Couple Earns Nursing Degrees Together While Raising Baby: A Mother’s Day to Remember

A Marlboro County, South Carolina, couple is marking Mother’s Day with a double celebration this year, as they have both earned their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees from Coker University while raising their newborn daughter. Chris and Harley Polson’s achievement is a testament to perseverance, teamwork, and the growing trend of adult learners balancing education with family responsibilities.

The couple’s journey began while working together at Marlboro County EMS. After starting a relationship, they decided to pursue their shared goal of advancing their careers and building a family. Both enrolled in Coker University’s nursing program, which was particularly appealing because it allowed paramedics without prior degrees to transition into nursing—a natural fit for their EMS backgrounds.

Life took an unexpected turn when Harley became pregnant shortly after beginning her studies. The couple faced the challenge of balancing pregnancy, coursework, and their work schedules as paramedics. Harley managed to complete her coursework while pregnant, and the couple recounted a memorable moment when Harley took a proctored pharmacology exam while in labor. “I actually have a picture of her in labor at the hospital taking a proctored pharmacology test,” Chris Polson recalled.

After their daughter, Charlotte, was born, the Polsons encountered another set of challenges, particularly in finding childcare and coordinating their study schedules. “Probably our biggest obstacle was figuring out how we were going to take our proctor test because we had to take the same proctor test,” Chris said. “We were balancing who was watching the baby while we were doing that.”

According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, more than 25% of undergraduate students are raising children while pursuing their education. The Polsons’ story highlights the growing number of individuals who are not only managing family life but also achieving academic milestones. Their experience also underscores the importance of support systems, both personal and institutional, in making such ambitious goals attainable.

After two years of intensive study, testing, and adjusting to life with a newborn, the Polsons officially graduated last week. Harley expressed hope that their story will inspire other mothers considering returning to school or pursuing a degree. “I was blessed. I have a really big support system,” Harley said. “With him being in it too, he knew what I was going through. He had my back and supported me. But I mean, just that you can do it.”

Looking ahead, Harley hopes to work as a registered nurse at a healthcare facility, continuing her professional journey in the medical field. The couple’s accomplishment not only celebrates their personal triumph but also sheds light on the possibilities for others facing similar challenges.

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, stories like the Polsons’ serve as a reminder of the resilience and determination required to succeed in both personal and professional endeavors.