Concerning increased tuition and costs.

[aandie]

Alright. I need practical advice from actual nurses. I hope this doesn't irritate or annoy anyone, but I do need answers. I prefer them from people working in the field, and who have amassed experience.

I'm 20. I haven't attended any college yet (too expensive; I wanted to save) and it's recently occurred to me that since my mom was 41 when she had me, and she's raised me alone, on top of caring for her elderly brother, that she doesn't any any retirement. What I'm wanting to know, and please bear with me here, if I even pursed this, would paying any debt off in a short amount of time be a feasible goal?

I don't mind putting in the work. I know I like the field. I've been the primary caregiver of my uncle since I was 15 (on top of part time jobs, so again, not the work.) and after seeing how much of a difference nurses can make in so many ways, I like to believe that I could contribute.

My other question is do employers actually hire rn's with associates or are bachelor degree's preferred?

If I seem foggy in any of these areas, I admittedly am. Any college counselors I've talked to seem to tell me only that employer's prefer their own unique degree. I am interested in the career, and appreciate the field, but since I do have my mom to consider, any advice and help from practicing professionals would be greatly appreciated.

I've already learned more from these forums than I have talking to any counselors. Thank you for your time and any advice or help.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

I think the biggest factor here is where you live. Since you have family obligations, re-locating is likely not an option for you. I think the wisest, and most direct approach is to contact the HR department of the local hospitals and nursing homes with your question. THEY know who they hire and from what schools.

And I commend you for thinking in these terms- we get a lots of "I don't care if school XYZ is $100,00 a year, my dreeeeeeam is to be a nurse and I'll do whatever I want to get there!" Bravo to you- and best wishes!

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Good day, aandie:

As shared by meanmaryjean, location as well as the facility (it doesn't have to be a hospital) determines whether they are accepting diploma, associate, or BSN grads. In our geographic area, they are still accepting the first two and pushing towards BSN. In my case, I'm going for the associate with the hopes I can get a job with an understanding employer who will trust me to get my BSN during the first two to five years (best case finish in two years; worse case, finish in 5 years) of employment. You may also want to check if your area has a high demand for LPN's, then go the LPN route with a goal to bridge to RN (either associate or BSN) and work towards the BSN.

In terms of costs, do check out community colleges; they tend to be night and day different cost wise compared to others.

Thank you.