Too poor to become a nurse?

starbabyfive · Apr 27, 2007

i don't remember whos post i read this quote on, but i liked it so much that i wrote it in the front of one of my notebooks. i think it puts the whole 'loan' thing into perspective.

"an investment in knowledge always pays the best intrest" benjamin franklin

kasia2 · Apr 27, 2007

MMW37

Thanks for the advice but I dont know if this will work, I arleady tried to make an appeal in past , it didnt get approved,I have no idea at all why they even came out with this appeal thing because I dont know anybody who was given second chancem but anyway I have no idea if I can apply for any loans on disqualified status. my school is so strict about financial aid, I should go and find out, I hope that its not to late to aplly for FAFSA, right now I'v been going to school to ask when the are sending the letters and they always say sometime in May...anyway this loan makes me nervous because Im afraid if something goes wrong I will have to pay very serious consequences, I mean anything bad can happend like failiing grade or some kind of physical sickeness, you dont finish your degree but you have to pay back what you took...

pepperann35 · Apr 30, 2007

Since we have such a shortage of nurse, I wish the government would help pay for tuition to get some of us, that cannot affort the tuition and don't qualify for financial aid or grants, pay for school. Many of us, that are LPN's would LOVE to go back to school. Since they keep threatening to "phase out" LPN's, why not provide the opportunity for us to continue our education and become RN's if we so chose? I have been an LPN for 18 years and am now looking at college tuition for my children. I cannot afford to pay for my own as well. Just a thought.... :uhoh3:

chesara · Apr 30, 2007

I think you have to fill out FAFSA no matter what, even if you don't think you're eligible. It's usually the first step in the financial aid/loan process. I always do mine on-line and I'm never eligible as my husband makes too much (though we don't see it - all the bills get it!). I don't think it's too late to apply because tax season just ended and you have to have the previous years tax information to fill it out. If some people don't file until April 15, then it's only been two weeks since then so it can't be too late.

I'm thankful for Georgia's HOPE scholarship, which is funded by the state lottery. I went to college on it and now my son is going on it. You have to be a resident of GA but I don't know for how many years before you qualify. Also, grades are a factor on if you qualify. I had been out of school too long and didn't do too well on the math entrance exam so I didn't get it my first semester. But after proving myself with a good GPA, I was able to get it for the remaining semesters.

But unfortunately I didn't use HOPE for nursing, I chose a different field. Now I will have to have all student loans for school and I'm already paying some back from before because HOPE only pays for so much and for so many hours. It's not intended to pay for you to go to school for however many years you wish. After I think 126 credit hours (give or take) it runs out.

I'd check into any scholarships for your state and also see if any of the hospitals offer tuition assistance. You would owe them so many years after graduation to work for them in exchange. I might go that route if I can get the information.

alliestar · May 1, 2007

Living your life in the "What if" mode is no way to live your life. I have a newborn and a well paying job now. I am the breadwinner in my house and that's not saying much. Taking a 100% pay cut is making me ill at times. However, I work in a very unpredictable line of work and will definitely be squeezed out by the time I'm 40. I've decided to bite the bullet and take out the equivalent of a car loan to secure my and my family's future. Plus, I know what I will be doing will make me feel worth something. Each day, you will have the chance to comfort someone or make them smile during probably one of their lowest points. Or if your in L&D, share in the happiest moments. Live your life like you only have one life.

JenM · May 1, 2007

Hi,

I am in a very similar situation. We are low income as well, with 3 kids (7 months, 4 years and 6 years old). My husband just got laid off too! Before that we made a combined income of $1,600/month. Yes things are tight, but we manage.

Here, in Michigan, my tuition is paid for through financial aid. Then I take out student loans to pay bills and school supplies. This comes to about $20,000/year in student loans. I apply for all of the grants that I can and usually through that I get about $4,000 more a year. It is $245.00/ credit hour at my school.

Here's the deal: if you want it that bad, you will do what you can to make it. IMHO if you have to eat ramen noodles and corn for the next 2 years it's worth it. Nurses not only get paid good, but have a rewarding job too!

BTW, I know a girl that has 7 kids and is doing the program just fine!:smackingf

Wondergirl0905 · May 2, 2007

Don't put off a nursing degree for fear of debt. Not many people can go to school these days without student loans. Don't think of it as putting your family in debt - think of it as investing in your future. You will have a guaranteed job no matter where life takes you and those loans will be paid off in no time. There are also federal loan forgiveness programs that can help pay them off even more quickly.

Good luck in your decision!

Jeannai · May 2, 2007

go to a community college in your area. talk to a financial aide advisor. you will be surprised what will happen for you. i have a family as well and not alot of income, and i dont think of it as selfish i think of it as trying to give them a better life and i use that every day as my motivation. as should you. go now and maybe you will start this fall. keep us posted. good luck.

peca82 · Jun 10, 2008

Hi

My name is Peter and I came from Europe where I am a nurse but the problem is that I cant work hire as nurse!!! I come hire 8 days ago but I am ready to start a new life hire as an nurse. I am in medicine for about 9 years most spend on learning. i have finish a high medicine school (4 years) and now I am on medicine university fro ansthesiology nurses!! ( 3 year). i have a 2 years of expiriance as nurse in ICU!

So if anyone can and wont to help me please mail to me!!!

Thanx

P. Miljkovic :yawn:

djc1981 · Jun 10, 2008

Yes, I think looking at local community colleges is a great start. They are pretty cost effective. It is actually a small investment when you look at how much your income will raise. You could easily be making 50K right out of school. I say go for it if your situation allows!

stykerforce · Aug 28, 2008

I have poor credit (515 FICO score) and I only make about 18,500 per yr working full time as a flight attendant. I am so eager to go back to school and I was accepted to CSCC but I told them I wanted to wait until Sept 2010, when in reality I want to start ASAP. I figure in the mean time I can pay off the debts on my credit report and open two secured small limit credit cards to build a credit history. Anyone have any other ideas to help make my rags to riches story become a reality? My mother is in the same exact situation as I am but also has my 16yr old sister to care for...she resides in DE and I reside in OH with two roommates. I try to keep my expenses as low as possible to send what ever I can to creditors whenever I can. :sniff:

Jilaweez, BSN, MSN, RN · Aug 28, 2008

I have poor credit (515 FICO score) and I only make about 18,500 per yr working full time as a flight attendant. I am so eager to go back to school and I was accepted to CSCC but I told them I wanted to wait until Sept 2010, when in reality I want to start ASAP. I figure in the mean time I can pay off the debts on my credit report and open two secured small limit credit cards to build a credit history. Anyone have any other ideas to help make my rags to riches story become a reality? My mother is in the same exact situation as I am but also has my 16yr old sister to care for...she resides in DE and I reside in OH with two roommates. I try to keep my expenses as low as possible to send what ever I can to creditors whenever I can.

Are you able to qualify for financial aid? In your financial situation that may help with most of your nursing school expenses.