Desperate !!

Nurses General Nursing

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If there is anyone with any advice PLEASE advise me. I am currently in my last semester of school with a solid B. My last available to withdraw from school is October 13. If I withdraw now there is no assuarance that I may be able to return to my program if I withdraw since I withdrew once before during my 2nd semester. With that being said this is my situation. Im just about too ashamed to tell anyone. I am over the limit for financial aid. It has been a struggle for me to keep my grades up so during the third semester I quit my job, I absolutely had to make a choice and I probably made the wrong choice by choosing school. Well long story short my bills are paid up until the end of this month, at which point I will be homeless. My situation is so bad that one of my class mates has been giving me gas money just so I can make it to class and clinicals. Ive lost 20 lbs since the beginning of the semester because I basically eat crackers and potatoes and take vitamins. I have gone to apply for any type of aid but because I dont have kids i basically cant get anything. I spent every dime to my name to pat the last semesters tuition and books. I attempted to apply for a loan but because I dont have a job the bank wont give me one. My family is not such that I can go stay with someone. Can anyone just give me some sound advice. I thought about withdrawing and just going back to work and reapply in a year or so when my situation is better or doing something else all together that would allow me to work and go to school. My absolute passion is nursing. I think that just trying to make it until December in this situation will be to my demise ! Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you all for taking the time to read this long vent.

Dunno if this is helpful at this late stage, but what about programs that help with schooling in return for committment such as the US Public Health Service. If you're in a BSN program, there is a co-step program to pay for the last 1 or 2 years of your program. I've been PHS for 7 years and love it

Specializes in primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, NICU.

I don't know if someone has already suggested this.... as a nursing student you would be an ideal live in caregiver for an elderly or disabled person. You could get room and board and possibly a small salary as well. This would help you with your basic needs of food and shelter. Check with your school career center and see if they have any positions/need for live in caregivers. Also, call senior services and ask if anyone is looking for live in help. Call local churches and ask if anyone of their congregation needs live in help...let them know your situation. You will find help if you only ask. You also should qualify for some emergency funds and food stamps. Good luck to you.

Specializes in cardiology, psychiatry, corrections.

Is it possible to work as a nurse extern at a local hospital only on weekends and/or maybe one weekday? Many hospitals who hire externs are VERY flexible with hours because they realize that nursing students have a school schedule and also need to devote some studying time. Then once you graduate maybe you could work as a graduate nurse and be paid a little more.

Have you ever applied for a Pell Grant. Also, I worked at a bar as a waitress for a small salary and tips on Friday and Saturday nights. Not bad pay. Hang in there! I went through a lot of hard times when I was trying to get through school. I simply refused to give up. That was twenty years ago. Glad I persevered and you will be too.

Specializes in Critical Care, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.
If there is anyone with any advice PLEASE advise me. I am currently in my last semester of school with a solid B. My last available to withdraw from school is October 13. If I withdraw now there is no assuarance that I may be able to return to my program if I withdraw since I withdrew once before during my 2nd semester. With that being said this is my situation. Im just about too ashamed to tell anyone. I am over the limit for financial aid. It has been a struggle for me to keep my grades up so during the third semester I quit my job, I absolutely had to make a choice and I probably made the wrong choice by choosing school. Well long story short my bills are paid up until the end of this month, at which point I will be homeless. My situation is so bad that one of my class mates has been giving me gas money just so I can make it to class and clinicals. Ive lost 20 lbs since the beginning of the semester because I basically eat crackers and potatoes and take vitamins. I have gone to apply for any type of aid but because I dont have kids i basically cant get anything. I spent every dime to my name to pat the last semesters tuition and books. I attempted to apply for a loan but because I dont have a job the bank wont give me one. My family is not such that I can go stay with someone. Can anyone just give me some sound advice. I thought about withdrawing and just going back to work and reapply in a year or so when my situation is better or doing something else all together that would allow me to work and go to school. My absolute passion is nursing. I think that just trying to make it until December in this situation will be to my demise ! Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you all for taking the time to read this long vent.

To withdraw now would mean sabatoging yourself...which some people have been known to do to themselves when subconsciously they feel unworthy of achievement and success

keep the dream alive:mortarboard: :nurse: :nurse: :nurse:

I know that right now it seems like things cannot get any worse...but most times they will and I don't think dropping out would solve your problem...just prolong the issue

Number 1: if you have no job and need money you must find work...even if it is walking dogs/babysitting/etc....most hospitals will hire you as an intern or tech while you are a student and let you work prn

Number 2: You must decrease ANY spending...are you paying a ridiculously car note or cell phone bill that you feel you 'must' have....get rid of it, car pool, buy phone cards for emergencies and plan ahead for when you need to be reached, etc.

Number 3: utilize your nursing directors and school couselors...they may have readily available resources that you can put to good use

I wish you the absolute best of luck! So sorry you are having a rough time but if you can hang in there a few short weeks....I'm sure there are so many people that would be willing to help that may not understand your situation, perhaps you could room with a classmate and barter rent for doing chores/ironing their uniforms/paying them a set amount after graduation...Hope things get better for you

Specializes in none yet, but I'm VERY excited!.

This might be a slam-dunk. You've got to call the United Way. If you can substatiate your situation, they will almost certainly be able to refer you to some help. They are all about helping people who want to help themselves. Here's a link: http://national.unitedway.org/myuw/index.cfm.

You WILL succeed here!

Regards,

Kenny B.

Specializes in ED.

All these are extremely good suggestions!

Are you stil there?

Specializes in Peds.

I'm not sure what you're talking about being over the limit for financial aid. If you're talking about grants I would advise taking a loan. Many school loans don't require you to have a job or credit and you don't have to start paying them back until 6 months after you graduate.

Aside from that, it looks like you need to get at least a part time job, even if it is just on the weekends. I would also get rid of any unnecessary expenses you may have such as cell phone, cable tv, internet (I know my the totality of these 3 expenses for me is about $235 a month).

School can be doable. I did it as a single parent with 3 little kids back in the early 90's and graduated with honors, just had absolutely no luxuries. My son's girlfriend has 2 kids (not his), works 35 hours a week and is in college full time and on the dean's list. We have 5 kids and my husband worked full time and went to school full time a few years back.

You're almost done, I certainly wouldn't quit now. You don't have kids so you're actually ahead of the game insofar as the ease of working and going to school. Good luck.

First of all let me say thanks to everyone for the prayers they are truly felt. Someone made the comment I went throught this in January. Yes I did. It has been a struggle since school with trying to keep up with the program and work and pay bills. In Januray what I did was choose to pay tuition over rent, which bought me two months. I bascially set up a payment plan with my landlord to keep it from going on my credit. Fast forward to now. Just as many of you have suggested I have decided to just go for it and let whatever happens and hope that i graduate. I did get a job that is at night so that way I dont have to worry about where Im going to be of safety all but 2 days a week. Then the other 2 days I work something out. Im sure I can make it like this for a month and then I think I will be okay. Thank you all for your suggestions and support and in my heart of hearts I know that God did not bring me this far for me to fail. Best wishes to all.

Did you try unemployment?

Brad

My hospital and a lot of local hospitals has a position called nurse extern. I know since I have been looking for jobs around here they are paid about the same wages as PCA's, about 11-13 dollars a hour. If you are on your last semester the hospital will start you as a Patient care assistant without taking class. Hsopital will probaly have you sign a contract also to help pay your school bills, and maybe a sign on bonus. How about checking out a weekend program at a hospital, nursing home, or rehab?

Specializes in Long term care, psychiatric.

Talk to your school counselor and financial aide advisor. Perhaps work as a CNA on the weekends for a company that offers tuition re embursement or work some nights at a nursing home. Apply to work net, the Salvation Army, women's shelters, homeless shelters, food stamps, the United Way etc. If they see you are trying to improve yourself you may be able to get some aid. In some states the government sponsers programs to pay for your state nursing license and NCLEX exam. Don't give up already. You are close to your goal. If you have to take a time out from school to work and save some money, ask that it be noted in your personal school files, so that you can resume at a later time. Try to figure out how to save money on things like cable, cell phone etc. Have a yard sale. Find other students who live in your area and take turns driving to school. Can you find a room mate to share living expenses. Apply for a Pell grant or a school loan which you start paying back after you graduate. Maybe become a home health aide and live with someone who could use your help. Good luck to you.

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