Working My Way Up With NO Money?

[FutrNurse123]

It's difficult to want something so bad but can't have it because you don't have the money! Especially if it is your future... My mom is in debt and my dad's business is not doing well. Oh, and I just lost my job.

I am SICK of living at home, I have no car and all I want is to do something with my life, which is to be able to help people.

I already bought a bus pass and got a bicycle from a friend so I can get to school in the next city. I am freaking out already about where I'm going to find a job and I am desperate to get my education going.

What is the most cost-effective way of becoming a nurse? I am grateful that my dad will help me out with paying for college, but I wouldn't expect him to and he is not going to invest all the money for prereques and 5,000+ on top of that for the program itself. I don't really know anyone else who has done nursing that could give me info.

I live in California by the way and am looking to take courses at Santa Rosa Junior College. I have already taken a couple semesters at the college but after recently making the decision to go for a career in nursing, I am wondering how it's even doable.

[missmonkey]

What's the saying about the journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step?

Don't worry about how long it's going to take. That time is going to pass whether you do something in nursing or waste it settling for something else. All right, now that the pep talk is done . . .

The most cost effective way to get through nursing school is to go to a JC (as you're going to do already) and finish your prereqs and GE classes there. $26 per unit sounds like a lot but check out how much CSU and UC is. If it's still so expensive that you have to go part-time and work part-time, so be it. Then you can get your ADN and transfer to a four-year school for your BSN.

Apply for financial aid now! There are awards that go out on a first-come, first-served basis and you can file a FAFSA starting January 1. The FAFSA requires an income estimate but you don't have to file a tax return first. If your estimate is off, you are allowed to amend it later on without penalty. Once you do that, your school can also get started on a Board of Governor's (BOG) fee waiver, which will pay for your tuition and most of your fees (you're still on the hook for parking, health fees and part of your ASB fee and your textbooks). Even with the trouble the state is in and the fee raises, I don't know anyone who was turned down for a waiver.

Don't give up. Think of the awesome stories you'll tell your grandkids about riding a bike to school uphill both ways!

[pca_85]

Like the last post said, financial aid and community colleges. Dont buy it if you don't need it. I moved out at 17 and have been an aide since, it IS possible. You'd be surprised at how much grant money you can get. Here, this will make you feel better: Its like 15 degrees and snowing where I live now, at least you don't have THAT to deal with lol.