ADN program vs current career....suggestions please!

[Nursing Gyrl]

Unfortunately, I was waited listed for the BSN program that I wanted to attend. However, I know it was my fault because I refused to repeat Human A & P I & II which I received ©s in 5 years ago. I am 28 and tired of waiting, I want my nursing career now! Though my GPA is good and my NET score was decent, both BSN programs that I interviewed for really concentrated on the grade in these courses. Anyhow, I was accepted into a ADN program....I already have 2 Associate degrees(too many college credits). This means that financial aid at a community college might not pay for my schooling. I will apply for scholarships but I do not think this will be enough. I also did not realize that ADN programs do not offer student health insurance. What? I have never gone without insurance before, though I rarely use it.

I am currently working in the medical field making $50k a year with great benefits but I really want to be a nurse. In order for me to complete this 2 yr program I must stop working full time. I have heard how difficult it is to work while in a nursing program but I have worked part time in another demanding program before. It was tough. Is it really possible to work part time on the weekends so that I may maintain health insurance while attending an ADN program? ....Keep in mind that I am a single chic who supports herself without any outside assistance. Please tell how you did it/are making it....all realistic suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance!

[llg, PhD, RN]

I know a lot of people who have worked part time while they attended a "full time" ADN program. It's quite common in my region. That will enable you to keep your access to health insurance, which I agree is an absolute necessity.

How much in debt are you now? (both in any previous student loans and in other types of debt) If you do not have much debt, you might consider taking out a small private student loan to supplement your part time employment to help pay for living expenses. I wouldn't recommend going deeply into debt, but a small loan might help you minimize your work hours to only the number that you have to work. Be careful with those private loans though. I'm no expert, but I hear that the laws governing them strongly favor the lender and not the student.

As a single woman who has gone back to school twice after my initial nursing education, I can empathize with you. When there is no one to help pay the bills, it's scary to quit your job and go back to school.

Of course ... another route you can take that might be the most prudent ... would be to keep your full time $50K job another year and retake those A&P courses so that you can get into the BSN program of your choice. Being impatient now might bring heartache in the long run. The more I think about it, the more I think you should be patient and go for the BSN. After all, you're going to have to go back to school and get it eventually if you want any career advancement later. Add that fact to the mix and I think it makes patience and BSN your best choice.

Good luck to you.

[Nursing Gyrl]

Actually, I do have some debt from the previous program that I was in. I am really considering the second option you mentioned....going for the BSN again next year. I just hate that I will be a yr older...oh no, lol. Let this be a lesson to others who are unaware of how not taking college course grades seriously can really bite you in the butt down the road. I have a few weeks to give it some deep brainstorming. Thanks llg.