[holly1028]

Hello,

I am considering entering the nursing field, and was wondering what advice you all had for me. I am a single mom, currently living in Canada, though I would love to move to the USA. I am 23 years old, completed some college course work for psychology, but thinking I need to start from square one. What kind of salary and jobs are available for an LPN? Do any hospitals do tuition reimbursement for LPN's, or strictly RN's? How difficult is it to work while attending school? What ways did you find worked best to earn money while going to school? Did you use loans? Save money before hand? I have very little work experience, as I was a stay at home mom for the last few years, so I would like to get into a respected field that pays well. My dad is a nurse, but does not want me going to school at this point in time. So, I am trying to gather as much info as possible to prove that I have researched it, and to know for myself what the right decision is. Anything else you can tell me is so greatly appreciated. Thanks a million.

Holly

[Alois Wolf]

Well this is how it happened to me... so if it happened in one place, I'm sure there are other places that do the same.

I live in NJ and I work in a state facility as a HSA (like a CNA, without certification) and once I was there a year full-time the opportunity to apply for a nursing scholarship ship (LPN or RN) became available. They would give me, I believe, $1000 dollars or so but I would also get a paid leave-of-absence until I finish school. The only catch is, I have to work for them the same amount of time I was in school which is fair. Another catch is, I have to already be accepted to a nursing school which I'm still in the process of doing... but yeah.. there are a LOT of opportunities/scholarships and affordable schools out there. I think for the LPN program at BCIT (which I have yet to heard anything bad about) will run me about 6000 in total if I didn't have the scholarship.
Just look around, I'm sure you'll even find something where you're from. (I'd rather go to Canada... wanna switch? lol)

[holly1028]

Wow, that is a fantastic opportunity! So do most hospitals then require you work for them for some time before you go to school? If that is the case, I think I'll have to do my LPN on my own, and possibly upgrade it someday if I have the chance.

And yes, I'd LOVE to switch! Why would you rather go to Canada? I love the States, wish it was easier to move here!!

[Alois Wolf]

Well, thats just my case. I'm not sure all hosp./facilities do that or not... but I know there are a lot of programs out there that have tuition reimbursement. I don't work in a hospital... it's sorta like a group home.

As for why I'd rather live in Canada... mostly political reasons. I love my country... but I'm disappointed and disenchanted by our leadership and policy. I guess that in itself is not a good enough reason to want to leave, but I just don't see things getting any better any time soon. The more the patriots try to change things for the better there will always be a an ultra-conservative right-wing corporate A** with all the money to push things in his favor. If they would just get rid of all the damn lobbyist, I think that would help... a little. But enough of my political ramblings for one day. I could move to Germany if I wanted to, since my mother was born there... but I dunno.

I wish you luck!!! Check out your community colleges in the area, or if you guys have a job placement center (I know I don't) around see if they can point you in the right direction.