Freaking out about classes

[TeresaRN2b]

Okay, breathe, breathe, breathe, that's what I keep telling myself. As classes approach I get a little more panicked. First off we have wound up tapping into the money set aside for school because of unexpected home repairs so money is becoming an issue. I do not qualify for pell grants and am not eligle for student loans unless I have 12 credits earned at this school. I only have 11 as of now because most of my classes were transfer. We have 5 kids - 3 of them not in school yet, but financial aid doesn't seem to take childcare costs into factor when determining financial aid. My sister is the only one I can afford to pay to watch them. She is cutting me a good deal and only charging me $150 a week for 3 kids (one being an infant), but that is still a lot of money to come up with. She can't do it for less than that or she has to get a job. My sister is not all that reliable and concerned about her watching them, but that's the best I can do there. Also she is not watching them full time just part time. She is coming here to watch the kids which will help with things a lot, but with her only watching them part time it is not leaving me much study time. Since we are running out of money my husband will probably wind up volunteering for as much overtime as possible at work which leads back to problem number 2 - study time. I was already stressed about that, but then I got the syllabus and packet for nursing classes and have been absolutely nauseous since then. OMG! Just looking at the amount of work is completely overwhelming. I knew that this would be a lot of work since this is actually my second attempt at nursing school, but I guess I just blocked it out of my head or something. I am also currently breastfeeding and I really don't want to wean my daughter yet - and I won't but I am starting to foresee problems there as well. (I will supplement with formula if need be.) Not doing this is not an option for me. I have waited my entire life to do this so I will do this, just trying to keep myself calm and relaxed and together. Usually I can keep it all together, but today just freaking out. How do you all keep yourself relaxed when the stress kicks in? I know I am not the only one dealing with stress from nursing school. Any ideas on finding financial aid/scholarships for school? We have done FAFSA and like I said before did not qualify for pell grants and not eligible for student loans till next semester. Is there anything I can do with that? That and stress relief tips would be appreciated.

Teresa

[fnimat1]

Teresa,

I agree with Essarge...is it too late to register for a very, very easy class. Or did your fa aid come through yet? Is there a class that you can take online. Don't worry Teresa, something will come through for you. Maybe you can sit down and make up a schedule for yourself on the computer. And where you have allotted study time for yourself...take it!!!....I know it sounds easier than to do it....I know how it can be. I can say that it's possible...I started a study schedule for myself...I've been taking time out each day to study my notes and textbook from A & P 1 (I'm taking A &P 2 this Fall) and so far so good. I really hope and pray everything works out for you.

Hugs,

Fatima

[studentdeb]

Teresa,

I completely understand how you are feeling. I just told my husband I was thinking about dropping out of the program and maybe trying for the spring. I am having daycare issues and worried about the financial side of it also. I only have two kids and wonder how I will make it. Not to mention that I am just plain afraid to even give it a try because if I can't make it, I will have wasted alot of money.

You are right, there is so much work involved in the program and my program is only days also.

I hope you work it out and as of right now, I have not dropped, but classes start the 18th so I have to decide soon.

Good luck and take care.

[2ner]

I've never heard of a minimum amount of hours you had to have before being eligible for loans either. That's ridiculous. So at your school, incoming freshman (who aren't eligible for grants) can not attend school unless they can come up with the funds to do so? That seems like that would wreak havoc on their income. Seeing as how schools are in the business of making money (more so than teaching).

I'd do like the others said and speak with the financial aid officer again and explain that you are not working and have 5 kids. Surely there's something they can do to help you out.

Have you checked into a JTPA type program? That may be another option. Call your local unemployment office and see if they know how to get in touch with them. With you having those kids, seems to me you would be eligible for grants, but I guess it doesn't always work the way you think it should.

I know EXACTLY how you feel when you talk about the stress level. I'm freakin out myself and don't have anybody but myself and a husband. I'm terrified to the point of nausea.

If He's brought us this far, surely He has a plan for us and it's really where we are supposed to be. Or at least that's what I keep telling myself. I'll tell you what my husband told me when I begged to quit...."Even if we only have a dollar left after our bills are paid, then we'll be fine." I keep telling myself that when I think of how broke this school is going to leave us.

Good luck to you! You'll be in my prayers.

[sagelola]

I hear you, too...funny that you don't qualify for Pell grant, very sad, too.

I have had my own problems with qualifying for things, so I know how you feel...

Do not qualify for head start program for my youngest of 3 because we "made too much" last year (we weren't even at poverty level, go figure)

Do not qualify for food stamps because they do not take into account child care costs (I have 3 kids, 2 in school, 1 not in school)

Do not qualify for Cal Grant because both of my parents are educated, mom has a master's, dad a bachelor's, even though I have a 4.0 gpa, have not lived with them for 12 years, and we were at poverty level

So, I understand where you are coming from, too. I will end up paying a little over $100 for daycare each week for all 3 of them, because the youngest will only be going 3 days a week. I wish he could go more, but when I told my husband how much it would be for the entire semester he flipped out. Maybe I just shouldn't have told him!

Luckily I do qualify for the Pell grant and student loans. I am just impatiently waiting for the money to come in so I can take care of business. We are currently 3 months behind on our car payment...my husband works in drywall, and I never know how much he is going to make. So, Teresa, I understand not being able to qualify for anything, and I feel for you! I agree with Jen2, just take it a day at a time. And, at least your husband is in full support of you!

[pedi-RN]

I have a little bit of an idea of how you feel. I have been a SAHM and worked part time at my childrens MDO for the last few years. I had to give up that position to go into school full time. It wasn't much money, but it helped. We don't qualify for any assistance for school costs. My husband makes too much money. I wish they took into account that we are sending every extra penny in to get out of the debt we got into when he was in school, and that now we also have to pay for childcare.

I took out a private student loan. The website I gotthe loan from is http://www.teri.org . If all else fails, try them. The thing I liked best was that the money came directly to me, instead of the school, so we could use it as we saw fit. Meaning it was easier to shop all around and save money on books, etc, with cash in hand, and pay the sitter several months in advance.

[babynursewannab]

Holy cow, girl! MY pulse was racing reading your post.

The whole financial aid thing totally su**s. I also hate that if you get married, they look at your spouses income. I can understand that if you were married when you started school, but I got married in January and they wanted my husbands info from last year! We had nothing to do with eachother financially last year!! Why should he be expected to foot my bill???

I think the deal with your sister is a good one. I agree it is difficult if you don't feel you are getting the absolute best care. Just try to remind yourself, the kids are with family this way. It's a consolation. I, myself, will have to find someone to watch my newborn in the spring for one day a week. My husband will stay home one day during clinicals, but we have 2 clinical days...that leaves that second day. We have ZERO money for daycare. So, I'm going to have to rely on the kindness of friends/neighbors.

I feel your pain, sister! Good luck and remember to take it one day at a time. You can find a way to make this happen.

[PJMommy]

Two thoughts:

1 - When I ran out of money during the spring, I went to finaid and handed them my budget. The first thing she said is "OH, you have child care costs!?". Two days later, I had a loan check for $1500. I think there are things finaid can do to make you eligible for funds. Go talk to them and explain the situation. Be prepared...have a list of your income and expenses (they like to know you don't need the extra cash to make the payment on your Lexus, you know!).

2 - You really should be able to get non-federal loans although I'm surprised you can't get an unsubsidized Stafford? Jeez, I have four kids, go to school full-time, and am on my second B.S. degree (not eligible for Pell Grants), had $3000 outstanding on old school loans --- and still have been able to borrow another $15000 in Stafford loans this year alone. But, back to non-fed loans, talk to your Finaid office and see who they work with. Often, they'll have local banks willing to give signature student loans -- although at a higher interest rate than federal loans.

The bottom line is you need to talk to someone in FinAid who can help you. Keep going up the ranks there until someone does help. If no one will help, call the Dept. of Ed. -- they've been very helpful with my questions.

Good luck!!

[Loubell RN 2B]

Teresa,

I know what you are going through as well. I had taken out a college loan that was suppose to pay all of my schooling, books, fee's, and all of my other required nursing gear. We hit a hard spot in the road and I was only able to pay for one semester of pre-reqs out of that money.

Thankfully, I had done the FASFA application and even though I am not eligible for Pell, I was able to get a COMA grant. It is a grant provided by the state and does consider income. We have a good income which is why I was suprised to have received it. Well anyway, I only have to foot the bill for some text books which you know how much they are.... I also forgot to mention that I applied for all of the scholarships that the school had to offer that I qualified for and I received one for $400. Might not be much but it definately helps.

Take your own advice and breath deep. I am sure that things will work out for you. If it is a goal that you have had for that length of time, you will do whatever it takes to get there. Be thankful that you have a very supportive husband.

Best Wishes,

Lynda in VA

[bonjovigirl]

I am in shock over you not getting student loans, I simply do not understand how you need certian number of credits, I guess thats a school thing right? Have you tried alternative loans (high interest I know) I had to take an additiional loan out from Pennsylvania keystone loan or something like that. I don't know if Michigan has that sort of thing. Check out your state website and punch in nursing in the search.

I know this sounds mushy, but believe that something will come up. You will figure out something. Nursing school (the process) is so expensive, but so (hopefully) worth it.

And have yourself a good cry... this is scary stuff.

[maire, ASN, RN]

(((Teresa)))

I wish I had some clever words of wisdom or useful advice to give. Unfortunately all I can offer is some moral support and encouragement. You can and will do it. Hang in there, girl!