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Nurses General Nursing

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Hi, I am a new member to this site and I would like to know if I could get some help! I am a 25 yo male, college grad (B.A. Interdisciplinary Social Science (behavioral health and sociology): GPA ~2.6), worked in an Operating Room as a support services aide (transport patients, turned over O.R. rooms, helped prep patients for procedures, etc.), and currently serving in the US Army as a Healthcare Specialist (EMT-B: Nationally Certified) (Combat Medic) in Afghanistan with a year left in my initial contract. I tried this to test myself and check if I truly have an interest in becoming a nurse. Come to find out...I DO! However, my lack of motivation and ability to keep up my GPA (due to working full time, attending full time and yes partying) didn't help in school, also at the time I was unsure what I wanted to do with my life.

Anyway, I have taken most, if not all the pre-reqs required for a lot of nursing programs; and here is where my problems lie: 1) I have less than average GPA (~2.6); 2) I had to repeat all my pre-reqs at least once because of rushing through and not obtaining the info (I now know that was a mistake); and 3) I do not have the money to attend school full time AND work to support myself. Yes, I am in the Army, but I turned down the GI Bill for loan repayment on my degree, a choice I do not regret; and the army will only assist me in obtaining a Masters degree or higher. I am good with patient care and have proven that in the O.R., and here with the 27 men I serve with as their "primary care provider" on the battlefield. I am not looking for praise or sympathy, but for help!

-What and how are my chances of pursuing nursing as a career?

Any information, suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated!

H.G.

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Specializes in ICU.

In terms of financial aide, most schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon program.

http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_info/ch33/yellow_ribbon.htm

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Specializes in Health Information Management.

Well, this is an option that might be a bit out there, but if you have an issue that would qualify as a disability (physical or mental/emotional: for instance, I know ADHD qualifies, at least in my state), you could pursue funding from your state's version of the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation/Rehabilitation Services Commission. Those places help individuals with disabilities pursue school or jobs; I happen to be severely physically disabled, so BVR is helping me make up the remainder of my school costs (after the school kicks in its bit through Pell Grant and similar sorts of non-loan funding).

They'll make you contribute to some degree, dependent on your income - sometimes you'll contribute in-kind sorts of things, like paying for or providing child care or providing a computer and internet connection, that sort of thing. You can attend whatever school you want, as long as it's properly accredited, but BVR will only pay what they would pay for the closest state school program, so if you want to go to a private school, you'll probably have to pay more on your own. BVR can really be a big help, so if there's anything you can think of that might possibly qualify you, I advise you to go talk to them. It never hurts to try. I hope that helps. Good luck!

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Specializes in Home Care.

There are hospitals that will pay for your nursing education. You could work at the hospital as an EMT while taking your nursing classes.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I went to community college got my LPN then RN while working and tuition only cost about $7,000. Good luck.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Home, pre-hospital.

I am an EMT, and thru my states rescue association I was awarded a $2000 scholarship. With most prereq's out of the way, I applied at a local community college and in 2 yrs. had excellent clinical experiences and earned an RN degree for about $3000. Others I know are paying much more at other types of schools, but whichever you choose, it will be worth it. Even if you borrow $20,000 it would be worth it! IMHO.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, School Nurse.

Would you be willing to stay in the Army to become a nurse? I don't know how the program works, but I was a patient at Walter Reed last year (and received wonderful care) and a gaggle of army student nurses showed up one morning. I was able to talk to the one who jumped at the chance to DC my IV's as well as do a 5 minute assessment on me. Anyhow, she enlisted in the army, straight from high school I believe, to become a nurse. Their initial schooling was in Texas (and that is where they will be licensed) then for clinicals, they were split between Walter Reed and a hospital in Texas...?Ft. Sam maybe I'm not sure, I'm not Army. My night nurse, who was extra wonderful, was a product of the same program.

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Thank you all for repling, I guess I just have to find the "right" program!!!

HG

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