Nursing/Pre-nursing student mamas? - Page 3

[kythe]

Originally Posted by ishereal 

That is what I am nervous about, I want to specialize in womens health but don't know if i can stomach the current state of the maternity care and formality in this day and age.. 

This is what I went to school for originally, but couldn't handle it.  I was in a rural area with two small hospitals that didn't keep up with the times.  I was initially excited for maternity clinicals, but left believing I would never set foot in those units again.  I'm grateful I lived in a different city when my kids were born - I wouldn't give birth in either of those hospitals *even if* my life depended on it, I would set myself up in a place where I could transfer to a different hospital if the need arose. 

I struggled through nursing school, getting mostly Bs and Cs.  I only got 3 As on tests during nursing school - the general maternity test, the post-partum test, and the high risk pregnancy test.  I didn't even feel I studied for those, the subject comes naturally to me.  My grades in that area brought up the rest of my low scores enough for me to pass nursing school overall, but I still can't see myself working in the field.  So basically, I work in geriatrics now because I did well in maternity care. 

[ishereal]

Originally Posted by kythe 

This is what I went to school for originally, but couldn't handle it.  I was in a rural area with two small hospitals that didn't keep up with the times.  I was initially excited for maternity clinicals, but left believing I would never set foot in those units again.  I'm grateful I lived in a different city when my kids were born - I wouldn't give birth in either of those hospitals *even if* my life depended on it, I would set myself up in a place where I could transfer to a different hospital if the need arose. 

I struggled through nursing school, getting mostly Bs and Cs.  I only got 3 As on tests during nursing school - the general maternity test, the post-partum test, and the high risk pregnancy test.  I didn't even feel I studied for those, the subject comes naturally to me.  My grades in that area brought up the rest of my low scores enough for me to pass nursing school overall, but I still can't see myself working in the field.  So basically, I work in geriatrics now because I did well in maternity care. 

Yes, see I wonder if I should focus on high risk deliveries because it would break my heart too bad to be around normal deliveries in an environment that was anything less than super supportive and informative. At least if it was a high risk delivery I would feel better because most of the procedures would be called for *shrugs* hopefully it will all sort its' self out..

[aphel]

This is an interesting topic - I know a lot of people with tendencies towards natural childbirth/parenting have a lot of problems working in a traditional hospital's L&D units.

I just wanted to share my own experience. I delivered my DD at one of those amazing hospitals, of which there are too few, where I was really allowed to have a natural childbirth. No IV (not even a hep lock), intermittent fetal monitoring that I could refuse at any time (and I did several times when ctx were too intense), big birth tub, birth balls, nursing staff that was familiar with working with CNMs and very supportive of NCB, was allowed to drink and eat a bit in labor. They even allowed us several hours of skin to skin bonding time before even mentioning any newborn tests. Granted, I was very lucky to have a relatively uncomplicated labor (despite The Great River of Blood, another story for another time). But I really feel like my CNM created the most warm and safe hospital environment to bring our daughter into, and I wish that more women had access to this kind of care in hospital. We truly got what I believe was the best of both worlds.

When I think about becoming a CNM, I think about trudging through all the muck to come out the other side and be able to give women the kind of care that I received. But, of course, this is many years from now, so we'll see where life leads in the meantime!

And on another, entirely separate note - got an A on the micro midterm! Phew.

[Peony]

Lurking because I'm bored and trapped under a cranky toddler.  I am an RN and that is exactly why I became an IBCLC. I adore birth but not in a hospital setting which is the only option in my area. I just couldn't do L&D, so I focused on lactation. I get to see the babies and moms after the birth and not deal with all the interventions that happen during birth. 

[Fieryfly]

Originally Posted by BeatriceJames 

I came into the program wanting to get my CNM, but have decided against it, most of all because I only want to work part time.  I just can't see putting in 5 or so more years (part time).  Also, it has been VERY difficult for me to be in my OB clinical.  There is so much crappy/abusive behaviour going on there I almost can't stand it.  I love working with the mothers and babies, but the institution and the staff make it very difficult.  I'm the one giving the hep B vax!  To newborns!  Something that I would never do for my own kids! (I have 3, all homeborn).  It is so strange!  I witness circumcisions!  Crazy.

My OB rotation was tough for me to swallow as well.  On the L&D side of it, I just had to take it all in and advocate for my patients when I could.  The nursery experience was tough, too much separation between moms & babies. I also eventually forced myself to observe a circumcision because I knew it would further clarify my stance against it.  However, I loved working with the postpartum moms since I have a background in lactation education.  I could see myself possibly working on that side of the OB unit and feel like I am making a difference. 

As for summer science courses as someone else mentioned, I would encourage you to try it at least once and see how you like it. I took anatomy in 8wks during the summer, it was brutal but I survived, vowing to never do it again, lol! The instructor said students either do really well or really bad...usually depending on how much they need the class. Good luck!

~Lisa

[aphel]

Originally Posted by Fieryfly 

My OB rotation was tough for me to swallow as well.  On the L&D side of it, I just had to take it all in and advocate for my patients when I could.  The nursery experience was tough, too much separation between moms & babies. I also eventually forced myself to observe a circumcision because I knew it would further clarify my stance against it.  However, I loved working with the postpartum moms since I have a background in lactation education.  I could see myself possibly working on that side of the OB unit and feel like I am making a difference. 

As for summer science courses as someone else mentioned, I would encourage you to try it at least once and see how you like it. I took anatomy in 8wks during the summer, it was brutal but I survived, vowing to never do it again, lol! The instructor said students either do really well or really bad...usually depending on how much they need the class. Good luck!

~Lisa

Gah. I hadn't even thought of the nursery side of things. I don't know if I could handle that part, all those tiny babies by themselves. Yikes.

I'm also leaning towards knocking out anatomy over the summer. How brutal are we talking Lisa?

[LacieD]

I signed up for the 3 week Bio class - *really* hope this baby comes at 38 weeks like his brothers!  I don't even want to think about what happens if I go overdue!

[Fieryfly]

Originally Posted by aphel 

Gah. I hadn't even thought of the nursery side of things. I don't know if I could handle that part, all those tiny babies by themselves. Yikes.

I'm also leaning towards knocking out anatomy over the summer. How brutal are we talking Lisa?

Fortunately, our hospital is in the process of phasing out it's nursery to move to complete couplet care so I chalk it up to at least having seen what the nursery was all about...and why I know I'd never be able to work there!

Anatomy is A LOT of memorization and depending on how you learn, could mean hours of lab time to familiarize yourself with the models (our lab was open all day every day to study between classes).   Be ready to literally live, eat and breathe anatomy while you're in the class if you want to earn an A.  My only lifesaver to having time with my kids was stumbling across another professor at my school's photos of the models to use for studying...I was able to get a lot of studying done at home with those photos.  You could do that yourself too, take pics of all sides of the models, print them out and label, label, label all its parts until you can do it in your sleep.

I also took the evening class, 6-10pm 3days a week, so I could study during the day while I was alert and could take breaks with the kids and then just keep myself awake to go to class.  The only downside was being awake enough for the tests.  Somehow I made it work! :D

[Nitenites]

I took Anatomy 101 in an 8 week summer course. It was do-able, but like Fieryfly said - lots of memorization. Study, study, study. Label, label, label. And take wicked good notes, and review them!

[Fieryfly]

Just wanted to send out some positive thoughts of encouragement to everyone! Hope all those in school enjoyed/are enjoying/planning to enjoy a nice spring break!

I am on the home stretch through the last 6 weeks of the semester and I can feel the burnout starting to sizzle already...just gotta take it one day at time. I started my preceptorship where I get 9 12hr shifts working with one RN. Thought I could punch them all out real quick but after 2 shifts in a row I realized it wasn't going to work...it was too much for the family and balancing school. I am spacing them out more which means I go right up to the last week of school, but it will work out better this way...I hope!

The one thing this week that has kept me going was my parents finalizing their plans to come out for my graduation ceremony. I officially graduate in December but will be walking the stage this May...it will definitely be a motivator to help me get through the fall semester realizing how far I've come.  My nursing school's pinning ceremony in December will be extra special as the finale. There is a light at the end of that loooong arduous tunnel! :D

~Lisa

[indigolilybear]

hey there, nice to see this thread.

I am returning to school after a break to raise the babes...have a BA in lit but now am doing RN. My kids now are in 1st, 4th and 6th grade. I just got accepted to my local program.  Do my CNA, dosages and pharm this summer, officially start this fall.  4 semesters, graduate Dec. 2012.  Will probably quickly do my BSN soon after...maybe master's or CNM afterwards.....

I actually consider my primary vocation to be an alternative health modality that I'm certified in...hoping along the way to find a way to combine the two...if not, well, hoping for postpartum (another one who doesn't know if I could stomach L&D but maybe....) or something else that I don't know about yet.  Basically, I needed a related way to support the kids and a hubbie who would like to make a major career change and can't til I can bear more of the financial load.  :)

Felt a lot of things when I found I got it...thrilled, scared, etc.  I am mostly concerned about the next three years or so, having to do things that I may not be as interested in until I find my place....but I feel like it's the right choice.  anyway happy to be here and ssee you all!

[HuntressMother]

Im so glad to see this thread! I will be starting classes in the fall to become an LPN and in a few years (when my 2 kiddos are older) I am going to advance to RN.

Im very excited to start classes, but also feel a bit nervous. I have been a SAHM for over 2 years, so it will feel strange leaving my little ones with grandma for the day. But it is very worth it- im so excited to be 'doing something with my life'. After having my first baby at 16 and dropping out of high school and then having my 2nd child only 2 years ago, i felt like i would never have a chance to do something that I really wanted to do.

So, this is a big deal for me. I lucked out finding a DH as awesome as mine that would pay for everything. Go Nurses! 

[ishereal]

Hey mamas, the semester is nearing the end! I had my final for Micro lab and I am sooooooooo glad it is over! I learned a lot and am sooooo appreciative but very happy it's over. I was up to my knees in Gram+, Gram- bacteria *blah*

[aphel]

I got in!!!!!!!

To the associate program that is. I had planned on going straight to a BSN, had even registered for fall classes that would count towards my gen eds, and then I find out I got into the RN program I had been lusting after. Yay! Even though I will likely bridge to a BSN right after getting my RN, the school I'm attending will provide fantastic clinical experience, probably better than some of the BSN programs in the area. I can't wait to start clinicals!

How is everyone else doing?

[ishereal]

Congrats Aphel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Actually getting accepted into the program seems like half the battle, I can't wait until December, that is when I will be done with all my pre-req's :) I'm super excited!!!!! My LO comes home next week, so much to look forward to. Anyone taking summer classes?

[LacieD]

I've got a 3 week, every day summer class (Fundamentals of Biology) that starts a week from Monday.  I *really* hope this child decides to be born soon so I can have some time with him before I have to leave him with DH for 6 hours a day!

[ishereal]

@LacieD, *sending you happy labor vibes* 

[aphel]

3 week class!?!?! Yikes! At least it will be over and out of the way quickly. If it is of any inspiration to you, one of my fellow Micro classmates just gave birth to her second last week, two weeks before the end of the semester. Rumor has it that she will be back on Thursday for our lab practical final. Sending labor vibes as well!

I'm taking A&P I over the summer, and then have to decide if I want to take A&P II during my first semester of the nursing program, or if I want to leave it to the last minute and take it next summer. Both classes have to be done before I can start my second year. Ah, decisions . . . .

[ishereal]

@Aphel, I am taking Ap2 in the Summer, AP1 has been a journey but it is tapering off fairly well. You have to get all A's in your science courses for entry into our nursing program so I had to buckle down but it was well worth it.

[Fieryfly]

Congrats Aphel!   And good luck on finals to everyone and esp those who are conquering summer classes!

A week and one day left of my semester and 2 finals til summer break for me.  I have one 12hr shift left in my clinicals on a cardiac floor where I've worked my way up to handling all 4 patients with great support from my awesome nurse-preceptor.  I now realize just how much experience I need to feel comfortable(lots more than what I have right now for sure!!) but sadly did not get into the summer rural nursing preceptorship program  (150hrs and school credit). Too many students want the experience and not enough hospitals willing to provide the room, oh well.

~Lisa