Feeling Uneasy - Did I Pick the Right Program?

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Specializes in Maternal Child, Home Health, Med/Surg.

I'm in the 5th week of my program starting tomorrow, and for some reason I have this horrible feeling of uneasiness. I did a lot of research prior to going into this school, but it is one of those schools that are private, and cost way more than they should. The only issue is, it was the closest one to my house, and didn't have any sort of wait list.

Not that I necessarily have an issue with wait lists, but out where I live the only community college has priority enrollment(as many places do), and it's next to impossible to get into the classes necessary to get into the cheaper programs if you're not priority. I've heard of people being on the wait list for chemistry, anatomy, physiology, etc. Since my student loans were going to be in repayment soon, I kind of made a hurried decision to join this school. Not to mention the fact that this local ADN program admits off a waitlist as well, so most students sit around for 2 years before they even start the program.

I don't know. I moved out to California in a rush while I was completing my last two classes to get into the local community college's RN program, but since I've not lived out here long - my tuition for the local CC would be 4x the normal amount, and I wouldn't be able to get into the classes.

My worry is that I'm doing this for nothing, and I'm going to end up getting 17K in student loans, just to sit there and twiddle my thumbs. I want my RN, and eventually my BSN - but I'm scared I won't be able to do this from here, or that I'll run out of student loans.

I guess I'm just wondering how everyone else feels about it? I won't lie, I don't want to work in a nursing home, or LTC forever. I know I'm paying a ridiculous amount for this, but honestly, I'd be paying a lot anywhere at least until next year. But after this program, including my old student loans, I'll be left with 22K to get my ADN/BSN. :(

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Specializes in hospice.
Since my student loans were going to be in repayment soon, I kind of made a hurried decision to join this school.

........

I don't know. I moved out to California in a rush while I was completing my last two classes to get into the local community college's RN program, but since I've not lived out here long - my tuition for the local CC would be 4x the normal amount, and I wouldn't be able to get into the classes.

I isolated these two quotes to demonstrate a pattern. You seem to make hurried decisions when you feel forced and don't put a lot of thought or research into them. For instance, it's pretty well known that California is extraordinarily impacted when it comes to nursing education, and that the job market for new grads is terrible because California is saturated with them. So I'm wondering what would motivate you to move there.

Anyway, not just trying to point out a flaw and make you feel bad, but to make you see this pattern so you can avoid it in the future. I don't think there's much you can do at this point but stick it out and then try to get a job.

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Specializes in Primary Care, Progressive Care.

I'm a little confused with the whole situation... So r u in a BSN program at the private school? Also, my student loans got deferred when they found out that i am in school again for my Master's. So you should inquire about this by calling your loan provider. Anyway, i won't waste any time telling you what u should've done since it sounds like it's now too late for that. Stick to what u have already planned unless you don't think it's gonna work out. You said u will have $22,000 in student loans by the time you graduate. Just FYI, i was an international student and since I'd like to get quality education in the US, I ended up with $46,000 in student loans when I gruated from BSN. I think u should reevaluate your priorities. If finishing school is your priority and there is no other way to pay for school but student loans, then you have to get over these uneasy feelings and prepare for your impending loan repayment. Good luck!

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You need to find methods for stress relief or you are liable to make yourself sick with worry and then your problems will multiply. If not in a strong physical fitness program already, start one. Eat right, get enough rest. Engage in social activities with family or friends. Get a hobby or delve into the books more. Get your mind off vague anxiety. If diversionary activity does not help, consider confiding in your healthcare provider.

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Specializes in Maternal Child, Home Health, Med/Surg.
I isolated these two quotes to demonstrate a pattern. You seem to make hurried decisions when you feel forced and don't put a lot of thought or research into them. For instance, it's pretty well known that California is extraordinarily impacted when it comes to nursing education, and that the job market for new grads is terrible because California is saturated with them. So I'm wondering what would motivate you to move there.

Anyway, not just trying to point out a flaw and make you feel bad, but to make you see this pattern so you can avoid it in the future. I don't think there's much you can do at this point but stick it out and then try to get a job.

I didn't move here by choice.

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Specializes in hospice.
I didn't move here by choice.

Are you not an adult?

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Specializes in Maternal Child, Home Health, Med/Surg.
Are you not an adult?

I have three children and we were rendered homeless in our previous state. I couldn't come up with a solution quickly enough to stay there without sleeping in my car, and that would have gotten my kids taken away from me. So we moved with family in California until we get back on our feet.

So while, yes, I am an adult. I don't believe the condescending tone was necessary.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, Med-Surg/Tele, LTC.
You need to find methods for stress relief or you are liable to make yourself sick with worry and then your problems will multiply.

THIS. Take one step at a time. You've made the decision to be in the program. You've already started classes. Focus on your classes and succeeding in them. As another poster mentioned, look into deferrment of your previous student loans while you are a student. I've deferred my student loans from my first bachelor's throughout my LVN, ADN, and RN-BSN programs. I have made payments whenever I have been able so that what I owe in the end would be less, but at least having it in deferrment means that I won't go delinquent if I am unable to pay for a period due to working less while in school.

From your profile it states you are an LVN student. Don't stress about the ADN, BSN, job options stuff right now. Again, focus on what's in front of you right now, which is managing your loans, passing your classes, and getting through the program. Once you finish those, THEN think about your job options and continuing education. You're overwhelming yourself by worrying about future things that aren't relevant right now because things can always change.

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Specializes in ICU.

You have yourself in a bad situation it sounds like. Did you do any research on nursing in CA? My advice is to find a community college somewhere. If you are almost homeless with 3 kids, you might have to look at what is best for the kids. Does the dad have a home? Does he have a stable life? Can you work something out with him until you can get back on your feet? Maybe give custody to him until you can go to school and get a job. I don't see it happening in CA. Now you have a ton of student loans and you can't even put a roof over your children's heads. Do you get me here?

I'm not putting you down. I'm a single mother as well. But if I was in your situation, I would put my son where he had stability and a roof over his head and food in his mouth. It would kill me but I would do it. You are drowning here. Sit down and write out what you need to do. Do you currently have a job? If not, get one. Your kids are your first priority. Way over getting a nursing degree at a private school. Is this school accredited? Will you be able to get a job with this degree? I think making rushed decisions is what got you here in the first place. And what will you do when financial aid runs out? Will you have a degree by then? A job? If you are living with family, have a sit down with one of them and review your options in life.

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Specializes in hospice.
I have three children and we were rendered homeless in our previous state. I couldn't come up with a solution quickly enough to stay there without sleeping in my car, and that would have gotten my kids taken away from me. So we moved with family in California until we get back on our feet.

So while, yes, I am an adult. I don't believe the condescending tone was necessary.

What condescending tone? I asked you a question to figure out what suggestions would be relevant. My answers would be different to a teenager than to an adult.

I agree wholeheartedly with Heathermaizey's post. More rushed, poorly thought out decisions don't help anyone at this point.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I'm a little confused with the whole situation... So r u in a BSN program at the private school?
No, the OP is enrolled in a private for-profit LVN program in a part of southern CA that is notorious for the lack of job prospects for new grad LVNs.
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