Anyone else gone broke just preparing for school?

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How many of ya'll are already financially unstable and nursing school hasn't even STARTED?

I didn't realize it was going to be so costly. Since August, I've had to fork over 400 dollars for a CNA class, I had to turn in a deposit to reserve my space for the nursing program, I just paid 70 dollars for my uniform, I have yet to fork over money for the second background check I have to have completed by the school in 3 months (I had to go through another one for the CNA program, but I have to go through a separate one for nursing), I just registered for classes and will have to pay tuition soon, and my books for first semester will cost at least 700 dollars. Oh, and I won't be taking my CNA competency exam anytime soon because I don't have the 92 dollars to pay for it! And that's just school stuff. I haven't even looked into a stethoscope or anything like that (and I'm not asking for one for Christmas because I stopped receiving gifts about 5 years ago).

In the words of my late grandfather, "Lawd have mercy"! I am thrilled about nursing school and I know I'll be well-taught and more than prepared for this career, but I wish I had known it would be so expensive so early. At this point, financial stress worries me more than anything.

Anyone else gone broke and want to share their stories? We'll make it through!

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I hear ya! My family struggles financially and now that I have actually been accepted into NS, I wonder if i'll really be able to afford it. I am going to take it one day at a time and pray alot! I have asked for some things for my birthday and christmas this year to help with things like a stethescope and scrubs so it will take away some of the early financial burden. We will make it through!! (won't we? ughh)

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

I know how you feel. I initially only saved up for tuition and fees. I did not realize I would need to make major purchases once I was accepted until I spoke to other students last semester. This summer and fall I continued to attend school but I have worked to save additional money.

I am hitting one thing at a time. I just paid for my nursing school tuition and fees for next semester. Right now I am searching online for textbooks and I plan to purchase them next month. My purchase will be $1000.00!!! This does not include additional readings or supplemental materials.

I am also paying to renew my CPR. Fortunately I have proof of an updated background check and shots. I feel for people having to fork over $400 for these alone!:eek:

I will hit my clothing and equipment during Christmas break. I need to have that done by the time school starts so I am not as worried as I am about the stuff that have a deadline coming up soon.

The positive is there are many deals online and loads of information on this website to help save money. The negative is the amount we are going to have to fork over!

Speaking of which, I think this might make or break some people in my program. A few students who depend on Financial Aid were complaining at the informational meeting because he/she does not have the money to cover these expenses before school starts. Some are very good students and the Director did not budge on making exceptions or extending deadlines! Instead students were informed that if deadlines are not met, he/she will be dropped from the program. :stone Welcome to Nursing School! :chair:

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

I have no money whatsoever for nursing school. I am planning on attending a ADN program but already have a AA in Liberal arts so I don't qualify for FA. I am going even if I have to sell my body to get through....lol just don't tell the hubby....

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I have no money whatsoever for nursing school. I am planning on attending a ADN program but already have a AA in Liberal arts so I don't qualify for FA. I am going even if I have to sell my body to get through....lol just don't tell the hubby....

Don't sell your kidney :roll

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Lets not talk about money!!! Denial is easier!

My full time job emigrated to Mexico. I was in repair not manufacturing so I don't get TAA assistance. No worries, I wasn't happy there anyways.

My roomate (who worked for the same company) moved out and got a job in Korea and my car and clean laundry (in basement) were destroyed in a flood.When it rains...it pours...Funny Pun!

:banghead:

Time to break out the discover card!!! You know they pay back .001% for every purchase. After i'm MORE broke and bankrupt; maybe I can use that discover check to buy lunch from the Wendy's dollar menu. At least i'll have a stable career tho.

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Jilaweez, we certainly will make it through! My family's never had it easy either, so I know that they can't really help me. They put a little bit into my bank account when I was in undergrad, but now that I've been on my own for over 2 years, I'm sure they won't be so welcoming to that!

MBA2BRN, I had no idea that people had to pay 400 dollars for CPR/background checks! My background check is only like 40 or 50 dollars, but I have to get that additional one for whatever reason. I did take a CPR class a few months ago and it was only 50 dollars, but they offered it through my school, so if I had gone to an outside source, I guess it would've been closer to 100 dollars. I guess I have somewhat of a reason to be thankful, lol.

txspadequeen, I'm with you there--I assumed that financial aid would take care of everything, like undergrad. My university allowed us to pay tuition online and then they would either direct deposit the refunds like 2-3 business days later or they would mail them 2-3 weeks later. I chose direct deposit and I was able to buy all my books and stuff days before classes even started. If only the same were true for nursing, but we'll make it through! You sure you can't qualify for financial aid? I applied (I have a Bachelor's and I'm entering an Associates program) and I received loans. I would apply just in case--you never know, it could be your lucky day :) And we might be on the same corner selling ourselves to make money, LOL!!!!

KungFuFtr, sorry to hear about your job/flood situation...that's horrible! I would use my credit card, but I'm close to maxing that out. Stupid car maintenance!!! I really hope your situation gets much better really soon!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

MBA2BRN, I had no idea that people had to pay 400 dollars for CPR/background checks! My background check is only like 40 or 50 dollars, but I have to get that additional one for whatever reason. I did take a CPR class a few months ago and it was only 50 dollars, but they offered it through my school, so if I had gone to an outside source, I guess it would've been closer to 100 dollars. I guess I have somewhat of a reason to be thankful, lol.

The shot estimate depends on how many you need and if you have no health insurance, which is the case for many of my peers. They can run $200-300 alone. The rest runs about $100 or so (CPR/First Aid + Background check).

My Director was stating that if one needed to get everything one may be looking at $600 so I was being conservative with the $400 assessment. My Director included the blood tests, TB (including the need for X-Rays), and drug tests.

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Specializes in Looking for a career in NICU.

I just moved from NC and disregarded programs that required a CNA b/c the state doesn't require it.

Are you getting financial aid? You should be able to pay for things like what you are describing. You need to take your CNA test ASAP because the longer you wait the harder it is going to be

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Nursing school is ridiculously expensive. Books, uniforms, background checks, physicals, tuition and fees, supplies....then comes pinning...pin...diploma...fee for applying to take test...fee for license...gawd...I can not even remember what else...I just remember being so broke the last 2 years...my last 2 semesters were the worse. My poor sister had to buy the groceries for the house...she gassed my car up every week...made sure I had ciggarettes...LOL...just like a mom huh? And the sad part was I worked 24 hours every weekend during my fourth semester and could not afford to work any more hours as noone would add any more hours to the day...then my last semester I had to take out loans just to be able to make my monthly bills...but trust me....now that I am done and have got my license...it was all worth it...being poor for a short time now I have money and I buy the groceries....

Heres a little tip though...see if you can find out what books you really need for each semester...like our program had us buy about 700.00 worth of books first semester and some of them we did not even open until our fourth semester...buy them as you need them. Then it does not hurt so bad financially at one time. I also bought some of mine offline at half.com and got new ones delivered to my house wayyy cheaper.

Good luck to you!!!

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I figured out a solution to all my financial problems!

I heard an ad on the radio...I'm going to sell my plasma!

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

Nursing school can be expensive! The first semester is the worse because you have to buy everything.

One thing I can tell you is to talk to some students already in your nursing school and find out what you really need vs what they tell you you need. Like they told us we had to have safety goggles, I've never used them once--plus half that crap is provided by the hospital anyways!

For school uniforms/lab coat ask around, we had a lot of the graduating seniors donate uniforms to us. I also found some of my scrubs at the thrift store for like $2.

Also look on ebay for some of your needed supplies like penlights (I got like a package of 6 disposable penlights for $5), etc.

But ya it can be expensive, but it is worth it!!

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