Which is the best nursing program for a mom?

Nursing Students School Programs

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Hi folks!

I'm hoping someone might be able to shed light on an upcoming decision I have to make about which nursing program is the best option for a mom? I know ultimately this is a decision only I can make, but I appreciate hearing other people's perspectives, especially those that have been through these rigorous programs, and can speak from experience on this very topic.

I've been a single parent for more than 5 years; My two little ones are now almost 6 and 8, and I have two bonus kids and a fiancé now, so we are a busy family and home.

I recently got accepted into University of Portland, OHSU and Linfield's accelerated BSN program. I'm having SUCH a difficult time deciding which program would be best for my family and I, since I know this decision will have an effect on everyone in our home.

Linfield's ABSN -- 15 month program, so short time period -- costs about $84k to attend tho. They are offering me a $20k transfer scholarship, so it's closer to $64k total.

OHSU BSN -- 3 year program, LONG. Costs about $44k. No scholarships offered yet, but it's still about $20k cheaper than Linfield.

UP BSN -- 2 year program. Perfect time period! However, cost is $100k total, and they offer NO scholarships to post-bacc students, so no financial assistance offered. :( I think this school is pretty much out of our budget.

So...it's between Linfield and OHSU.

I love my family and want to be able to provide for them, while still maintaining a healthy balance of work and life.

Any advice or input anyone is willing to lend would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks! :)

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Specializes in ICU.

Those are all super expensive. How are you going to pay for it? Do you not have to work either?

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I'm not going to work if I go to Linfield, there's just not enough hours in the day. I believe they are 12-hour days??? But please someone in the ABSN program correct me if I'm wrong.

I just finished my CNA course at PCC, and will be taking the state exam to get certified next month, so hoping to work as a CNA on a limited basis during nursing school, but that would probably be OHSU's program.

I'm not really as concerned about the money because I can take out loans, but it's the time commitment factor and knowing if Linfield is even a viable option for a mom. I don't want someone else to raise my children for 15 months, you know? But then again...I'm not thrilled to be in school for another 3 years either. Ugh. Decisions, decisions.

Thanks for listenng!

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I know people who have graduated from each of those programs. All were satisfied, but totally overwhelmed with student debt. I was in a similar situation as you-kids, already a BS in another field. I went a different route. Earned my associate's degree from a local community college in the PDX metro area. Cost was under $10k- no loans. This was four years ago. I work for one of the multi facility health care systems in the area and will slowly work on my BSN online over the next year at a cost of approximately $6k with my hospital picking up part of the tab. Just something to consider.

From the schools you listed I would go with Linfield. Seems the most economical and Legacy offers the most opportunity for new grad residency.

Good luck!!

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Thank you @LollygaggerRN!

Appreciate your input and all the great info you shared. I actually tried the community college route, but PCC didn't pick me up because of some weird math credits that weren't transferring over, but all the other programs accepted them. Silly, huh? Congrats on getting your RN!!! That's no easy feat, and especially with little ones. And kuddos to you for doing it all in under $16k! Now that's creative.

Do do you know anyone in the accelerated Linfield program? I wish I could talk with someone to find out what a typical day in the life of a student looks like?

Appreciate your insight immensely.

Annie

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Any way you look at it, that is ALOT of debt to saddle yourself and your new combined family with. Particularly if you are unable to find a job after graduation. I seem to recall reading here that the Portland area is saturated with nurses. Have you checked into your local job market? Are you willing to move for your job?

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Have you calculated a debt repayment plan that includes all your future costs of living? If so, how do you see yourself financially able to manage without working either massive amounts of overtime or more than one job? Either way, it's unlikely you will be spending quality time with your children. A better plan would be to work as a CNA and wait until you can get accepted into a low cost community college nursing program (get extra math credits if that is what is necessary). Even if it takes years to get into a community program, you will have a better work life balance over the long run.

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Specializes in IMCU, Oncology.

Wow those are expensive. I am a mom and went to a 2 year community college to get my nursing degree for around 10K. I think community college is perfect for a mom, because they don't have all the extra classes that are included in a BSN and you can work as soon as you graduate while also getting your BSN. I couldn't imagine paying that much for a nursing education!

Also, an accelerated program isn't going to give you the balance you need with family for sure!

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I would never consider that amount of debt for a nursing career. If I were in your situation (and I was with much younger children) I would retake the math at the CC and apply with them.

I will eventually (maybe) get my BSN, but for now I make exactly the same as my BSN coworkers and I am so glad I'm not saddled with crippling debt.

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Specializes in CVICU CCRN.

I'm in the PacNW. From my understanding, it is extremely difficult to get an acute care hospital job in Portland without a BSN (if that's your career goal). Linfield is a great program, but OHSU is really tops. A foot in the door from them can take you a lot of places, in my understanding.

I had middle school aged children when I went to a traditional BSN program at a private university in WA. I was able to qualify for several other scholarships, but it did take some pre-planning. Even in a traditional program, my commitment to class and clinical was ~45 hours per week. This allowed me to complete my degree in 4 semesters plus one summer session for some medical ethics classes that were a University-specific requirement. (All of my pre-reqs and core classes were completed prior to transfer).

With small kids, an accelerated program is going to be a ton of work. While OHSU might take a bit longer, the balance might be better for you and your family. Just my .02. Good luck with whatever you decide!

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

I wouldn't recommend an ABSN program for a mom. I did a tech school ADN program while preg and raising a newborn, and that was very difficult. How it seems based on others' experiences, and how I imagine it is to do nursing school twice as fast, it sounds like working two jobs.

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Specializes in ICU.

I was asking because ABSN have the word accelerated in them which translates into a lot of credit hours per semester. You have young children and a family. I was asking if you had to work also. These are expensive programs. I would think an ASN program would be more up your alley. Have you researched your job market yet? Are new grads able to get jobs? What kind of degree is required? You don't want to be saddled with a lot of debt and no job.

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