Voc Rehab

[FutureAspirations]

I am a pre-nursing student in 'limbo' between an adn and an accelerated bsn program. I say 'limbo' because I spoke with, and qualify to continue service with, a vocational rehab counselor.

I am one class away from completing a degree in a field that I am largely disqualified from due to a disability, and I am wondering if anyone here has knowledge regarding the workings of vocational rehab. I was waitlisted due to budget issues, so I'm doing some knowledge searching in the mean time (In order to figure out what pre-req 'journey' I should take).

Do you think voc rehab would pay for the more expensive accelerated bsn as opposed to the cheaper associates degree? My goal is to eventually be a nurse practitioner, but I want to travel first, and I want to have nothing standing between me and a good psych job off the bat. I heard that it is sometimes harder to get a job with an adn, so I am also wondering what type of convincing argument should be brought to the table with my counselor in order to get funding for the bsn.

Thank you, and best wishes!

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I have experienced voc rehab as someone with a disability. They were LESS than enthused when I had a desire to continue my career in nursing (I became disabled as a home health nurse). I decided to not use their services. I went and continued my nursing career by obtaining my BSN.

From my experience with vocational rehab, they provide educational assistance for bachelors degrees, not associates. I'm not sure if it is area related, so I would check that out, HOWEVER, if they are stating that they feel as though your disability is precluding you from the career choice that you have, you may need to decide if you are going to use their assistance, especially if they are not willing to approve funding assistance because of the disability.

I'm a little roguish...I decided to bite the bullet and got my BSN when it was CLEAR they were not going to assist me in completing my goals. I am a BSN, I have a job, but It's not enough to cover the bills, and I had difficulty with my first full time job as a RN, so, alas, I'm on the hunt again in a very tight market. I make enough to keep my benefits from being cut and my budget allows me to live and enjoy what I do, even if it means to keep my skills updated, as well as deferment on loans because of my funds and situation. I plan to get off disability, because I want to work as a full time nurse before going the NP route; I have to keep my nursing skills up, as well as keep going until the demand for nurses increases, in which I'll get another chance.

Whatever you decide, trust what is the reality, even though you know what's in your heart. I am having an uphill battle, but I know it may be for a long season. I've had enough setbacks for a lifetime, but I know I have to keep going for my goals, and I have made small victories that make it worth it.

I just wanted to share my personal opinion on how challenging it is to deal with a disability, and the challenges on having one, especially when one has been in the profession while getting one. Your lifestyle changes and you can't get back off the track because of a setback; however, personal and do not always match up with other forces outside of personal control. Know it is NOT easy, lots of tears and frustration, especially when there are millions of nurses out there, and millions coming out of school.

I trust in my knowledge, my experience, and my passion of nursing that keeps me in this game. If you want to achieve your goals, go for it.

Best of luck to you. :)