregnant in nursing school

brit.pz · Jul 29, 2015

Could you speak with someone from the nursing program to see what their policy is regarding absences and missed clinicals (or labs)?

In my ADN program we had several girls who were pregnant during first semester. We also start out doing clinicals right away (literally the first week!) so what these girls were able to do was to "bank" extra clinical hours by attending other clinical shifts. But then again these ladies were due at the very end of the semester so they had the time to get the hours in. Some programs may be more strict and not allow any absences or allow make-up clinicals or labs.

If you were considering not attending this Fall semester would you be able to start in Spring?

mrsboots87 · Jul 29, 2015

Defer your placement. Hands down. You will probably get a commentor or two who have done this successfully, but they are the exception and not the rule. Once you are in class a few weeks you can no longer drop for a refund. If you get put on bedrest early, develop pre-e, have preterm labor, basically a whole slew of problem, then you will have to drop and will have paid for nothing. The drop will also likely take up one of the probable 2 fail/withdrawals a program allows before being dropped. Also, from the perspective of someone who has two children, that last month or two are killer. You will be tired ALL THE TIME, your hips will hurt, your lower back will hurt, your feet may sell, you will have to pee ALL THE TIME, and most importantly, you will not be aloud to lift anything heavy like say a patient. Block one of a nursing program is about the basics and you will likely only be able to pass meds and help the CNAs. I highly doubt that any doctor would sign off on a health and physical document that clears you to do this. Effectively taking you out of clinical. Also, after you have the baby, you will be light duty for a few weeks while you heal. And that is barring any complications during birth or postpartum. Basically, it would not be a good idea to attend knowing you are due any time. If you are going to do it anyway, then just heed the warning and hope for the best, Congrats and GL.

bridgegeisler · Jul 30, 2015

Thank you so much. That was extremely helpful. I think you're right. As much as I don't want to waste time finishing the program, I'd rather do it right. I appreciate your insight.

missycrowell · Jul 30, 2015

I'm doing it. It's awful and I'm sick all the time. Clinical days are the worst. I frequently have to walk out of patients rooms and sit down in the hall from nausea or dizziness. My instructors are very understanding of this though. I'm sure not all schools will be okay with that. I'm always exhausted and sick but I'm making it through. I have a ton of snacks and drinks on me at all times. That's just my situation though. Only you know what's best for yourself.

paramedic90 · Oct 19, 2015

I found out I was pregnant during my first month of paramedic school. I told myself I can do it so I didn't take any time off. Well during my second semester I was so unbelievably miserable I lost all interest in school work and clinicals and ended up dropping out and not finishing. I decided to finish my nursing prerequisites and apply to Valencia and I start this spring also. But long story short, take time off. Especially if it's your first baby. I was so miserable and unhappy, you will be happy if you defer.