[twinmommy+2]

All these are extremely good suggestions!

Are you stil there?

[charebec65]

I'm not sure what you're talking about being over the limit for financial aid. If you're talking about grants I would advise taking a loan. Many school loans don't require you to have a job or credit and you don't have to start paying them back until 6 months after you graduate.

Aside from that, it looks like you need to get at least a part time job, even if it is just on the weekends. I would also get rid of any unnecessary expenses you may have such as cell phone, cable tv, internet (I know my the totality of these 3 expenses for me is about $235 a month).

School can be doable. I did it as a single parent with 3 little kids back in the early 90's and graduated with honors, just had absolutely no luxuries. My son's girlfriend has 2 kids (not his), works 35 hours a week and is in college full time and on the dean's list. We have 5 kids and my husband worked full time and went to school full time a few years back.

You're almost done, I certainly wouldn't quit now. You don't have kids so you're actually ahead of the game insofar as the ease of working and going to school. Good luck.

[mika1]

First of all let me say thanks to everyone for the prayers they are truly felt. Someone made the comment I went throught this in January. Yes I did. It has been a struggle since school with trying to keep up with the program and work and pay bills. In Januray what I did was choose to pay tuition over rent, which bought me two months. I bascially set up a payment plan with my landlord to keep it from going on my credit. Fast forward to now. Just as many of you have suggested I have decided to just go for it and let whatever happens and hope that i graduate. I did get a job that is at night so that way I dont have to worry about where Im going to be of safety all but 2 days a week. Then the other 2 days I work something out. Im sure I can make it like this for a month and then I think I will be okay. Thank you all for your suggestions and support and in my heart of hearts I know that God did not bring me this far for me to fail. Best wishes to all.

[Chukker]

Did you try unemployment?

Brad

[countrychic76]

My hospital and a lot of local hospitals has a position called nurse extern. I know since I have been looking for jobs around here they are paid about the same wages as PCA's, about 11-13 dollars a hour. If you are on your last semester the hospital will start you as a Patient care assistant without taking class. Hsopital will probaly have you sign a contract also to help pay your school bills, and maybe a sign on bonus. How about checking out a weekend program at a hospital, nursing home, or rehab?

[DDooWopDuo]

Talk to your school counselor and financial aide advisor. Perhaps work as a CNA on the weekends for a company that offers tuition re embursement or work some nights at a nursing home. Apply to work net, the Salvation Army, women's shelters, homeless shelters, food stamps, the United Way etc. If they see you are trying to improve yourself you may be able to get some aid. In some states the government sponsers programs to pay for your state nursing license and NCLEX exam. Don't give up already. You are close to your goal. If you have to take a time out from school to work and save some money, ask that it be noted in your personal school files, so that you can resume at a later time. Try to figure out how to save money on things like cable, cell phone etc. Have a yard sale. Find other students who live in your area and take turns driving to school. Can you find a room mate to share living expenses. Apply for a Pell grant or a school loan which you start paying back after you graduate. Maybe become a home health aide and live with someone who could use your help. Good luck to you.

[patricelynne]

Hi There---this idea may be of help; see what you can find at these websites: www.mygovernmentgrants.com, www.nextstudent.com, www.findtuition.com, www.freegovmoney.net, www.usagovernmentgrants.org. There IS free money out there and you can go after it. The social worker at any hospital can assist you with applying for welfare if you decide to go that way. Laurie Blum's website is quite useful, too. She's written books on free monies for just about anything you could imagine---even rent, utilities etc. Don't give up if you really love this profession. No matter how the world goes, politics etc., we will always need you if you're a nurse. You can't beat marketability like that w/ a stick! Talk to any college grad who can't get hired because he/she doesn't know how to DO anything society needs. And as Joseph Campbell wrote "Follow your bliss!"

[pagandeva2000]

Please speak to your Academic Advisors before you act!! You are in your last semester, and from what you are saying, your grades are good. They may have options that you may not have considered. I do understand your plight, and if worse comes to worse, you do have to eat and you do need shelter (remember Maslow) before self actualization. But, see what may happen at your school. I'd at least want to see what choices are available before I throw in the towel...but I would not think badly of you if you had to for the moment.

[kyrosam]

as the saying goes- "if there's a will, there's a way"... financial problems is not a hindrance to success. don't lost hope. keep looking up, God is always there! as he promised, before we will ask from him,he knows our needs! what a promise!just take one step at a time and you will be there!keep it up!

[chuchie]

Just out of curiosity.....do those companies that offer package deals to get government assistance really work? Anyone out there have any sucess with them?