Sick kids and Nursing School need tips.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Nov 7, 2013

You will need to call on family and maybe even friends for assistance. You need to know what is the maximum number of absences are allowed and what can be "made up". I wish you lots of luck

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Nov 7, 2013

I think for class time they go by the school's policy, which is 20% equals automatic withdrawal from the class. And they are much more strict about that than in other classes or programs. As for clinical, you have to have a set number of hours, and in our program, they will send a letter to the board saying you did NOT meet requirements, so there you are, ready for the NCLEX (you think) and you went through all the trials and tribulations of NS, and you can't take your boards. My kids are grown now, but if they were little while I was trying to do this, I would make sure I have a back up caregiver, and a back up for the back up! I haven't missed but two hours so far and that was for a painful kidney infection. I will be on my death bed before I will miss anymore clinical than that.

Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN · Nov 7, 2013

I just went to pick up one of my children in the middle of the day because he was sick. I am finishing prereqs this semester and start Nursing School this Spring and I need a game plan. Because, right now, Most of my classes are online and this is not a problem, but next semester I have traditional classes and I am not sure what I am going to do. I'm pretty sure clinicals start in the fall, and that is a whole other monster.
So parents, What do you do with sick kids? Do you have a sick kid babysitter? How do you make it work? Any tips would be awesome. I don't want to screw anything up and inadvertently get myself kicked out. Are clinicals the only part where they are super anal about attendance? TIA
Lov
Liv

You def will need a backup plan especially if you have children whether they are sick, school closings and days off, etc. Every state is difderent and requires a certain amount of hrs to sit for the boards. Ask family members or friends.

TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · Nov 7, 2013

It's been too long since I was in school to speak on how it is done nowadays. What I wanted to add is that you should have some backup strategies because if you plan on working a clinical RN job your employer is likely to have a pretty strict attendance policy as well.

Where I work 3 more unexcused absences in any running 3 month period starts disciplinary action. Kid illness= unexcused absence.