Masters degree and financial assistance

Nurses General Nursing

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Good evening everyone! I am getting ready to graduate and want to work, but there are no jobs for NEW RN's in my area. I cannot move, husband says no. So I am about to graduate and have no job. I have had some success with initial interviews and have followed-up, but NO ONE in my area is hiring new grads. In-fact, some of the hospitals have laid-off a bunch of nurses, and some units in area hospitals have actually closed down. :down:

Anyway, all my money is going to run out by July. I have considered going to grad. school before. If I go to grad. school, my question is, does the school give you good financial assistance?? I am thinking until the economy picks back up and they start hiring again in this area, that I'll go to grad. school and therefore get financial help too. Getting the loans will help me get through and pay bills until the situation gets better around here. Like I said, come July, my money is GONE. I have thought about getting my Masters before anyway, but now may be a good time since no one is hiring here.

Do most grad. students get good financial assistance for graduate school?? I am curious. Thanks!!

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

i just don't think a masters will help you right now without any work experience. are you talking about a masters in nursing?? i think it is very possible that you will find a job before july. take whatever you can---nocs, weekends, nursing home, jails. what area do you live in? if you are pursuing a msn , it will make more sense once you get your feet wet. good luck with everything, you will find something.

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I have actually thought about the same thing!!

I am starting an accelerated program in May- planning to start working when we got our bsn in may 10 and do graduate classes part time

...but..if the job market is like it is now I plan to just go full time for the extra year for the msn.

I think the fin aid issue is the same as undergrad..loans! but grad loans may be lower interest.

A masters is my long term goal, and I really hope to get rn experience before becoming a nurse practitioner..but if not I figure physician assistant get jobs with no experience, and most of those jobs would accept new grad nurse practitioners as well (I hope!!!)

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FYI pell grant is not available to you if you have a bs degree and you did not have financial aid for your first degree

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Give it a couple of months and I believe there will be a hiring spree to fill all the vacant slots. Not saying to stay out of grad school. Just saying I think it will turn around here. As far as money for grad school, financial assistance probably depends on the school - call and ask the schools you are considering what they have available for assistance. The bigger question is, are you ok with taking out loan money right now? It will help you pay your bills in the short run but how about when you have to pay the money back?

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why don't you find some other job but related to your what you ahve finish while waiting for any job openings for nurses in that way you can earn.. thats my opinion.... take it if you like

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Specializes in Emergency Room.
why don't you find some other job but related to your what you ahve finish while waiting for any job openings for nurses in that way you can earn.. thats my opinion.... take it if you like

i think that's a good idea. a temp agency will be ideal they can find you some type of administrative/clerical work until you decide what you want to do. its not uncommon not to get a job right away once you finish school, nurses have just been spoiled. and like you stated, you are "getting ready to graduate" take your boards first and then pursue a job. i don't think to many hospitals are doing the license pending position anymore.

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Anyway, all my money is going to run out by July. I have considered going to grad. school before. If I go to grad. school, my question is, does the school give you good financial assistance??

^^It depends on the field. A lot of assistance is in the form of loans and if you haven't used up your stafford eligibility then you can get some of that money for grad school. There are also graduate plus loans, and other supplemental loans that are credit based.

You could also do some research and look for grants and fellowships, etc., in your field of interest. I think these have already been awarded for the year 09-10, so you would be on the lookout for the 10-11 school year and that wouldn't help you if you need funding right away.

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Thanks everyone! I have gotten another call back for another RN job! Yahoo! I really HATE to get more in debt right now for grad. school. If the schools would be willing to give me money, then I am game, BUT if I have to put the money out.. nope. I think I will just hang tight and see if I can land a RN job.

Thanks for all the advice!! :)

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