A way to not work?

decembergrad2011, BSN, RN · Jul 7, 2012

I was able to secure a scholarship through a hospital after my first semester of nursing school. They paid a certain rate by credit hour that covered my tuition and some of my books. My fiance worked full-time while I was in school, but it was a retail gig and he didn't bring home a lot of money, so I obtained student loans to cover rent and other expenses. There was no way for me to work enough for it to make a dent in the bills I needed to pay during my second, third, and fourth semesters of my BSN program. It was too much busy work, clinicals, and studying for a job for my program. People in my classes did it, but they generally worked more for pocket money than to pay their living expenses.

Do you fill out the FAFSA every year? If you are 24+, you may qualify for a Pell Grant depending on the income of you and your partner. I was able to get this during my last year of school and it was a nice extra $1k each semester which helped. Otherwise I took about about $5k each semester in Federal Stafford student loans. I tried not to take more than I could help, but would give myself plenty of money to make sure I could cover everything at least through July.

ImKosher · Jul 7, 2012

I don't know too many people who would work if they didn't have to but, still I must ask, is there a way to not work?
I'm really not trying to be funny here. I work full time and will be taking classes full time, yet again, this fall and it is truly getting to me folks! I used to be pretty good at blending the two, but nursing classes are a whole other beast than English 101. So, I am really thinking about either alternative work options or trying to swing not working. But, with a house, car payments, school bills, etc. I don't know if it's even an option for my little two people family to live on just one income. I do make and sell candles but it's more of a hobby because the profits just buy more supplies. It just seems I need more time and my job is demanding, I mean, they call me in on my days off literally EVERY time I am off in the week because we're short and I have to work every other weekend. I get it, it's the life of the hospital worker, but with nursing school I can't afford to be side tracked. I find it ironic that the school is always saying, "It’s best to not work while in the nursing program." I'm like, seriously? Living on the street isn't appealing! I just wonder how in the world they expect people to not work. Particularly when the supplies alone are costing me a couple thousand. I guess I can see the straight out of high school student, but what about everyone else? Ahhhh, the woes of the adult student. Anyhow, anyone else facing this dilemma?
Have any of you quit work? How are you making it by? Right now I pay for school out of pocket, but I have been looking for scholarships. Would love any ideas or advice!

Is there a way...yes. You can pull out loans after loans, to cover your school and day to day living. Scholarships are a great way to pay for school, bot of course limited as you know.

In your situation, I would not recommend it. With a plus one, you would need to do some kind of work to take care of your family. There are some that are able to go to school without working, spouse, military, or even financial aid. Many people work while going to school, dome even work 2 jobs to get through school.

It all depends on your situation. Look into your options and see what may be your best choice. Write them down and look at the pros and cons.

In my situation, my wife will be working full-time as I go to school. I will still work weekends though. My local health system is sponsoring me because of my employment with them. They offer tuition assistance, Nursing Allied Scholarship, and a stipdend. they require me to work weekends for these benefits. If your interested in something like this, look into your local Hospitals and Health systems and ask Human Resources.

Good Luck to you.

Nurse2BLife · Jul 7, 2012

These are good ideas. I especially like the idea of working on weekends, because I would love to keep at least my foot in the door where I'm at. Also, @ ImKosher, my plus one is my husband (not a little one) lol. We thought about doing the same thing u and ur wife are, he works I do full time school and maybe a part time job. I will look up ur program, perhaps they have something in my area. Thanks!

k_girl153 · Jul 7, 2012

Are you able to take out loans? If you are, you could take out the minimum that you would be able to live on and use that money. Some of my classmates work only on the weekends. Our clinicals are M&T in the fall so I dont know if they will still be able to do that. Have you thought about waitressing? Depending on where you work you can sometimes take home more in one night than you would at a regular job.

In my situation, I'm not eligible for any aid. Luckily my Uncle offered to pay my tuition (I'm in an ADN program) and I'm fortunate to have a fiance who makes enough to pay all our bills (mortgage, car, etc) and give me spending money when I need it. I currently work a PRN job but I've signed up to work about 20 hours a week during the summer. In the fall I just may drop it down to 4-8 hrs a week.

Katie71275 · Jul 7, 2012

I quit work to go back to school...Of course I worked 8-430 M-F so I had to in order to go to class/clinicals, plus I was changing careers (from child protection to nursing).

Luckily DH's income mostly supports us and my loans pay for college and the extra we need. We are a 6 family household with 4 kids, so there are expenses.

I will start working in August though(with about 9 months left of school) as a nurse tech, and the pay isn't great but will help a lot!

If you qualify for loans, I would apply for some. Is your plus one a child or a hubby? if hubby, does he work? If child, do you have someone to keep your child in the evenings so that you can work then?

Mrs.Priss · Jul 8, 2012

I will not be working during NS. My husband, 18mo old son and I are all living on one income. It's very hard. I have definitely learned to be frugal! BUT I know it will pay off being able to have time to study, go to school, and also take care of my duties as a wife and mother and not literally pull my hair out! Good luck! : )

shay&lynn, ASN, RN · Jul 8, 2012

I don't know too many people who would work if they didn't have to but, still I must ask, is there a way to not work?
I'm really not trying to be funny here. I work full time and will be taking classes full time, yet again, this fall and it is truly getting to me folks! I used to be pretty good at blending the two, but nursing classes are a whole other beast than English 101. So, I am really thinking about either alternative work options or trying to swing not working. But, with a house, car payments, school bills, etc. I don't know if it's even an option for my little two people family to live on just one income. I do make and sell candles but it's more of a hobby because the profits just buy more supplies. It just seems I need more time and my job is demanding, I mean, they call me in on my days off literally EVERY time I am off in the week because we're short and I have to work every other weekend. I get it, it's the life of the hospital worker, but with nursing school I can't afford to be side tracked. I find it ironic that the school is always saying, "Its best to not work while in the nursing program." I'm like, seriously? Living on the street isn't appealing! I just wonder how in the world they expect people to not work. Particularly when the supplies alone are costing me a couple thousand. I guess I can see the straight out of high school student, but what about everyone else? Ahhhh, the woes of the adult student. Anyhow, anyone else facing this dilemma?
Have any of you quit work? How are you making it by? Right now I pay for school out of pocket, but I have been looking for scholarships. Would love any ideas or advice!

I am very fortunate to have a job that allows me to make my own schedule. I am an aide in a LTC facility...at the min, I only have to work 2 days a month. I can pick my days/shifts.

I also just scored a job at a hospital as an NA in the Orthopedic unit. I am grateful for this opportunity.

Last semester was rough...I did work some, but it was rough having an hr plus commute 4-6 days a week along with 13 credit hrs, a family, house, yadda yadda yadda.

If I didn't have to work, I wouldn't, but unfortunately, we have to eat, have bills, etc.

Cali_Nurse_209 · Jul 8, 2012

I'm a CNA and I used to work full time now I just work on Friday and Saturday nights as a CNA in a mental health facility that really isn't that demanding, since I will be starting the BSN program this fall. I get grants and scholarshipd and I've also taken out a small loan just in case. I really don't have to work because I don't have kids, rent, or anything like that. All I need to worry about is school supplies, gas, my car, and any other extra things. I am engaged, my fiance goes to college and is also in the Ca Army National Guard he's willing to help me out if I ever need it but so far I've been able to cover all of my expenses. Our families have been very supportive of us and as long as we are doing something they are willing to do whatever they can to make sure we don't struggle through college. I really like my job and like having the extra money and building up on experience. I don't see myself qutting anytime soon and I do budget. My schedule works out great because I managed to have all my nursing classes on only Mondays and Wednesdays, work on Friday and Saturday nights, so that leaves me with Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday where I can get more studying done and catch up with whatever else. You should look into all the scholarships that are out there, fill out your FAFSA for grants and if need be take out a loan. A lot of people sometimes try to discourage loans but if you are responsible about it and not wasting that money then it shouldn't be a problem. Good luck to you.

rubato, ASN, RN · Jul 8, 2012

Can it be done? Maybe. Here's what you have to look at:

Does your husband make a decent living that it's possible to live off of?

Can you cut some living costs (sell the new car that has huge payments, not go out to dinner or the movies, turn the thermostat down this winter, eat food that's on sale at the store, pack your lunch, use refillable water bottles instead of buying more water, etc....)

Are there any scholarships, grants or anything that you qualify for?

I am going to school full time and my husband works. We have one child. We have actually lived off of his salary alone for 13 years. I know how to live cheaply and will continue to do so while in school. I got a full scholarship from my Honors program due to my grades in pre reqs, which is a big help, but we could have managed without it. We drive slightly older cars so that we don't have payments, we pay for everything up front, and we live frugally.

SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN · Jul 8, 2012

Same as others, my hubby works and I go to school. We have 2 kids. My hubby us a teacher but we have managed to live off his income so far. We have learned to scrimp and budget and do without. It's temporary! I posted another thread last night, but my hubby got another job in Ky (we are inNv) and while he gets a pay raise we will be supporting 2 households now because I can't leave yet! I have gotten grants for school and just recently took out a loan to help as well. I can be done, just may have to give up some stuff for awhile!

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Jul 8, 2012

Lucky for me, my husband had his own business, made enough for me not to work during nursing school. We also didn't have any kids, lived in a one bedroom apartment, owned old cars and trucks with no loans, no credit card debt, and pretty much didn't go on any vacations or spend hardly any money for the three years I was in school to get my BSN

My friend got student loans, even owned her own house, and was able to pay all her bills and make it through three years of her BSN with me, she also lived frugal too.

You can do it, the biggest thing is to change your perception of living, no thrills or frills. Period.