Accepted, but not sure what to do!

[Dottie, RN]

I just want to get this off my chest and get some feedback, and maybe some advice on what I should do. I applied to Baptist (RN evening program) for this fall but unfortunately, didn't get accepted. The thing is, I can only do evening/weekend school, because I have a full-time job during the day and cannot quit. As much as I would like to, there's no way my husband and I (and two children) could make it with just his income. So, I applied to SAC's evening program, and if I don't get accepted there, I'll try again at Baptist. (Baptist only accepts students once a year for the evening.) I won't find out if I've been accepted at SAC until next month.

Well yesterday as I was checking my email, there was an email from Baptist congratulating me on their accepted to their DAY program for spring 2010! I was in shock, and now I'm not sure what to do! I wish I could gladly accept it, but I really need to work full-time. I called the advisor this morning at Baptist and left her a message, telling her if there is any way she can put me in a spot for the evening program for next fall, but haven't heard back yet. I think I'll email her too. I feel so bad that I cannot accept this, and worried - what if I don't get into SAC? Then I would feel even worse for turning down Baptist. *sigh*

What are your thoughts on this? Thanks for your feedback!

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

My thoughts- this is a tough spot to be in! You have an acceptance to a program and don't know yet how you'll fare with the other school, but then how will you make it on one salary during school?

I would try to get in touch with the Baptist people first and see if there's any way you can get in to the evening program (waitlist? Maybe someone will drop out before the program starts for another school?). Could you work evenings and weekings during a day program? Unless you can take out loans for living expenses (and are ok with that) it sounds like applying for the other program and maybe reapplying for Baptist is your best option.

[Dottie, RN]

I would try to get in touch with the Baptist people first and see if there's any way you can get in to the evening program (waitlist? Maybe someone will drop out before the program starts for another school?). Could you work evenings and weekings during a day program? Unless you can take out loans for living expenses (and are ok with that) it sounds like applying for the other program and maybe reapplying for Baptist is your best option.

Yes, I'm going to talk to the advisor and ask if there's a way I can get on the waiting list for the evening program, but as for working evenings and weekends, I'm not sure what kind of job I can get (besides waitress or bartender), which I have zero experience in. (I've only worked in the administrative field.) Taking out loans for living expenses is out of the question because we have a lot of debt, and my husband has begun paying his school loans. We're going to discuss this tonight and hopefully come up with a solution. Does anyone have any suggestions on what kind of work I could find in the evenings...that pays decent?

[CDeniseGo]

Well, I am in nursing school during the day and work full-time at night in a casino. I deal blackjack, which the casino taught me how to do. The pay is good, but it is hard trying to get enough sleep. I figured that I will just sleep after I get done with school and get my RN license! Also, I have a husband and a household to maintain, but no kids. If someone is able to help with the kids, it may work out for you! Good luck!