English Degree Turned Nursing

[Jenn518791386]

Hey guys! So I have an English degree and I've been working for a nonprofit organization for about 2 years. However, I've never gotten nursing out of my head. I've always wanted to be a nurse. I did go for it years ago but didn't study and so I got frustrated with my terrible grades and gave up. This time I'm older so I feel like I can do this. My only issue is that I am living with my fiance's parents. I would like for there to be a way to move out while going to nursing school. I've thought about getting a job at a hospital, but I have no experience. So I guess my question is: Is there a way I could use student loans for living expenses? Also, any advice for someone who flunked A&P 8 years ago but still has the passion for nursing?

[turtlesRcool]

Start by passing A&P. Make sure you really can do it. I agree that older students are often more focused than they were when they were younger, but you also want to make sure that 8 years hasn't given you rose-colored glasses when you look back on the difficulty of the course.

Get your CNA certification, and pursue a hospital job. Not only will you get a taste of nursing to see if it's really for you, you'll also be making connections that can hopefully help you land a job when you graduate. Moreover, shifts are usually flexible enough that you can work around your nursing school schedule.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Yes, student loans can be used for some of your living expenses, but it's generally a very bad idea to plan on paying all of your expenses that way. Don't saddle yourself with extra loans for living expenses. Keep your job (or get a better job) to pay for your basic living expenses and just take 1 or 2 classes at a time. My advice, start by re-taking A&P and get it out of the way. It will be a good test for you to see if you are really committed enough to this to make it worthwhile.

Take that 1 course while you support yourself with a job. If that goes well, then finish whatever pre-req's you need on a part-time basis while you continue to support yourself. At some point, you may need to take out some loans to help -- but don't do that until you have taken enough courses to be sure that you are going to finish the degree this time.

And remember ... your total amount of student loans should never be more than the amount you are going to make in the first year after graduation. Don't borrow more than you can afford to pay back. Avoid the expensive schools and the "for-profit" schools.

[Jenn518791386]

Thanks! I can't take A&P until the Fall; for summer classes it is offered during the day only and I work during the day. However, I did register for Micro for nursing. I've read it's harder than A&P, so if I can make it through this then surely I can make it through A&P. I actually have (an expired) CNA license. When I went to school for it years ago, I loved it. But I had doubts because I fainted in Dialysis when I saw a big needle and also when I saw fair amount of blood. I think those are things that can be gotten over, right?