Financial survival and Accelerated BSN...thoughts?

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Hey everyone! So my accelerated BSN program begins in May of this year and ends in December of next year. We are recommended to work no more than 20 hours per week for the duration of the program, with classes during the week and clinicals on the weekends during the fall and spring semesters. It's already going to be difficult to pay for the program itself, but with my weekends tied up with clinicals, I have no idea how I'm going to keep my current job as a pharmacy tech at a children's hospital. The shifts are very structured and will overlap with my scheduled class times, but I have to work for obvious reasons. For those of you who have already gone through a rigorous program such as this, how did you do it? I have no spouse or financially stable family members to depend on for help either, so unfortunately, that's not an option. Any suggestions?

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Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.

My program was slightly under 11 months, and very difficult. It was strongly recommended we not work at all. I did the first three months then realized it was a bad idea. Apply for any scholarships available.

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My program was slightly under 11 months, and very difficult. It was strongly recommended we not work at all. I did the first three months then realized it was a bad idea. Apply for any scholarships available.

OK, I'm working full time now to save money and pay off some bills. I have found a few scholarships that I can apply for as well. I can also get health insurance through my school as a student, so that shouldn't be an issue. Thanks again for your help!

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Since you already work for a hospital, you may want to ask around as far as your hospital will be willing to pay some/all of the tuition.

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Since you already work for a hospital, you may want to ask around as far as your hospital will be willing to pay some/all of the tuition.

They only offer tuition reimbursement, and you're only reimbursed if you pay out of pocket which sucks. I wouldn't even be working enough hours to be eligible for the tuition reimbursement, so you see where my dilemma is :no:

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They only offer tuition reimbursement, and you're only reimbursed if you pay out of pocket which sucks. I wouldn't even be working enough hours to be eligible for the tuition reimbursement, so you see where my dilemma is :no:

Well, you can borrow student loans, and as soon as you complete your program, your employer will reimburse you.

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Well, you can borrow student loans, and as soon as you complete your program, your employer will reimburse you.

Student loans are considered financial aid according to my employer and will count against me as far as reimbursement is concerned. Also, once the tuition reimbursement program is used, I have to continue to work there for another year as part of their program contract, which isn't my intention. Not having a lot of luck here.

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Good for you for actually paying for your school rather than taking on lots of debt. I think you'll find nursing school isn't that hard, unless you make it so. Just manage your time and pick up evening or weekend shifts when time allows. I think it is unfortunate how they structure nursing school so you can't work as much. Remember you don't have to get a 4.0 to be a good nurse. Just git 'r done.

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Good for you for actually paying for your school rather than taking on lots of debt. I think you'll find nursing school isn't that hard, unless you make it so. Just manage your time and pick up evening or weekend shifts when time allows. I think it is unfortunate how they structure nursing school so you can't work as much. Remember you don't have to get a 4.0 to be a good nurse. Just git 'r done.

Thanks for your encouragement!! I'm sure things will work out; financing school just always put's me a little on edge :down:

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I am a little confused with reimbursement. Most hospitals will reimburse your loans. That is considered personal tuition. I think you should read your hospital's tuition reimbursement policy. In the DFW area, our hospital all payback loans and cash payment. They won't pay back scholarships or grants obviously but they will pay back student loans.

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I am a little confused with reimbursement. Most hospitals will reimburse your loans. That is considered personal tuition. I think you should read your hospital's tuition reimbursement policy. In the DFW area, our hospital all payback loans and cash payment. They won't pay back scholarships or grants obviously but they will pay back student loans.

OK I will look over the policy once more. However, I do recall that when I took my pre-reqs using a small amount of loans, my reimbursement was significantly decreased as the loans were considered a form of financial aid as opposed to out-of-pocket expenses. I will look into it. Thank you!

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

Any chance you can get a job at a hospital you want to work in as a nurse instead?

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