Advice on loans!!

[paradoxically7, ADN, CNA, LVN]

I may be starting at Denver School of Nursing (Colorado) in April. I scared of the financial part of it since I DO NOT plan on working. I work in a hospital and have gotten mixed responses, some nurses I work with say it will be a piece of cake for me to get approved for loans, others say if I really want my RN and need to work part-time I will accomplish while others tell me to be careful as to what loan I get since I will be an out-of-state student (California resident). I am worried about the living expense and how I will pay for nursing school itself. I do not qualify for grants and besides scholarships, any tips, ideas, comments, suggestions, opinions?

I worked full-time as a CNA while completing pre-requisites for RN program and I did HORRIBLE. I am not about to mess up my career and chances of landing a decent job once I become an RN. I want A's & B's on my transcript!! :)

[dah doh, BSN, RN]

I know you want good grades, but consider this. You are already accepted into nursing school. I'm not saying not to try, but you really only need to pass. As a CNA, could you tell which nurses you worked with got A's versus which ones got C's in nursing school? Both pass and allow you to take boards! Do the best you can in school is all I'm saying. Getting mostly A's does matter if you plan for graduate school though. Also, school loans will most likely be in your future, however, try to minimize then because they can get out if control quickly and its difficult for new grads to find work in this job market. You might want to consider a part time or PRN job in combination with some loans. Good Luck!

[Kayla393]

I am in the same boat as you -- living independently but I don't quality for any type of grant or loans over a few thousand because I'm still considered a dependent (under 24 yrs old). Did the school explain any sort of payment plan, Claudia? How much are they looking for a month/quarter/etc?

[travelgurl18]

I'm also trying to figure out how I am going to make it. I have been told i can easy work as a CNA at the same hospital I'm at now but just work 1-2 days a week. But I am a B student and expect nursing school to be a challenge. I'm going to work one day a week and try and babysit/nanny at nights. The rest will be scholarships/loans. If I am not successful in nursing school I won't have money period. Loans are scary but I think that keeping my hospital connections will help me have a secure job when I graduate. ... Drop out rates are high in nursing school, I don't wanna risk it.

[travelgurl18]

Check out the western undergraduate exchange program and see if your school has it.

[paradoxically7, ADN, CNA, LVN]

I am in the same boat as you -- living independently but I don't quality for any type of grant or loans over a few thousand because I'm still considered a dependent (under 24 yrs old). Did the school explain any sort of payment plan Claudia? How much are they looking for a month/quarter/etc?[/quote']

Yes, but it is over $6,000

[Kayla393]

Yes, but it is over $6,000

I am confused, what do you mean?