21 Weeks Preggo and want to start Pre-Nurse courses 9/08

dee78 · Jul 7, 2008

I wouldn't recommend starting the fall semester unless you do a fast track class...something that is only half the semester. You'll still have a few weeks of classes (and finals) after your due date, that's IF you make it to your due date. You might be able to do online classes but even those have deadlines.

I think it's great that you want to continue your education, that's the best thing for you and your children. If it were me, I'd try to find a job as a MB&C. I would work through the pregnancy and then plan to start school in the spring. You may not be able to apply for the nursing program in Fall 09 but at least you won't start something and not be able to finish. If it were me, well this is what I did with 2 young ones, I would take only a class or two at a time.

BTW, learn to study. You sound ALOT like me, I excelled in high school without having to study. I never learned to study, I'm still learning how to really study. I got through my early college days because of a good short term memory but having 3 kids has destroyed that.

Good luck.

justme1972 · Jul 7, 2008

Wait until you have your baby.

Credits from medical coding are most likely not going to count toward your pre-reqs. You'll usually need Chemistry, AP1 and APII, two semesters of Biology and some courses also require Microbiology.

If you can nail courses like Micro and AP...then you can do nursing. So far nothing I have learned has been as hard as those classes.

However, most schools will not allow you to make up clinicals, especially final exams.

So if you are having a baby toward the end of the semester, unless you have an iron-clad game plan approved by the instructors in advance, you won't be permitted to finish your clinicals by your physician because they won't give you clearance to work.

Talk to an admissions counselor in the nursing department first.

NICUplease · Jul 7, 2008

Dont let this stop you. Although it may take longer and be more challenging with 2 babies, you can do it if you really want it. However, studying is key in being successful in NS.Your are not going to be able to just fly through the program without ever studying. So are you willing to take the time to study and take care of your family? Your money situation is a little iffy. We all know that it costs money to go to school. Financial aid should help, right? I think you should start with your pre-reqs even if its just one a semester. At least you wont be wasting your time. Sounds like your situation might need a stable income before you go into a program. NS is very demanding, so really ask yourself if this is what you really want.

blughst43 · Jul 10, 2008

I agree with MellyMellRN2b...you can do it if you really want it. See if financial aid can help your family when in school and if you have a strong family support system, enlist them to help out with babysitting and care. You'll need all your free time to study once you're able to take your pre-reqs. Also, learn to study! See if howtostudy.org can give you some hints! Happy birthday, too! :clown:

Bicster · Jul 11, 2008

It would be financially irresponsible to do so at this point.

dallet6 · Jul 11, 2008

Taking online classes, one at a time, might work for you, but it's probably better to get some assistance in finding a job (some welfare programs offer job assistance). You're only 21, the average age for students in nursing schools is in their mid 30's (some older some younger of course). You have plenty of time to go to nursing school when your life situation is more stable. Your children are only young once, while in nursing school you will barely see your family and when home you need to study. You don't want to miss out on thier baby years. By the time they are in school you will likely be in a better life situation to put the work into ns. And you'll still only be in your mid-20's. That may seem old to you, but trust me its not. :chuckle

Good luck in whatever you choose!

benegesserit · Jul 11, 2008

I have two young kids and started my prerequisites when my youngest was 4 months old.

I love the prerequisite courses. They absolutely save my sanity (while simultaneously destroying it during the more intense times :)), and I've come to dislike breaks of any significant length.

We're in a similar financial situation, and I (and my husband) feel that it makes more sense for me to get through nursing school and get a good paying job that I feel passionate about than to take a poor-paying entry level job now, struggle to get by, and hope that someday money falls out of the sky and allows me to go to nursing school without the financial strain. It's very important to me to be in the position to have a stable, decent paying job and be capable of being the sole provider for my family, as I don't feel I can rely on my husband for that. Also, young kids are cheaper to take care of and less emotionally sensitive to poverty than older kids. I'd rather get through the tight times while they're young.

I would encourage you to be very selective about the classes you choose to take fall semester, especially if you are trying to get into a competitive program. Less than optimum grades will hurt your chances, as will withdrawing from the class and taking it again later. Lab classes can be especially hard to make up if you may be missing classes or tests. The non-lab classes like English, Math, Anthropology or Sociology, Human Development, or Nutrition may be more easy to manage, especially if you can take them online, and you'll need them anyways. Look at the prerequisites of the program(s) you're interested in to see what you need.

ThatPoshGirl · Jul 12, 2008

You should wait until you've had the baby before you start your prereqs. Most nursing programs are highly selective and you don't want to risk screwing up your chances. With all the stuff going on to prepare for a baby your head probably won't be in it and you won't do as well as you could, or should.

Before starting your prereqs get an implanon or something similar.

VeroRN-BSN · Jul 16, 2008

I would say to give it a try or at least discuss your situation with the instructors for your classes. Of course its going to be a struggle but at the end when you get your degree its worth it.

I recently got my Bachelors in Science in Nursing and got my RN license about 1mth ago. I'm only 21 yrs old. I have a 4yr old daughter and currently married. I got pregnant my Junior year of HS...had my baby in March of that year...and i graduated as a Junior (17yrs old) in May. I was ranked 13th out of 600 students. I then left to college w/ my husband and daughter about 2hrs away from my hometown. I was able to get several scholarships and financial aid covered for just about everything. I think sometimes being low income helps alot. We had government assistance as well. Both my husband and i went to school....we would alternate taking care of my daughter the first 2 yrs... after that she started daycare...my husband was a full time student working part time jobs. Its difficult but its possible.

In May 08, i graduated w/ the highest GPA in my nursing class. I think sometimes we need the pressure from our families to succeed in life. I probably would have not been so determined if I did not have my little girl depending on me.

Anywho, i now have a good-paying job at a hospital and currently 3mths pregnant! What i can tell you is.....all the struggles.....the late night studying...not spending time w/ family....clinicals....finals...etc....well its all worth it :)

modelmama07 · Jul 16, 2008

I have a 16-month old currently, and a year ago he was about 6 months old, I aced every class from then on A&P I and II, Micro, etc...There is something about "doing it for your children" that really motivates you to kick it into high gear.

However, I would not recommend starting this fall considering you will have a newborn, and since you already have one, you should know how those first few months are...lol Stressful, along with the sleepless nights, and on top of that you have a toddler. I would wait til the spring to start your pre-reqs so you can get a routine and schedule going with the kids, so you have some stability. Also I would start with online classes which gives you a lot more freedom. Good luck!!

MAcc2ADN · Jul 19, 2008

I'd work on prereqs right now. I think you would be fine with those and it would give you an indication of whether or not you could handle nursing school with two very young children.