RNY while in Nursing School

Hello everyone! I am currently in my second semster of an Associate's RN program. I love every minute of it (well okay - most every minute). I am scheduled for Lap RNY on 12/26 (my final is December 22). I am taking 3 weeks off of work (as a church secretary) to recoup and classes don't start until January 21. I think that should be enough time to recoup - but am unsure about the physical demands of working in the hospital 2 nights a week (clinicals for school). Anyone have any thoughts?? Words of wisdom?? Thanks ahead of time for any help! Many blessings, Holly

Hey Holly, I'd say just go slow. I didn't find nursing school clinicals as demanding as "real" nursing. Partly because our clinicals were only for a few hours and I now work 12 hour shifts. The only thing that might be tough is, depending on what area of nursing you'll be doing clinicals in, you might be asked to move and turn patients. I don't think you should be doing that for at least six weeks, but ask your surgeon (I had open RNY and I'm STILL careful about moving patients because I'm so paranoid about getting a hernia, since I have already had one umbilical hernia repaired about 8 years ago and I don't want another one!) Good luck and enjoy nursing school. I know I loved it, and I love being a nurse. Most of the time. Vickie

Vicki - Thanks for the words of wisdom. For the most part our clinicals should be Ob/Gyn - so hopefully not too much lifting/moving - but I will be cautious. I feel like I have so many new things going on in my life right now! Nursing School, the surgery, Come next December I won't recognize myself!! Again Thanks!!! Holly

Hi Holly, I had the lap-band done during spring break of nursing school so I only had a week of recovery time and I was fine. I know the lap-band is a shorter recovery period, but I think that as long as you take care of yourself during the three weeks you have off it should be fine. I do just want to caution you about the ob clinicals. I am a L&D nurse and you have to hold people's legs up while they push (a little graphic I know) which can be very difficult on someone who did not just have surgery let alone someone who did. I know after my surgery I was not allowed to lift anything over 15 lbs for 6 weeks and I imagine the RNY restrictions would be similar. I hope all goes well for you and good luck with school and the surgery. Ryan 202/150/130

Ryan - Thanks for the reply! And the words of wisdom about L&D - you don't think of things like holding people's legs when you are in Nursing School You just think about holding the new babies! Anyway appreciate the advice!! Holly

I had my Lap RNY in February. I felt pretty good within a week and was up and walking at the mall (slowly) within 48 hours after discharge from the hospital. Take it easy and rest when you body tells you to. Get your protein in and keep hydrated and keep moving when possible. Basic nursing 101. Best wishes with your upcoming surgery. I am so glad that I had it done, I would never want to go back to the way it used to be! Diana

Hi Holly, I just had my Lap RNY 8/2/2005 and the recovery wasn't bad. I just didn't realize that I "dump" from aspartame and sugar alcohols very badly. I think my recovery would have been quicker if I had just realized that I was "dumping" and it wasn't all in my head. I am in nursing school as well and that is one of the reasons I am glad that I got the surgery out of the way before starting school. Although I don't start the clinical part until next fall, the considerations that nurses posted are good ones. Please let us know how your surgery goes and I wish you the best of luck. Mary K

Mary K - Thanks for the input. You must be doing a BSN program. I was 30 credits shy of my BS in Biology - and decided I really wanted to become an RN - so I started an Associate's program. I am in semester 2 of 4. It is much more challenging than any other work I have done thus far (including Organic Chemistry!!!) Truly - Thanks for the input. Didn't realize one could "dump" on aspartame - good thing to note. My date got changed to 12/27 because of the holiday. I have been able to observe patients and help care for them on the floor I am at in the hospital. It has been a great opportunity to realize what to expect post-op!! Good luck with school!! Holly