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?

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

That's a great idea! I'll start looking things up. I thought staying where I am was a decent idea since I've already built a rapport with administration in my department and they are willing to be flexible with my schedule for the most part. However, I am almost certain that me not being able to work weekends will be an issue. It's mandatory for all techs. Thanks! I think I'll start looking today actually :D

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.
That's a great idea! I'll start looking things up. I thought staying where I am was a decent idea since I've already built a rapport with administration in my department and they are willing to be flexible with my schedule for the most part. However, I am almost certain that me not being able to work weekends will be an issue. It's mandatory for all techs. Thanks! I think I'll start looking today actually :D

As a pharmacy tech, you might not have as much flexibility. A lot of the techs on the floor are in nursing school, and their schedules are well accommodated. Staff love techs who are in nursing school, because they are always trying to make a good impression. At your interview make sure you let them know this is the hospital you want to be a nurse in.

If you cant get a patient care tech job right now because you havent done clinicals yet consider unit secretary, patient transport (you wheel the bed to tests), one to one sitter. Getting your foot in the door at the place you want to be is the best thing you can do for yourself right now. Good luck!

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As a pharmacy tech, you might not have as much flexibility. A lot of the techs on the floor are in nursing school, and their schedules are well accommodated. Staff love techs who are in nursing school, because they are always trying to make a good impression. At your interview make sure you let them know this is the hospital you want to be a nurse in.

If you cant get a patient care tech job right now because you havent done clinicals yet consider unit secretary, patient transport (you wheel the bed to tests), one to one sitter. Getting your foot in the door at the place you want to be is the best thing you can do for yourself right now. Good luck!

That's something to think about. Thanks for the advice, this sounds like a better route to take.

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Hospitals Have Their own customs....around my area most will accommodate for techs pursuing RN degrees as they see it as an investment (opens up the door for the job and your reimbursement) as long as you work for them as an RN for a set time. Best of luck!

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Hospitals Have Their own customs....around my area most will accommodate for techs pursuing RN degrees as they see it as an investment (opens up the door for the job and your reimbursement) as long as you work for them as an RN for a set time. Best of luck!

That's what I'm hearing for the most part, although I'm not quite sure if I want to do peds. I'll just have to let the chips fall where they may. Thanks!

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I'm also worried about financing an ABSN, they are expensive! Is this a second degree for you?

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I'm also worried about financing an ABSN, they are expensive! Is this a second degree for you?

Yes I know! Yes this will be my second degree I currently hold a B.A. in Psychology. I have been applying for every scholarship that I can find. Funding is almost non-existent for us and I was hoping that I wouldn't have to use loans as my sole source of finance :unsure:

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

My ABSN was ~$10k.

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My ABSN was ~$10k.

Nice! I got accepted to the cheapest Accelerated BSN program in my area which is around 21K. All of the others are almost double that price. It's a bit ridiculous honestly.

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