Living independently while in Nursing school, is it possible?

[Lena M]

Hi there, I'm a new member on this sight but I've been reading posts on here for a long time. Well, my situation is, I'm 17 and I am a full time Dual Enrollment student at a comm. college taking my nursing pre-reqs(pretty much instead of taking my senior year classes at my high school) and I have been accepted into 3 nursing programs, waiting on 3 more answers to decide where I want to go. I was lucky enough to get a scholarship that will cover all of my tuition for nursing school, and I intend on applying for more and grants and such, so it is not the actual nursing school costs that worry me. I would really like to move out as soon as possible (my home life is not a good situation, I've been working almost full time since I was in 8th grade and pretty much taking care of all of my living costs along with an unstable, addicted parent, besides the mortgage, so please no answers that I simply won't be able to move out cause I'm too young and don't know the responsibilities, at this point moving out would be the best choice for my mental well-being). What I'm asking is if it is possible to do while in Nursing school? I work part time as a pca and in childcare along with school, and I've paid for this years entire tuition, insurance, and everything no problem, but obviously I would try to get even better work to move out. However, is it possible to hold a good job while going to school? Any suggestions on good jobs to search for that could work with nursing school, and cheapest independent living situations? I live in a small town in Western Mass, and I was honestly maybe looking at renting a mobile home while in school, any other suggestions? My boyfriend may also move in with me and split costs, either that or I could also maybe look for a roommate. So any suggestions? If there are any answers thank you so much, I would really appreciate it.!

[Lena M]

nae312213-Alright great thank you. At almost every information session for the schools I've been accepted into they of course tell me it's impossible. So that's great to know thank you.

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

First of all, I'm sorry you're in this situation.

Second, yes it's totally doable. Most of us live independently, at least with a roommate or SO. A lot of medical type jobs like cna, hha, dsp, etc have an option of working prn or fill in, which has been great for me since I pick up lots of shifts when I have the time or none when I don't. Student loans and grants are meant to provide for a significant portion of living expenses as well, so you should be absolutely fine.

If you go the roommate route I'd probably recommend finding someone already established in a place that's a little older that's looking for a roommate to replace one they had. This way you are unlikely to need things like furniture or kitchenware, and they probably take care of things like utility bills which makes your adjustment to living independently a little simpler.

Good luck!

This is good advice. I definitely would not go the "boyfriend as roommate" route. Who you are at 17 is going to be way different than who you are at 28.

That said, I am proud of you for all you have accomplished. The goal should be getting through school and a relationship should not be high on the priority list.

My 3 adult kids did the roommate thing - that can be bad or good depending on the roommate. The idea of renting a room from an older person or married couple is good. Mine did that as well. The eldest started out at the dorm the first year and then got roommates and an apartment. I definitely wouldn't get a roommate close to your age - most women are such drama-queens right out of high school.

Best wishes!