Go Into More Debt?

[kerri76]

Hi! I am 41 and am thinking about becoming an RN. I originally went to college for social work and quit before getting my degree. I was working in a doctor's office and realized that I was making more money there than I would as a social worker so I put college on a very long hold. Currently I am still paying off those original student loans and working in a doctor's office doing all the medical billing. My husband is the bread winner for the family and I really don't make much. Recently he was sick and missed several days of work and I kept thinking about what would happen if he died or was unable to work. I definitely could NOT afford to care for the family on my small income. I have over 20 years of experience in the medical field and would love to become a nurse. I am mentally and physically the healthiest I have ever been. I know that I would excel as a nurse. So my question is, should I go back to school and add to my current student loans? My husband and I are scared about adding more debt but financially we will be a lot better off once I get a job as an RN. Just looking for thoughts, advice, guidance. Thank you!

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

You should probably talk to a financial advisor. It depends on so many factors -- your and husband's income, how much existing student loan debt, how much new debt you'd be adding, how much other debt (credit cards, house, vehicles etc.), local job market as far as what jobs are available to new grads/wages with those jobs..........

It could be very doable, or it could put you into a level of debt that would force you to work tons of OT as an RN to pay it back