So I got accepted into the nursing program and started my first semester of a five semester program this past spring. (Only 1 class- fundamentals).
Well, last month I found out I was pregnant (so late) and I will be due aug 17. Fall semester starts aug 20. only be 3 days after Im scheduled to give birth!!! I will have a full schedule including pharm, med surg, lab, and clinical. I have made it all these months and I am not showing big yet and none of my teachers/classmates know.
My plan was to finish nursing school first before having a family,.. Honestly, I was not even thinking about having kids until years and years down the line. But it happened Im in my very early 20s, still living at home, and I will have some support from the father, his family, and mine but I do not know how consistent that will be.
Also they already gave us our schedule options and we may have a choice. Do you guys think I should split my days (a day between each class day) or combine them and have thur-sun off? Trying to plan for success here!
I am extremely nervous. The nursing program will be hard enough for me without a newborn. Do you guys think I can handle a newborn with my first busy semester? Will I even want to be apart from my baby? Giving it up to babysitters at 3 days old?! I was planning on breast feeding.
You should talk to your school and see if you have options. When i gave birth to my first child i had 8 stitches down there and i couldn't walk or sit for 2 monthsí ½í¸ i couldn't even stand up for 5 mins because i was in pain. Everyone is different though. You really don't know when you'll have your baby either or really plan things out because you just won't know what could happen.
Yes my mom and the father will be there for me. He actually will be taking a month of paid leave so that will be an amazing help as we adjust.
No way! I'll burn myself out! I wish I could work but I will not have time of energy for that.
Well a few hours a day being gone 2-3x a week isn't so bad? The only full day would be the 7am -7pm clinical shift. I do still have 3-4 days off. How is studying with a newborn? Were you guys who did it able to? Or will I need someone watching baby while I study?
I'm just trying to think positive but I am aware a newborn is not going to be easy.
Maybe I can have my teachers email me the book and syllabus over summer so I can get a head start on studying before baby gets here.
i think I read something on our handbook that allowed for semester absence under extreme circumstances. I will update you on Monday when I find out for sure.
I didn't take into consideration my recovery after birth could be longer and more complicated than I invisioned.
just don't tell them what type of procedure you had incase you have to get a C/S. Classmate got an induction over spring break, and ended up needing a C/S and the drs wouldn't clear her to go back to school so now she's a semester behind. you can't control the date that the baby is going to come.
Another had a baby a week before school started our first semester and she did fine
I know you said you worked really hard to get into a nursing program and taking time of wasnt the ideal option. But I would recommend you take time off. When I had a baby there was numerous challenges I faced.Every woman has a different experience but having a baby takes a toll on your body and its important to rest as much as possible. Newborns eat sleep and poop around the clock. But that literally means around the clock. So ideally you would want help so you can rest during the night. You mentioned breastfeeding which is a great option but it has challenges too. For example when you milk first comes in your super engorged and need to pump every hour in order to keep your supply and to prevent mastitis. And like a previous poster mentioned having a baby is huge life change that comes with TONS of stress. And then add that on top of nursing school stress... Your putting yourself at higher risk for postpartum depression. I think taking a semester off will help you adjust to the change and give your self time to recover.
I found out I was pregnant in nursing school after only being there 2 months. (My baby is 27 years old now).
Here's the thing; being a new mother is an enormous responsibility and you are FOOLING YOURSELF if you think you can give birth and
get to school in that short of a time.
Part of being an adult, a parent, a professional nurse is understanding your limitations and understanding how those limitations effect those
you are caring for.
That baby is only going to be a baby once. TAKE THE TIME OFF. I KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.
Nursing school is very important. Do it next year. You have a new life to take care of!!
Ten years from now none of this will matter to the school, but IT WILL MATTER to that new little life and to the patients that you
eventually will care for.
(I was up all night with a new baby and in school all day long. I truly don't know how I did it but I
lived on caffeine. It wasn't fair to me, my baby or my schooling but I'll tell you without that new baby I don't think I would have had
that inner fire and drive to finish RN school). Life isn't fair so don't expect it to be.
In one year your baby will be older and be SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT. Plan for sickness, have a backup sitter. My baby got the chicken pox when I was getting ready to do my final rotation of clinicals and missing one day would have failed me from the course.
I think the most important thing in this situation is your health as well as your baby's. As others have stated here, I think it would be advisable to consider taking time off from nursing school. Heading into a busy semester of nursing school with a newborn is no easy feat. Only you know if this is something you can handle, but for many people this situation would be very stressful. Stress that could take a toll on your health. I think it's also important to remember that those precious first weeks with your baby would be clouded by classes, clinicals, and studying. You would have to decide if this is something you want.
I completely understand how you feel that you have worked so hard to get where you are and don't want to give it up. However, you are still early in your nursing school journey and taking a break now would be far easier than waiting to take a break later into the program. Even if your school wouldn't allow you to take a break, you could always reapply to nursing school and you would only have to repeat one course. Your hard work to get where you are today wouldn't go away since you could still use any prerequisite classes you have taken to apply to nursing school.
I hope this helped you and I truly wish you and your baby the best! You are so strong and courageous for heading into this journey! Only you know what is best for you and your family! Best of luck!
There is a lot of sleep deprivation with a newborn. Unless your parents plan to be up each night with your baby so you can sleep it is going to wear on you being up and down all night those first several weeks/months. You'll experience tiredness you've probably never known. And if you are planning to breastfeed or pump, to keep your supply that means usually you have to do it in the middle of the night too. Breastfeeding & pumping is a job in itself, you'll see what I mean soon. I'm not trying to be negative, but realistic. The logistics of your plan is very "if-fy". Even if you have the perfect delivery & recovery it will be physically & emotionally challenging (don't discount what hormones will make you feel). Of course there is always a chance things won't go perfect too, what do you plan to do if that happens? Honestly, I understand not wanting to delay, but if you delay I don't think you'll ever regret it.
If you will be in clinical, you may be bending and lifting patients which may not be advised after childbirth - especially a C-section. God forbid there's any issues with your health or your babys health, you may not be able to devote the time you need to your classes. With the due date being so close to the start of class I'd suggest to wait or maybe take one class if possible to lighten the load. It sucks to put it off for a year but it will be worth it in the end. I failed one of my classes and had to repeat it which set me back a year, but I become close to several of my newer classmates and am happier even though it took longer.
1. I talked to the dean of the program. She said there are a certain amount of days I can miss for the semester. she said I would have to inform my teachers and work it out with them. I cannot miss the first day of clinical. As far as taking a semester off, that isn't an option. I would have to take the year off and if there is any space I can start again. (Basically if someone drops)
- I know a lot of you are saying to take time off and go to the nursing program later but you have to understand I am in California and it is extremely competitive!! If I leave this program there is no guarantee when I'll get in again. And nursing prerequisites don't last forever here. I've made it so far just to give up this opportunity would be crazy.
2. My doctor said she can induce me early to give me more time. Saying After 39 weeks, there is "no need" to continue pregnancy. She thinks I can do it if I have a great support system but breastfeeding may be difficult. Especially with a 12 hour clinical day. I don't know how I feel about inducing labor though.
3. I am feeling really down about things. Hearing that my plan to continue school might not work out
Then... I got my final grade back and I was less 1% away from an 83% which is a B at my school. Meaning I got a C in my fundamentals. Then Me and nursing buds all went out to eat and they were all drinking and planning this weekend and summer to go out and drink. It's sad I'm so young and I already feel like I'm missing out and have to take a seat to everything now! This pregnancy has me feeling down I haven't seen my friends in months. I know I'm thinking selfishly but I can't help it. I was on birth control and really responsible about it. this wasn't supposed to happen but I guess life doesn't go as planned and I am blessed. Maybe it will be the greatest thing to happen to me.
1. I talked to the dean of the program. She said there are a certain amount of days I can miss for the semester. she said I would have to inform my teachers and work it out with them. I cannot miss the first day of clinical. As far as taking a semester off, that isn't an option. I would have to take the year off and if there is any space I can start again. (Basically if someone drops)
- I know a lot of you are saying to take time off and go to the nursing program later but you have to understand I am in California and it is extremely competitive!! If I leave this program there is no guarantee when I'll get in again. And nursing prerequisites don't last forever here. I've made it so far just to give up this opportunity would be crazy.
2. My doctor said she can induce me early to give me more time. Saying After 39 weeks, there is "no need" to continue pregnancy. She thinks I can do it if I have a great support system but breastfeeding may be difficult. Especially with a 12 hour clinical day. I don't know how I feel about inducing labor though.
3. I am feeling really down about things. Hearing that my plan to continue school might not work out
Then... I got my final grade back and I was less 1% away from an 83% which is a B at my school. Meaning I got a C in my fundamentals. Then Me and nursing buds all went out to eat and they were all drinking and planning this weekend and summer to go out and drink. It's sad I'm so young and I already feel like I'm missing out and have to take a seat to everything now! This pregnancy has me feeling down I haven't seen my friends in months. I know I'm thinking selfishly but I can't help it. I was on birth control and really responsible about it. this wasn't supposed to happen but I guess life doesn't go as planned and I am blessed. Maybe it will be the greatest thing to happen to me.
Anything that' man made can be unmade (birth control). Nevertheless, do not beat yourself up about it. People have babies all the time and still manage to reach their goals. Many of us have given you testimony to that.
It's your life but please do not induce your labor for a nursing program. Don't put you or your baby's health in jeopardy. If you have to take time off, so be it. There are far too many nursing programs to be risking your health and sanity for one.
My advice would be to sit down, weigh the pros and cons, add in all the potential scenarios that could happen (good and bad) and be honest with yourself, then go from there. Do what's best for you but do not force yourself to be superwoman. Always be honest and realistic with yourself. It will save you a lot of headache, heartache, and hurt.
I found out I was pregnant in nursing school after only being there 2 months. (My baby is 27 years old now).
Here's the thing; being a new mother is an enormous responsibility and you are FOOLING YOURSELF if you think you can give birth and
get to school in that short of a time.
Part of being an adult, a parent, a professional nurse is understanding your limitations and understanding how those limitations effect those
you are caring for.
That baby is only going to be a baby once. TAKE THE TIME OFF. I KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.
Nursing school is very important. Do it next year. You have a new life to take care of!!
Ten years from now none of this will matter to the school, but IT WILL MATTER to that new little life and to the patients that you
eventually will care for.
(I was up all night with a new baby and in school all day long. I truly don't know how I did it but I
lived on caffeine. It wasn't fair to me, my baby or my schooling but I'll tell you without that new baby I don't think I would have had
that inner fire and drive to finish RN school). Life isn't fair so don't expect it to be.
In one year your baby will be older and be SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT. Plan for sickness, have a backup sitter. My baby got the chicken pox when I was getting ready to do my final rotation of clinicals and missing one day would have failed me from the course.
Wish I could've liked this more than once! Beautifully said! That precious life is number one OP.
Wish I could've liked this more than once! Beautifully said! That precious life is number one OP.
Thank you so much. I cry when I think about it all. I was a single, new mother and just trying to do my best. Now that I know what I know, these babies are just far, far too important to be considered a nuisance or an obstacle in the way of our "Successful careers". Nursing is just a way to make a living to pay the bills.
I honestly think that if having a baby is that huge of a hassle and that big of an impingement on the OP's drinking and partying and schooling that she's getting depressed then she should seriously think about adoption. Hanging on to a baby you view as an obstacle to your goals isn't healthy for either of you.
There are families out there just dying to give a baby a good home.
I love my children so much that I took many years off from nursing so I could be home to raise them. We were completely broke during those years but guess what? You can only raise a child once. There are no "do-overs". Those years are more precious to me than ANY career or material thing that I might have bought. I will never regret my time with them. The same cannot be said for my nursing career.
Ask just about any nurse out there how much they actually like their job and they will tell you this is a very difficult job to go to each day. The patients are very often rude, management blames RN's for the financial problems. We CONSTANTLY are working short, more work piled on every day. The burn out rate for nurses is astronomical. This is why hospitals and nursing homes have to pay us the high wages that they do. I have to go to work here in a few hours and if it weren't for my high wage I don't think you could ever convince me to go there.
The patient load is entirely different than it was 25 years ago. I don't recall the patients 25 years ago being this rude. 25 years ago the hospitals kept the surgical patients much longer, usually until they were well enough to go home. Today, hospitals discharge these patients as soon as they possibly can and send them to nursing homes to rehab/convalesce until they are strong enough to go home.
Unfortunately the nursing homes are still using the staffing model from 40 years ago so we have CNA's who are constantly calling in, staff that is continuously working overtime, double shifts and a work crew that is woefully underqualified to care for these new surgical patients that come here for rehab.
Add to all of this, the federal government's desire to remove pharmaceuticals from the line of treatment of patients with horrible behavioral problems and on a daily basis we all step into a dangerous, chaotic 3 ring circus.
I blame 99% of this on the medicare reimbursement system.
Im in my very early 20s, still living at home, and I will have some support from the father, his family, and mine but I do not know how consistent that will be. 
Dahliadiaz
11 Posts
You should talk to your school and see if you have options. When i gave birth to my first child i had 8 stitches down there and i couldn't walk or sit for 2 monthsí ½í¸ i couldn't even stand up for 5 mins because i was in pain. Everyone is different though. You really don't know when you'll have your baby either or really plan things out because you just won't know what could happen.