A friend desperately wants to go to nursing school but can't financially..any advice?

[cindyrn1]

I have an LPN friend that desperately wants to go to RN school but can't due to finances. Does anyone have any ideas on how she can get the money and financial assistance to put her through school? She said that they take your last years income to decide if you qualify for a pell grant so she can't get a grant. It's been so long since I went to school that I don't even know where to direct her to get help. But surely some of you new grads could help me out in giving her some info on how to get her RN with very little money that she makes right now. I would really appreciate any advice or suggestions. Thanks~!

[CHATSDALE]

i am sure that you will need additional income beside the assistance you will get...lpn can usually go prn somewhere...even take a weekend option job or private duty [which would probably give you some study time also] you really have to want what you are going after...it will be a rough time but you WILL walk out the other side

[nursemike, ASN, RN]

Hi guys!!

Hope this isn't a stupid or obvious question, but will financial aid (loans, hospital grant, etc) give enough to cover an apartment ($700-800/month)? I'm a single girl, and would like to avoid working if I can to concentrate on school..

Thanks guys, I'm so clueless at these things.. :imbar

Take care,

Tanya

I think you would need quite a good package, combining grants, loans, and scholarships. Theoretically possible, but not easy. I don't know your background--if you aren't already working in healthcare, a part-time job has benefits beyond the paycheck. Nurse's aide is the best (non-licensed) preparation for a.m. care, vital signs, etc., but anything in patient care is helpful.

At least in my area, another nice thing is that even fairly menial jobs (like mine) pay a good deal better than flipping burgers.

My manager has been great about working around my schedule. We always did get along well, but she has a natural interest in recruiting a new nurse, too.

Good luck.

[Bonnie Rabbit]

I agree w/ above posts and would like to suggest looking for scholarships from community organizations. Some organizations have scholarships specifically for healthcare students, for adults, for students of a particular city, etc. Definitely speak with the financial aid counselor about those potential opportunities. And, any organizations you belong to - church, public service, etc. Scholarships vary in amount, but, from experience, even those $500 awards can add up quickly! Good luck!