ok, i am 26 years old... been married for nearly 6 years & have a 20 month old son. 6 years ago i was accepted into a lpn program, but suddenly had to move to ohio (yuk!) so i could not attend the program. since then i have worked full time as a customer service manager at 2 different stores and have researched nursing school here in ohio, but had no support from the family here (my husband's family, mine are in another state).
we had our son in may, 2007 & i have to say he is the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me! i love my husband, and my son... more than anything! since then, we decided i would be a stay at home mom & care for our son full time. i have never objected... i love my life.
i did attempt to apply about a year ago for another lpn program, but because of lots of different factors (especially the lack of support from the in-laws) i quit thinking of it.
now - we live in a different area and are finally our own family! because of some recent financial issues (my husband was laid off in sep, worked in houston after hurricane ike, and is back as of thanksgiving) i decided now is the best time to finally go and get my lpn! lots of reasons... i have been trying to do this for more than 6 years... and should my husband be laid off again i can pick up shifts and make the same income level we need that he makes. (he is a lineman)
so, i applied and was accepted to brown mackie college to the pn program. i took the asset test & passed with flying colors (i was nervous about it!). and applied for financial aid. i was elegible for a small pell grant and a small amount of stafford loans. however it is not enough to cover it all (obviously)! we absolutely can not afford any more monthly payments right now. we have downsized as much as we can.
i am married, white and 26... there is nothing out there for me! it is so sad that if i were a single mom - i'd get my school all paid for, but because my husband and i value our marriage and refuse to leech off the government, there is nothing out there for me that i can find.
sorry, i don't mean to rant... i am just very frustrated! i am supposed to start on feb 2nd, but can't unless i can find additional funding!
ok... my question to you... does anyone know of one of three things... 1- a scholarship for nursing students - lpn program - and it doesn't matter if i'm married! 2- a grant 3- a guranteed approval student or personal loan... (we are obviously over extended right now and do not qualify for the sallie mae or chase private loan, with a mortgage, car pmt, cc pmts etc...)
i would more than appreciate any and all feedback. i am so very frustrated about all of this! i want to be a nurse so very much. it will allow me to truly help people, allow me to work part time and still be a full time mom & i'll make more than with a stupid retail job! i was in tears this evening i'm so aggrivated with all of this!
Have you looked at a community college LPN program? Or even an ADN program? They cost far less than private schools. I earned back every penny I spent getting my ADN in one summer working a .6 FTE. That included books, uniforms, everything.
You can do your pre-reqs first, and that shouldn't be too expensive. Then, when you are ready to do clinicals and have to carry more hours, your son will be a little older and your finances may have improved.
As far as working at a hospital to get tuition reimbursement, you may not have to work full time to be eligible. Some facilities offer this to anyone who works 20 hours or more per week. This would also give you some experience in a health care setting so that you are more prepared when it comes time to do clinicals.
I understand that you don't want your son to feel the distance you felt with your parents. Your situation was exteme. If you worked part time, you would still be with him for almost everything. Being away for a good cause for a small part of the day isn't anything like what your folks did. And it would be an investment in keeping his future protected from problems with your husband's job.
I hope you consider the possibility of going to a community college. Many of them have agreements with nearby universities to accept those credits toward completion of BSN programs, so you'd be money ahead that way, too. LPN may be a good place to start if that's your only option, but you'd have many more opportunities with an ADN from a community college, and I'll bet it would cost 1/4 as much as getting your LPN from a private school.
Oh it's fine!! You didn't offend me!! It's cool! I totally hear where you are coming from! I've been paying taxes, busting my behind to make ends meet, got laid off from MY job a while back...the economy is a nightmare. And it makes me angry FOR you that you can't seem to get any help. It drives me insane that when people do what they are SUPPOSED to do there is nothing available in return. I've been turned down for any assistance...guess I'm the wrong type of person. But seriously...do some research on scholarships...I've just applied for a TON and so far I've received 2 small ones (but every little bit helps). Don't give up on it...just put the positive vibes out there and help will come!
Ruttermama, are you still in Ohio? I couldn't follow your locations in your posts. If you are in Ohio, there are some great programs at the comm. colleges, such as Tri-C in Cleveland. A lot of the classes are online too so you don't have to leave the house. Those are awesome. I am sure each large metro area have a comm. college. I understand your pain about the situation you are in but honor your commitment to your family. Could you check out the local hospital and see if they have an evening parttime position to get your foot in the door and check out the benefits of working for them for parttime tuition reimbursement. Sometimes they have weekend positions too so your DH could be with your son. (It gives them new appreciation for all you do!!) God bless.
Personally, I would apply for student loans via Sallie Mae and go for your RN. That will give you many more options as you move thru life. Also, the loans are deferred for 6 months AFTER you complete your degree so that you have some time to find part-time or prn work.
You didn't say whether you've checked the local hospitals for scholarships - I got one through my hospital and we don't qualify for any scholarship financially - I don't have to work there until I graduate. They pay for everything, tuition, books, uniforms, even a stethoscope & shoes. It's a good deal and if you go to a 2 year community college, you only have to commit for two years. Might sound like a long time but worth it IMO.
Maybe you can take a short CNA class and work weekend option ( 32 hours over the weekend). Being a CNA will not only give you income but also experience in the health field. Working weekends only will allow you to be with your son during the week and possibly also allow you to take classes toward your LPN Part-time. You will also have a better income... well its more than most retail jobs. Either way you look at it, you are going to have to make sacarfices. Nursing school is all about sacarfices. Everyone suffers: children, husbands, and other family members. Nursing school will require most of your attention and focus. I see many moms who work full time, Are married, and have young children. If they can do it SO CAN YOU. Some of them also hate leaving their child at day care or with family. It breaks their heart But unfortunately thats the only option some of them have. When you want something bad enough, you will find a way to reach your goals. Most nursing schools offer day and evening programs. Maybe your husband can stay with your son during the day while you are at school, and You can stay with your son at night while your husband works( when he gets a job) , or vice versa. You must find a way. Continue to do your research. I too did not qualify for financial aid, but I applied for many scholarships and I got a student loan. Defeat is never an option ! Good luck with nursing school ! and Being a SAHM .
I was in the same boat as you when I started Nursing school. I was offered nothing because my husband is a N.Y. city firefighter and makes to much money. There is the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan that you can apply for it is the only one I know of that does not turn you down for any reason. I just renewed a second loan application with them. GOOD LUCK!!
Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.
RutterMama - I understand wanting to stay home with your son. I am a SAHM and homeschool my two children. We used to travel extensively with my husband for his job, so much so we were gone 7 months out of the year in 2006. I wish I knew then what I know now....
I put off school for a long time (I'm 40 and left Univ when I was 22, biggest regret of my life). However, my children are worth it. Not too long ago I started looking at what I am going to do when my son, now 11, is in college. It was the thing to push me off the diving board and into the pool, sort of speak. I joined this board and found out about the online classes. I found one talked about on here (ccconline) is in my state of Colorado. So I signed up and took my first 2 classes.
You may want to consider going that route. Its a little longer (BSN so longer still for me), but I am here for my kids. I have a budget I can spend on school, so I figure out my classes, my books and lab kits and plan accordingly. Its a whole lot easier to take it in chunks than put it into one big bill. My school, ccconline is hosted by 'parent campuses' and its my parent campus also allows me to make 4 payments for a class, so that is real nice. AND.... I am here for my kids, when they do their school so do I, its nice and quiet during the day. Your schedule will vary of course.
When I am done my pre-reqs I am going to have to go to school FT for the last 2 years. But my son will be old enough and will be able to work independently. Then, I will have to take a loan to go but the end will be in sight and after those 2 years I will have my BSN!
So, don't get too discouraged. There are other ways to reach your goal and remember your son is worth taking the slower route for, if you so choose. Best of luck no matter which way you go, just keep us informed, we're like one big family here. :)
SallieMae for private loans are even tightening up. I was just denied for the private portion of my loan and not because of my credit score! I had too many accounts open, my mortgage, 3 salliemae loan accounts and 2 credit cards that get paid off every month! I have never defaulted on an account or been to collections and my fico score was 751! Not only that my husband couldnt co-sign (hi fico score is 790) because transunion had an error on his account. This economy has screwed up everyone, even people who pay bills on time! Oh because my husband makes too much I receive no government assistance!
Good luck to you though. Hopefully everything works out
I understand wanting to be home with your son. I am going through some similar decision making here and have been juggling what route to go.
There is no way I could do private college. I will need financial aid and will need for it to go as far as possible.
I will file my FAFSA after we do our tax return and am hoping for a Pell grant that will cover my classes and books.
I will be attending a local community college. I was considering the LPN program first, but it is 12 months full time during the day. I homeschool my daughter and would not have anyone to watch her since my husband is at work. After much soul searching, I decided homeschooling is very important to me.
So, my plan now is to start my prereqs for RN. I will try to go half time and get evening , weekend classes or whatever I can do to work around our lives. It will take me a little longer to get through prereqs, but that's okay. Of course all this depends on if I can get grants or not. I don't think loans will work for us, since we are "credit challenged" regarding our credit rating.
So , perhaps you could check with a local community college. Your grants will go WAY farther there. You may also be able to take some prereqs online and go for your RN.
But unfortunately thats the only option some of them have. When you want something bad enough, you will find a way to reach your goals. Most nursing schools offer day and evening programs. Maybe your husband can stay with your son during the day while you are at school, and You can stay with your son at night while your husband works( when he gets a job) , or vice versa. You must find a way. Continue to do your research. I too did not qualify for financial aid, but I applied for many scholarships and I got a student loan. Defeat is never an option ! Good luck with nursing school ! and Being a SAHM .
rn/writer, RN
9 Articles; 4,168 Posts
Have you looked at a community college LPN program? Or even an ADN program? They cost far less than private schools. I earned back every penny I spent getting my ADN in one summer working a .6 FTE. That included books, uniforms, everything.
You can do your pre-reqs first, and that shouldn't be too expensive. Then, when you are ready to do clinicals and have to carry more hours, your son will be a little older and your finances may have improved.
As far as working at a hospital to get tuition reimbursement, you may not have to work full time to be eligible. Some facilities offer this to anyone who works 20 hours or more per week. This would also give you some experience in a health care setting so that you are more prepared when it comes time to do clinicals.
I understand that you don't want your son to feel the distance you felt with your parents. Your situation was exteme. If you worked part time, you would still be with him for almost everything. Being away for a good cause for a small part of the day isn't anything like what your folks did. And it would be an investment in keeping his future protected from problems with your husband's job.
I hope you consider the possibility of going to a community college. Many of them have agreements with nearby universities to accept those credits toward completion of BSN programs, so you'd be money ahead that way, too. LPN may be a good place to start if that's your only option, but you'd have many more opportunities with an ADN from a community college, and I'll bet it would cost 1/4 as much as getting your LPN from a private school.
I wish you the best.