Q: tips on getting financial assistance for school?

[ljb]

Hi everyone,

I'm planning on starting a BSN program in the fall (still waiting to hear), and I'm a little worried about the money part. I'm sure I will have to take out some loans, and I know there are hospitals that will offer (full?/partial?) reimbursement after graduation, when you sign on with them. But does anyone know of any other means of getting money up front? I guess i just wondered what other experience other students have had so far, what you've learned about this (not so fun) side of getting through school. any advice appreciated!

:)

thanks

louise

[Agnus]

Check out scholarships on line and at your school.

Most health care employers offer tuition assistance (this is often up front).

[crnasomeday]

Hi ljb (from another Louise :) ). Have you applied for financial aid by filling out the FASFA? Maybe you'll be eligible for some grants and student loans. They're a big help. You're right about lots of hospitals being willing to pay for your school. Some of them do it after you graduate, and some of them do it right away, and you just have to sign a contract with them. That's the part that kind of stinks though ....that you have to promise your service to them and you may find out later that you don't like it there. Also maybe you could check out fastweb (I think that's what it's called). They have a lot of scholarship and grant info that might help you out. Good luck to you, and God bless!

[ljb]

yea! another Louise! I don't meet many of those.

thanks for the tips. I have filled out the FAFSA, and hope to get some assistance from that. I know what you mean about the flip side to taking those hospital deals, I don't know if i'll want to be tied into something, especially right after graduating, being so new and all. I guess I;ll just have to make that decision when the time comes. First I have to get into shcool!

bye!

Louise

[yipididit]

I am considering applying to a hospital that offers tuition payment if I agree to sign a contract.

My question is:

Has anyone ever done this and because they were bound to a contract, been forced to accept a lower pay or is the beginning pay the same for ALL new employees, contract or not?

Should pay and def. pay be decided upon signing a contract to take effect after I obtain my license? How is this done?

(If for some odd reason that our employers decide nurses are worth more than what the contract was written for originally, after graduation are we stuck with that pay even though other new grads begin at a higher level pay.)

After graduation and having to fullfill a contract, is it possible to change units(example: ER to NICU) without violating the contract?

Thanks,

D :)

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Check out this new J+J site:

http://www.discovernursing.com

[live4today, RN]

check out this website for scholarships/grants/etc.:

http://www.fastweb.com