Need some advice from someone who has completed nursing school..

[sockmonkey70]

I didn't know where else to post this, so I figured this would be OK.

It's kind of long, so I apologize in advance.

My name is Mary and I am going to school at NSU Natchitoches in Louisiana.

I am in my third year of school. I started off in nursing (BSN) my first year, but then changed my major to Graphic Design because I was so scared of clinicals. Now I feel like I made a mistake, and have re-entered the nursing program, only this time with an ASN. The only way I can keep my financial aid is if I complete my current degree and add on an Associate's Degree.

If I do this, I will have to begin clinicals the same semester I am working on a senior art show for my Bachelors degree in Graphic Design (as well as the same semester I would complete the Graph Design degree).

The way the clinical rotation works at NSU includes taking general education courses along side clinicals to allow students to maintain full time status during clinicals.

The semester I would start clinicals, (to remain on track and not lose financial aid) I would only need two clinical courses. I was wondering how clinicals work and if it is possible to do them while taking other courses (such as the two courses in my other degree I would need to graduate that year). It would be the only way I can succesfully complete the degree program.

Ok thanks so much for reading and I hope I wasn't to confusing with my questions.

Mary:monkeydance:

[sockmonkey70]

Thanks! I found a couple of more that look like possibilities at Tulane and Our Lady of the Lake.

[sockmonkey70]

Just an update..I talked with financial aid, and I am going to finish my Graphics degree next December, and start clinicals next Spring (if I get in, cross your fingers) I finally got fin aid to talk to me seriously, and found out I can get financial aid for an additional 45 hours after I graduate with my Bachelor's degree, leaving only 1 semester I will end up paying for out of pocket. Actually, the total hours I will need to complete is 48, just three off from me getting financial aid for the entire time SIIGGGGHH. This is what I want, so I am going to go for it and hope for the magic money fairy to grace me that last semester. And if that doesn't happen, then hopefully I can get some private loan money.

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

Just an update..I talked with financial aid, and I am going to finish my Graphics degree next December, and start clinicals next Spring (if I get in, cross your fingers) I finally got fin aid to talk to me seriously, and found out I can get financial aid for an additional 45 hours after I graduate with my Bachelor's degree, leaving only 1 semester I will end up paying for out of pocket. Actually, the total hours I will need to complete is 48, just three off from me getting financial aid for the entire time SIIGGGGHH. This is what I want, so I am going to go for it and hope for the magic money fairy to grace me that last semester. And if that doesn't happen, then hopefully I can get some private loan money.

Congrats on working out your circumstances, however, there is no such thing as magic (I know, you were joking)! I was in a similar situation with my first Bachelors degree. To solve my financial woes, I worked the entire summer before my last semester in school and was able to write a check to pay for my tuition, fees, and books. Not to mention I worked part-time during school and paid my living expenses.

I had never been so proud of myself up until that point. I was even prouder to tell MULTIPLE administrative people who ASSUMED that I had no money to pay for my last semester that "I am paying cash!" They were shocked since up until that point, I relied on Financial Aid.

[MySimplePlan]

I have a question - does one need to maintain a certain numbers of credits on a student loan? For example, can one take five nursing credits (clinical and lecture) and still receive the government student loan without having to take extra classes to get up to a certain minimum number of credits?

[sockmonkey70]

As far as I know, you can still get financial aid as a part time student as long as you don't drop under the amount of hours you signed up for. I would talk to the school you plan to attend though.