Advice: Job Before ABSN

[coffeeshopper]

I'm a recovering marketing professional who wants to get my ABSN (interested in hospice/geriatric nursing). I'm 80% done with the pre-reqs for the two schools I'm going to apply to.

Until it's time to apply for school, I need to make as much money as possible because I'm likely going to be considered "out of state" for tuition purposes (even though I will have lived in the state for at least 15 months before the program would begin) and, of course, you can't work during the program.

Would you suggest that I switch gears and instead of getting a marketing gig for like 9 months, go for a CNA or LPN type of position and put in my dues so that I can then get a job that would pay for me to get my ABSN??

I have no nurse friends to ask any of my questions to! Thanks in advance peeps.

[cleback]

Tuition reimbursement usually only kicks in after a year of employment, and you'd likely be making a commitment to work there until after graduation (and beyond). So if you can't work during your nursing program, you are probably better off with the marketing job.

[coffeeshopper]

I'd be happy to work for a year or more (and then a year or more after graduation) before even applying to school if that meant I could get my tuition paid for...although that would probably mean going after a traditional BSN vs the ABSN. Is tuition help/reimbursement usually for the full cost, or just a part of it?

[cleback]

I'd be happy to work for a year or more (and then a year or more after graduation) before even applying to school if that meant I could get my tuition paid for...although that would probably mean going after a traditional BSN vs the ABSN. Is tuition help/reimbursement usually for the full cost, or just a part of it?

In my area, which is semi-competitive for nursing, it is just a part of the cost (e.g., $2500/year, pro-rated for part-time employees).

[OliverElio87, BSN, RN]

Unless you're an LPN already that'll be another year of schooling to do. You'd probably make more money doing your marketing job than working as a CNA (even with tuition reimbursement). I don't k ow any hospital that'll pay for your entire tuition.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Keep your marketing job and make as much money as possible before nursing school. I worked 2 twelve hour night shifts (Friday and Sat) while going through an ABSN program. Obviously you can't work during the day, but evenings or weekends is possible. Only you can determine your ability to work (if at all) during school. Very few hospitals do tuition reimbursement any more. Most will do partial tuition assistance, but you must commit to working there a certain amount of time after you graduate. The length will be determined by the amount of money you are reimbursed.

[verene, MSN]

I would probably keep a marketing job, as that is likely to pay more than CNA and saving money is the goal. It may make sense to either pick up a very part-time/per diem CNA job or volunteer in healthcare environment if you want more healthcare experience. Unfortunately you are not likely to find a healthcare job that will fully pay for the ABSN. Most hospital tuition programs are either partial contributions towards schooling (e.g. 5k/year) or tuition reimbursement which kick in after the fact, and require you to have worked there at least 12 months and continuing working full-time during school in order to qualify.

I would also check to see the residency requirements for tuition - most places have after 12month living in state for non-academic reasons that you qualify for in-state tuition. If you are currently working full-time or close to it, you likely qualify or are qualifying towards residency.

[Quota, BSN, RN]

I'd recommend sticking with the marketing job and bringing in as much money as you can now. I'm in the middle of an aBSN program right now and I do not work. Realistically I could probably manage working a shift or two most weeks at a part time job but it would take away my relaxation/self care time, so yeah I don't. In my program I know of a handful of people who do still work some because they have to to support themselves. The EMT/ER Tech still works 2-3 shifts a week, another person works at a super market a few shifts a week, a handful babysit for some cash. I had a lot of money saved up from working for 13 years before going back to school plus a little assistance from my parents allow me to not NEED to work.

Only a handful of the 55 people in my cohort had previous medical experience. It's nice to have but it certainly isn't necessary, take this time to make money to live off during your program and reduce the amount of debt you might incure from school.

[kkbb, BSN, RN]

At my hospital tuition reimbursement (once you qualify) only occurs AFTER you finish your semester and have passed, meaning that you have to pay for the semester up front. Something to keep in mind.