Taking time off

hodgieRN · Apr 9, 2013

I have taken a semester off, but that was when I went back for my BSN (the program allowed you to go at your own pace). Make sure that you are able to take a leave of absence without needing to reapply. There's nothing wrong with it if you have good reason. Sometimes, people just need a break. Talk with your school as see what can be done. I mean, if you don't have a choice, then you don't have a choice. No one is going to judge you or hold it against you that you had to finish later than everyone else. Do what's best for you.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2013

Yes, I did. I entered nursing school (college) directly out of high school. After I was accepted (like 8 weeks after), I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I had brain surgery immediately following my freshman year of college. I went back to school in the fall but ended up withdrawing all my classes over Columbus Day weekend and taking a medical LOA. I originally planned to go back in January but it just didn't happen. I did go back the following fall. I have a whole semester worth of Ws on my transcript that not one single person has ever asked about.

pinksapphire · Apr 10, 2013

I am currently sitting out this semester (although not by my choice). I am a very focused student and was looking forward to completing my RN program in December 2013.

I am in the 3rd semester. In our program semester 3 is divided into 2 8 week sessions, with spring great between the 2. The day following my final in Med Surg 2 (the first 8 week class), I had a liver biopsy scheduled to determine why I had been having high liver enzymes. This was scheduled to be an outpatient procedure with discharge occurirng anywhere from 1.5 hrs - 4 hrs following the procedure.

Unfortunately this was not my case. While laying on the stretcher relaxing after the procedure I almost passed out. My bp plummeted and my abdomen became very painful. My head was lowered immediately and I was wisked away for a ct scan. CT scan showed a bleed into the abdomen. The surgeon came to talk to me and he said I had taken an involuntary breath during the biopsy and it caused the needle to skitter across the surface of the liver. They wanted to admit me for observation. So I was admitted to the Observation Unit (by far the worst possible place.. Private room (they all are in his hospital) very tiny, uncomfortable bed and no bathroom except a toilet covered by a curtain. no showers at all. I spent 5 days here while they closely monitored my blood pressure and blood levels. They did not find it humorous when my blood pressure dropped to 80/40 and remained there for a day.

5 days later I was discharged feeling a little sore still and exhausted from laying in bed all day. Now just to rest and prepare to return to classes in 1 week.

Well that's not quite what happened. On day 2 at home I began to develop right sided abdominal tenderness and bloating. I initial ignored this but the following day while we were cleaning up after dinner I happened to mention that my belly was not feeling well. My Dad than promptly said go grab your stuff we're going to the ER. You are not going to drag tis out and have something happen that interferes with class next week. (Although I am grown with my on children and grandchildren) The answer was yes Sir.

At the ER they took me in immediately and began examining my abdomen. Very distended and painful. Following the CT scan w contrast the fun really began. The scan showed what appeared to be a carcinoid tumor in the small intestines. I was admitted to the oncology floor and met with the surgeon that night. The following afternoon I underwent a full laparotomy with an incision that begins right below my sternum to an inch or so above the pubic bone. This was closed with 30 staples.

Thankfully, Praise God! There was no cancer. It was a hematoma from the liver biopsy as well as remaining blood within the abdominal spaces. Once I realized I would still be in the hospital when classes began that following Monday I contacted the program head and my course advisor informing them of what was going on and to find out what I needed to do so that the withdrawal did not appear as a course failure.

Needless to say this has been bittersweet. I have time to get to know my newest grand baby born the day after my 1st discharge. I am also able to catch up on quilting , reading, and yes even preparing for PEDS next semester. My graduation date is now May 2014 which was not the plan but there are blessings there too. My 2 very closest friends failed out of one of their classes so they had to retake the failed course delaying their graduation till May 2014. So we will still be able to study together and graduate together.

I have realized that I do not make a very patient patient when it comes to slowing down and taking it easy. I have this unexpected time and amy trying to fill it with everything I can think of. Not my wisest move.

In answer to augural, weigh out your pros and cons. If you are struggling financially right now its only going to get that much worse. Nursing school gets even more demanding and generally is very difficult to work with any kind of decent hours).

I wish you much success in whatever you decide to do!

springchick1, ADN, RN · Apr 11, 2013

Thank you guys for the advice and input. I'm still looking into things and thinking through everything. I have 3 weeks left in this semester and then have a few weeks of before the summer semester starts. Hope you get to feeling better pinksapphire!!