Can a nursing student and family survive on one income?

TazziRN, RN · May 18, 2007

Most of us held jobs while in school. I would not recommend a full time job unless it's absolutely necessary, but a part time job can be done without cutting into school, as long as your boss is willing to work around your school schedule.

Sebastiansmom09 · May 19, 2007

I totally understand that most everyone on this site has worked/is working through school. I COMMEND you all. I'm just asking if anyone has any helpful suggestions for this situation: Our household now functions VERY tightly on two full imcomes, when I enter school we will be down to one full income and one part time income. We do not have anything we can liquidate, we are stuck in an apartment lease for the next 2 yrs., both of our current jobs are corporate so there are no weekends or evenings or part time positions. So as far as a part time job I'll be out there looking along with everyone else who needs a job. When I stated I have no problem with moving in with my parents (if they lived within 750 miles of my home) to save money, I didn't negate the fact and understanding that I would still have to work. I am again well prepared to start looking for a part time job the closer it gets to that time. Thanks again for the insight, it is much appreciated.

Live In Balance · May 19, 2007

Have you considered school loans? I don't want to have to take out loans but in order to survive, I will have to take out school loans to make up for income that I will no longer be bringing in.

Staric · May 19, 2007

I am in the same situation; I make really good money now so this will be a big change for us. I saved up as much as I could during my pre-req's and now we took out a home equity loan.. Hopefully that will work. I am prepared to work part-time but with two children at home, I may just stick to school full time, mommy duties, husband time and being poor ;> good luck

EmilyUSFRN, RN · May 19, 2007

Even though nursing schools can and sometimes do discourage working, they also should understand that people have to do what they have to do to survive. My own school recommended that we not work, although I did, as did many others. After a semester or two, they absolutely recommended us to get jobs working as techs, etc. I worked in an optometrist's office and made ends meet.

I also have a bunch of loans. Do I love the fact that it's a lot of money I'm having to pay back probably until I die? Not at all, but I know that what I had otherwise wouldn't cut it.

Also, look into government grants and stipends. There are also numerous organizations out there that will not only provide nursing scholarships and grants, but will assist with loan payback. Hospitals also offer tuition assistance, so if you maybe work some weekends, apply for it.

You can do it! Congratulations on starting nursing school!

Also, I saw on Amazon an entire cookbook of ramen noodle recipes;)

Snow1278, RN · May 19, 2007

I just graduated from nursing school in March. I started out working three days a week but as school went on I found it harder and harder to manage study time and five children with a house. So we cut lots of things. We went to what we had to have. The kids no longer got to buy lunch at school because Mom packed peanut butter and jelly. We found lots of things we really didn't have to have but were nice and I also took out some student loans. I got lucky and found an employer that pays back all of my student loans. Don't give up on your dream. Good luck!

Sebastiansmom09 · May 19, 2007

OMG??!! Thanks for all the info guys and gals (that's me trying to be politically correct)! See, I knew I wasn't the only one in this predicament. Okay now here's a not so smart question, d'ummm... what's a stipend and does anyone have any good leads/links to info on them?? Also, would an employer be willing to help repay loans that have a cosigner? (I haven't applied for any loans yet but most of the sites I've visited strongly suggest a cosigner).

chuck1234 · May 19, 2007

Hi to all, I'm new to the website and this is my first post. Lemme just say that I've been reading quite a few of the threads and you all are very encouraging, so thanks for all of the positive messages. I am a pre nursing student due to start nursing school in Aug 07. I am so excited about starting I get butterflies thinking about it. I too cried when I got my acceptance letter and then cried again when I was bumped up from the starting class of 2008 to the starting class of 2007! Okay so the reason I am writing is because I have a full time job, and a family (ie: husband, children, dog, & rabbits). In Aug. I will have to quit my 9-5 when classes begin. My problem is not so much as funding for school as much as it is funding my household. My husband works full time and when my income ceases to exsist we will be functioning on pocket lint. Now I am totally okay with the Ramen noodle diet, but my husband and family would not sustain very long...LOL!! So does anyone have any suggestions on making the household run smoothly? I am well prepared to get a part time job (although highly discouraged at my CC) but we gotta live. I can't see us getting evicted and vehicles reposessed while I'm sitting in class:o . I want this so badly. I don't have any family in this state. I mean I would love to move in with my parents to save money at least on rent. I would hate to see my dream pass me by because we couldn't afford to lose my income, not to mention I strongly dislike my current job (although it does pay well). I've seen you're posts, you all are positive individuals,and I know I'm not the only one in this dilemma, please send me some hopeful news... Thanks for listening.

The school might be able to postpone it!

Just talk to them and find out.

Instead of taking it this year, they might be able to start you in 2008.

Good luck!!!

natrgrrl · May 19, 2007

If you can get out of one car payment per month and cut your grocery budget by 1/3 you will have a great start. The most important way to cut expenses is for you and your husband to both agree to cut expenses and hold off on non-essentials until AFTER school.

My husband and I have 4 kids and I have been able to stay at home for 7 years. It can be done and it isn't easy to adjust to but you can do. It will all be worth it in the end.

Good luck.

SonicnurseRN · May 19, 2007

Congratulations! My husband and I survive on one income while I am in RN school. He doesn't make much money, but financial aid is a lifesaver! You can apply for grants and student loans. They will give you money beyond your tuition to help cover living expenses. So, definitely do that! The web site is fafsa.edu.gov. Also, depending on your state there are a lot of little grants you can apply for ($1,500-$3,000 a semester). Your state board of nursing probably offers one. Also, try getting a job on the weekends. I just got a job @ hospital as a NA for every other weekend. Not much money but a few hundred more a month really helps! It can be done, I'm living proof! : )

SonicnurseRN · May 19, 2007

BTW student loans available @ fasfa.edu.gov are not credit based, so you don't need a cosigner @ all, they are completely based on need & there are no payments OR interest until 6 months after you graduate and they are very easy to get.