Getting My RN

nurse110 · Jun 17, 2001

This is new to me, is anyone having trouble getting their RN because of lack time and money and probably a lot more things too. I'm wanting my RN so bad. I work 50-60 hrs per week, I'm the only person where I work who likes nightshift. I'm nightshift supervisor,floor nurse and everything else. I don't have one job, I have several. I do all the scheduling of the nightshift CNA's, all foley changes, all g-tube changes, all blood sugars, change all the MARs for the month and help the aides when they need it. I'm stretched thin. I have beenhere5 1/2 yrs and nothing has changed except office politics, its gotten worse. Its to the point where I handle things myself, to the best of my ability, because I don't want to deal with them. I have never worked at a place where its who you know or who's *ss you kiss to get something, like more help, always short staffed or a raise or anything thats needed. "I KNOW I'M REALLY BLOWING OFF STEAM" It hasn't always been this way, its a great job, when you can do all the work, but 4 yrs ago we got a new DNS or DON and she is everyone's friend, know what I mean, but now its like a click and its not like a business anymore. No matter who you complain to, its oh shes just jealous. It's not jealousy, I've worked too hard to get the nightshift organized and now they are tearing it apart. No telling what its going to be like when I return from vaction in one week. Anyway, I rambling on and on, I've decided I'm getting my RN but I'm unsure how to go about it because I have to work and pay bills. If anyone has any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated. (not sure if I can do the regents thing).

Thanks for listening to my problems,

nurse110

P_RN, ADN, RN · Jun 18, 2001

How old are you? Do you have children at home?

There is the military.You can get money for college based on your length of service. There are need based grants and loans available. Is there a teaching hospital near you ? They will often have tuition reimbursement available for employees in exchange for a commitment to work there when you are finished.

But Im afraid if you wthink you will get away from politics and cliques, it might not happen. I've been an old workhorse for many many years, and it's all around. What you seem to be doing is enabling the CNAs and other workers on night shift by doing all their work. You will burn out faster than a candle if you continue that. Take care of yourself first. Have you looked into the various schools near you? Are you willing to travel or to move. I had been out of school 11 years, I had 2 kids under 6, 3 jobs and commuted 50 miles each way 5 days a week, .....back when gasoline went up to 47cents a gallon and just about went bankrupt! Look around and bounce some ideas off us here. Glad to listen anytime.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Jun 18, 2001

How old are you? Do you have children at home?

There is the military.You can get money for college based on your length of service. There are need based grants and loans available. Is there a teaching hospital near you ? They will often have tuition reimbursement available for employees in exchange for a commitment to work there when you are finished.

But Im afraid if you wthink you will get away from politics and cliques, it might not happen. I've been an old workhorse for many many years, and it's all around. What you seem to be doing is enabling the CNAs and other workers on night shift by doing all their work. You will burn out faster than a candle if you continue that. Take care of yourself first. Have you looked into the various schools near you? Are you willing to travel or to move. I had been out of school 11 years, I had 2 kids under 6, 3 jobs and commuted 50 miles each way 5 days a week, .....back when gasoline went up to 47cents a gallon and just about went bankrupt! Look around and bounce some ideas off us here. Glad to listen anytime.

nurse110 · Jun 18, 2001

:) Thanks P_RN, I appreciate the advice and have been considering moving. My employer offers reimbursement and 2 yrs of service but you know I've been here over 5 yrs and maybe thats enough. There's a fellow nurse, that I have worked with in the past, who told me that she works by the 5 yr plan, of course I asked what that was and she said that 5 yrs was long enough to work in one place, so change and you don't get burn out. She has been a nurse for 30 yrs and she said she has never been burned out because of this plan she has. But you know what benefits do you have working that way. But she may be right. I sure have been considering it. My children are grown, 19 and 24. I'm only 42 and so whats holding me? Money for one and courage to do it I guess. I've been a nurse for 8 yrs, have worked mainly in nursing homes and love it and I love working nights. Should be easy to find a new job. What do you think??

nurse110 :confused:

nurse110 · Jun 18, 2001

:) Thanks P_RN, I appreciate the advice and have been considering moving. My employer offers reimbursement and 2 yrs of service but you know I've been here over 5 yrs and maybe thats enough. There's a fellow nurse, that I have worked with in the past, who told me that she works by the 5 yr plan, of course I asked what that was and she said that 5 yrs was long enough to work in one place, so change and you don't get burn out. She has been a nurse for 30 yrs and she said she has never been burned out because of this plan she has. But you know what benefits do you have working that way. But she may be right. I sure have been considering it. My children are grown, 19 and 24. I'm only 42 and so whats holding me? Money for one and courage to do it I guess. I've been a nurse for 8 yrs, have worked mainly in nursing homes and love it and I love working nights. Should be easy to find a new job. What do you think??

nurse110 :confused:

P_RN, ADN, RN · Jun 18, 2001

Most benefits are achieved after a waiting period...from 90-120 days.Health Insurance usually 90 days. Usually retirement is vested in 5 years or less. Salary tops out at about 6 or 7 years. If you change employers you will catch up rather quickly. I too have heard of the 5 year plan. I stayed one place for 22 years because I loved what I did. Then I got hurt on the job and they QUICKLY turned their backs on me. So much for loyalty.

P

P_RN, ADN, RN · Jun 18, 2001

Most benefits are achieved after a waiting period...from 90-120 days.Health Insurance usually 90 days. Usually retirement is vested in 5 years or less. Salary tops out at about 6 or 7 years. If you change employers you will catch up rather quickly. I too have heard of the 5 year plan. I stayed one place for 22 years because I loved what I did. Then I got hurt on the job and they QUICKLY turned their backs on me. So much for loyalty.

P

Sadie1985 · Jun 18, 2001

Nurse110....I understand how you feel about wanting your RN degree...I too want mine so badly. But there just seems to be no time for school. I work fulltime in Homehealth care, married and have 2 sons age 13 and 8. After work I am beat, then I still have home to worry about. Recently my place of employment has mentioned that LPNS may be phased out in Homehealth care in Georgia where I work. I just don't fore see myself being able to go back to school anytime soon. It was hard enough 6 years ago to get through LPN school. I too, would love any suggestions from anyone on how to pursue more schooling. As for the money and time, I just don't seem to have enough of either one..........

Sadie1985 · Jun 18, 2001

Nurse110....I understand how you feel about wanting your RN degree...I too want mine so badly. But there just seems to be no time for school. I work fulltime in Homehealth care, married and have 2 sons age 13 and 8. After work I am beat, then I still have home to worry about. Recently my place of employment has mentioned that LPNS may be phased out in Homehealth care in Georgia where I work. I just don't fore see myself being able to go back to school anytime soon. It was hard enough 6 years ago to get through LPN school. I too, would love any suggestions from anyone on how to pursue more schooling. As for the money and time, I just don't seem to have enough of either one..........

shyviolet78, LPN, LVN · Jun 18, 2001

You didn't say (or else I missed it), but I'm assuming you are a LVN? If so, many community colleges offer LVN to RN transition programs. The one at my school is 35 hours of general education prereqs, followed by 2 summer sessions, a fall semester and a spring semester. You probably have some of the gen ed requirements already...especially the sciences such as A&P and Microbiology. There are government grants that are need based and also student loans. The Perkins loan is up to 100% forgiveable by the gov't if you use your nursing degree after graduation. I get a combination of grants and loans, plus I work part-time. The grants pretty much cover tuition costs, income from my job (and my husband's job) covers our living expenses, and the loans pay for books and such. Not too dependent on the loans. Could you work part-time and still make ends meet with the help of grants/loans? Also, most employers have tuition reimbursement. And tuition reimbursement shouldn't affect the amount of $$ you get from grants/loans. If your concerned about losing benefits, where I work 64 hours worked in a pay period (2 weeks) equals full time benefits. I suggest you talk to an advisor at a community college in your area. They should be able to help you with your questions. We are streamlining our lifestyle to survive on just my hubby's salary, which means moving to a smaller apt., not going out as much, and many other cutbacks. It sucks, but we know it'll be worth it in the end. Hope this helps.

Valerie :)

shyviolet78, LPN, LVN · Jun 18, 2001

You didn't say (or else I missed it), but I'm assuming you are a LVN? If so, many community colleges offer LVN to RN transition programs. The one at my school is 35 hours of general education prereqs, followed by 2 summer sessions, a fall semester and a spring semester. You probably have some of the gen ed requirements already...especially the sciences such as A&P and Microbiology. There are government grants that are need based and also student loans. The Perkins loan is up to 100% forgiveable by the gov't if you use your nursing degree after graduation. I get a combination of grants and loans, plus I work part-time. The grants pretty much cover tuition costs, income from my job (and my husband's job) covers our living expenses, and the loans pay for books and such. Not too dependent on the loans. Could you work part-time and still make ends meet with the help of grants/loans? Also, most employers have tuition reimbursement. And tuition reimbursement shouldn't affect the amount of $$ you get from grants/loans. If your concerned about losing benefits, where I work 64 hours worked in a pay period (2 weeks) equals full time benefits. I suggest you talk to an advisor at a community college in your area. They should be able to help you with your questions. We are streamlining our lifestyle to survive on just my hubby's salary, which means moving to a smaller apt., not going out as much, and many other cutbacks. It sucks, but we know it'll be worth it in the end. Hope this helps.

Valerie :)