Financial stability while in an accelerated nursing program

[FutureNurseInfo]

Hi all,

Thanks for reading!

So, as someone who already holds a couple of degrees, my best option is to apply to an accelerated BSN. There are a few schools in NYC I will be applying to (in summer 2017 for summer/fall 2018 start) that offer 12-16 months programs. My thing is, obviously I will not be working because I would want to dedicate all of the time in the world to studying and successfully completing the program. So, here comes the obvious - money. At this point I do not see how money will come in, except for unemployment insurance. Since I already have worked full-time for 2 years and will have worked part-time for 2 years by the time I will apply, I think I may be eligible for UI. However, I am still not sure.

My question is, those of you who went through the accelerated route, and did not work, how did you manage to survive? I would very much appreciate your thoughts!

P.S. I am single and live by myself, so I have no one to lean on. (My parents are overseas).

[elephantlover, BSN, RN]

Hi there. I am currently in an ABSN program. My experience is different than yours, so I am not sure how much help I will be.

Here is my experience: I worked like crazy the two years leading up to my program as a waitress and CNA. I am talking near 80 hours every week. I was able to save a lot of money doing this. I found an AWESOME program that I love. The ticket price tuition is much higher than what I am paying. I was able to get almost 70% of my program funded by merit scholarships offered by the school. Look into scholarship opportunities both internally and externally where ever you apply.

I currently live with my parents, and it is a tremendous help. I know that is not an option for you, but do you have extended family? If not, can you find a roommate to lower housing costs?

I work 8-16 hours a week at the hospital and as needed as a waitress. I find this to be manageable during my accelerated program. Every person and every program is different. It has been enough cash to cover my car and other living expenses.

Other ideas: I know there are loan forgiveness programs offered by the government and various employers. The tuition reimbursement is not very substantial at my current job, but it is something.

Like other posters have said, there are a variety of different nursing school tracks. I know my school offers a few different accelerated paces. Obviously, the slower ones give you more time to work. Will an extra year or two make a big difference to you in the long run if you are able to have some income during your program?

Is it important that you live in NYC or are you willing to explore schools in more affordable cities?

Good luck to you!

[chapm199]

On 12/25/2016 at 5:04 PM, meanmaryjean said:

We see posts like this all the time, and I'm truly curious. Why are you not using your previous degrees? You have education credentials you are not using - why do you think nursing will be different? Again, no snark- truly curious.

You are far too ignorant to be a DNP. lol. People change their minds. Ever think that they werent happy doing what their first degree was? Life isnt a straight line with no bumps for everyone.

Nursing will be different for many people because they are not sitting at a desk all day anymore and no day is the same! Patient contact is the best.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

3 hours ago, chapm199 said:

You are far too ignorant to be a DNP. lol. People change their minds. Ever think that they werent happy doing what their first degree was? Life isnt a straight line with no bumps for everyone.

Nursing will be different for many people because they are not sitting at a desk all day anymore and no day is the same! Patient contact is the best.

Wow- I made a thoughtful reply (almost three years ago) and you resort to name calling and doubting my credentials? Because?