[maggijo]

I am about to apply to nursing school, and I'm wondering how I should go about paying for school. Should I take out a loan and hope that the hospitals in my area help me pay it off once I get a job? If so, how does this work? Is it possible that they will pay for all of it?
Is it a bad idea to commit to working for a hospital after graduating for a certain number of years and have them pay for my degree? If you do this, do you have any say in what shifts you work or in what dept.?
Thanks for your help.

[GoLytely]

I have heard of some horror stories about people who did the indentured servant deal. They ended up absolutely hating their jobs and didn't feel like they could stay another day, but they could not afford to break the contract so they were trapped. I don't advocate going into debt for loans but it seems loans might be a better option than being obligated to work at a job you may be miserable at.

[kizzykatlove]

i did not sign up for the 2 year deal,, no way.. i took out a loan or paid for RN school myself. i don't want to be tied down to any hospital .. there are so many different jobs for RN's. good luck in school

[Itshamrtym]

This is a hard call. You need money now but down the road you might not be happy with your postion. Then if this happens you will have to pay the money back anyway. You don't want to stay in a postion if you're miserable. This isn't good for your health or for your
patients. Go with your heart and gut!!!!! I just started on my BSN and I personally decided that I wasn't going to get help from the hospital. I don't want a obligation to them.. Good luck to you. Go with your gut and heart.. YOU will be fine.

[Itshamrtym]

double post

[BookwormRN]

The hospital for which I work has two different ways to help pay for school:
Tuition reimbursement: they will pay 50% of an employees tuition (Up to $1000-$1500/ year). You pay the tuition, and at the end of the semester, turn in your passing grade-they cut you a check. You owe them nothing if you work there for a year after that. However, if you quit before that year is up, you pay back HALF of what they reimbursed you. (not a bad deal).

Nurse forgiveness loan: They will pay your tuition each semester-when you become an RN, they will forgive $1 of the loan for every hour that you work. If you quit before the loan is forgiven, you have to pay them back the difference.

You must be employed during your schooling to get this financial help.
Hope you find the help you are looking for!

[mauxtav8r]

Those are some really nice deals. Near where I live, they will give you a lump sum ($10K is about average) in exchange for a 5 year commitment. Not a good deal at all.

I will mortgage my first born rather than commit to a deal like that.

[Joe NightingMale]

Be sure to check with the Department of Education or the financial aid office to see what types of financial aid you may be eligible for. There are many types of loans and grants out there, so make sure you do your research well.