Withdrawing From School...Can They Hold My Seat?

[Pumpkinn]

Hello fellow nurses and nursing students, I hope you are all doing well. The reason I am writing on here is to vent and seek advice.This month I started my second year of nursing, which at my school is the year you finally learn nurse stuff. Today was my fist day setting foot in the clinical setting and I couldn't have been more happy. I absolutely loved the experience, and I know nursing will be the right fit for me. However, today is also the day I have made the decision to withdraw from my program. Why? you might ask, because I am the mother of a critically ill child.

My daughter has cancer, and it is inoperable. I knew this going into the program, but her diagnosis changed once I started my first week. At first they thought her cancer wouldn't respond to chemotherapy, but then the diagnosis changed to one that does; which means more time will be spent inpatient. I feel extremely heartbroken about this situation, and the decision to withdraw was not taken lightly. I put a lot of effort into completing my first year and I am very proud of that accomplishment. I guess I just feel it was all for nothing. Why is life so unfair? Why does my child have to be going through this?

Anyway, I messaged my instructors today and informed them of my decision. I want to ask you guys, can seats be held for these types of situations? After completing my first year of school I was wait listed for 1 year (typical of my school) and *fingers crossed* when my darling child goes into remission I really don't want to be wait listed for yet another year. For example, can institutions defer seats a semester or two? I made this choice out of love for my child, because right now she needs me more than ever and school was diverting to much of my attention away from her. I just want to make sure it will be waiting for me when the storm settles.

[muirite]

I am so sorry. I hope your daughter goes in to remission very soon.

As for your question I would not know. You need to check with your schools administration to ask every school is different.

I had to take time off because of a collision and my school allows you to take only one semester otherwise you have to reapply.

[Pumpkinn]

Ok thank you for taking the time to reply

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

Contact the school. I doubt they will save a seat for you. Many students have many challenges occurring in their lives and holding seats would end up becoming a nightmare. You need to explain the situation and they will probably want some kind of documentation. If you have actual information from the doctor explaining what is going on that may help. Good luck.

[Pumpkinn]

Happily my school is super supportive and will hold my seat for me! I am very grateful.

[NurseEmmy]

OP, I am sorry that your daughter is going through this. I would make the same choice as you are, family always comes first. I am happy to hear that your school is willing to work with you. Focus on what you need to now, and know school will always be there when you are ready to return. Best of luck.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Hugs!! You made the right decision, and my advice would have been: school will still be there, even if you have to reapply. Your girl needs you now. But I am glad to hear they will hold your seat. My prayers are with you and your daughter for a speedy remission!

[Kala08]

I'm so glad to hear that your school understands what you're going through and can hold your seat. It sounds like put a lot of careful thought into this decision and that is the absolutely the right thing.

[Alaskan_RN]

I'm sure it depends on the school. My school gave leave of absences (1 time per student) but you cannot be gone more than 90 days.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

You have your priorities straight. Just worry about your daughter. The rest will fall in place whenever the time is right.

[Pumpkinn]

Thank you guys, it was a really tough choice because I worked so hard to finally obtain my seat. Then my daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Now she is my priority, and it feels good being reassured I made the right choice. Even though it hurts, seeing my daughter suffer hurts more

Her cancer is rare (poorly differentiated chordoma) so I have no idea when a remission may happen but I'm hoping to get her better soon! She's receiving chemotherapy now then we go to Boston for proton beam therapy.

🎗[emoji169]