Anyone else gone broke just preparing for school?

[manofbess]

How many of ya'll are already financially unstable and nursing school hasn't even STARTED?

I didn't realize it was going to be so costly. Since August, I've had to fork over 400 dollars for a CNA class, I had to turn in a deposit to reserve my space for the nursing program, I just paid 70 dollars for my uniform, I have yet to fork over money for the second background check I have to have completed by the school in 3 months (I had to go through another one for the CNA program, but I have to go through a separate one for nursing), I just registered for classes and will have to pay tuition soon, and my books for first semester will cost at least 700 dollars. Oh, and I won't be taking my CNA competency exam anytime soon because I don't have the 92 dollars to pay for it! And that's just school stuff. I haven't even looked into a stethoscope or anything like that (and I'm not asking for one for Christmas because I stopped receiving gifts about 5 years ago).

In the words of my late grandfather, "Lawd have mercy"! I am thrilled about nursing school and I know I'll be well-taught and more than prepared for this career, but I wish I had known it would be so expensive so early. At this point, financial stress worries me more than anything.

Anyone else gone broke and want to share their stories? We'll make it through!

[stpauligirl]

I figured out a solution to all my financial problems!

I heard an ad on the radio...I'm going to sell my plasma!

As long as you haven't been overseas! I can't sell my blood/plasma because I lived in Europe...the Mad Cow Disease scare prevents me from selling mine.

[marilynmom, LPN, NP]

I figured out a solution to all my financial problems!

I heard an ad on the radio...I'm going to sell my plasma!

Me and my husband used to do that. I dont anymore though, it will literally leave track marks on your arm.

[tinyscrafts]

where do you sell plasma?

I had a wealthy client rude enough to ask me for a rebate today. ummmm. NO!

[mydee]

HI,

Prenursing student and I am going crazy over the cost of school. I may have to take a CNA class (1500) plus books and supplies. I am also taking my prereq classes at the community college. I also have to pay for a private techer to passed the NET test. This all comes up when my husband decided that he wanted to get a AS degree in CIT. I trying to figure out how to pay for it all without taking out any loans.

[manofbess]

Thanks again for the additional responses! :bowingpur I suddenly don't feel so bad and if you all can make it through, then so can I!

BSNtobe2009, my particular school requires that you be a CNA and while there are a few around here that don't, this was the only school I applied to and I got accepted, so I went ahead and knocked that out of the way. For what it's worth though, it was good experience and I know a little more that will probably help during nursing school clinicals, which we jump straight into from first semester.

I actually had a cousin who went to the plasma bank and donated. That was her alternative to finding a job because she was a party girl in undergrad! I hear that it's a whole lot more painful than giving blood.

I am trying to maintain the mentality that I struggled through 4 years of college in the past and what's 2 more...while I know it can be done, this go-around, it seems a whole lot more expensive. I never had a semester where books cost more than 500 dollars! I'll be using Amazon.com and Half.com as much as I can over the next 2 years

Happy Turkey Day to all!

[Epona]

yes.. i can sympathize with all of you... it is very expensive!!

i did not cry when i got accepted, but i cried last night when i found out my loan was approved! i had to take out $20,000 so i could go! whoa! i cried cause once i got the loan i knew then i was going. i worried for the last month whether i could afford to go. i was accepted, but could not pay. that is an awful feeling. bad. loans were the only way. thank heavens for educational lending institutions! the rep. at the lending company said to me over the phone last night "your loan has been approved and you will get the money in less then a week. happy thanksgiving. you are going to nursing school." i was like "what??!!" "can you repeat that???!!" when i got off the phone i called my mom and cried. that 10 second moment changed my life. otherwise, i would have worked for $11 an hour for the rest of my life with a bs degree from a well regarded university and no where to go with it.. now that is sad.

i have a lot to be thankful for this thanksgiving.

god bless.... e

[Jilaweez, BSN, MSN, RN]

E,

That's wonderful. I know how you must have felt, I wonder if I'll be able to afford school and don't know if I'll qualify for a loan with all the debt I'm in. I am glad it worked out for you. I am optimistic that somehow I will find a way too. Best of luck!

[manofbess]

i have a lot to be thankful for this thanksgiving.

god bless.... e

congratulations! now that is a blessing indeed :) you have a lot to be thankful for tomorrow!