Grant Money

[K.K.]

I would love to go to school full time for nursing and get a two year RN degree, begin working full time, and then go back for my BS. I need all the financial help possible to quit working to do this for two years. Where or how can I go about getting information on grants, aid, etc.? I am single, 42 years old with three children and very little help from their father.

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

your first step will be to fill out a FAFSA. That is what will determine what kind of federal or state financial aid you are eligible for. At the end of the app, you'll have the option to send it to the schools you are interested in.

Do you currently work in health care?

[K.K.]

Dear BBFRN,

Thanks for the FAFSA advice, I will begin there. No, I am not in the health care field at all. I have been in sales for years, currently selling computer software to the dental industry. It's a nonfulfilling occupation for me. I am ready to really get back to who I am 24/7 and help people. I am interested in labor/delivery or possibly ER work. I would like to work the second half of my life and feel as though I have made a difference. I just have a big heart and would like to share it with others and help all I can. I'll take any advice you or any one else in the field has to offer. Thanks.:wink2:

[carlasbizz]

Hello K.K.,

I am 43 years old single mom of eight. I have been in school for a while. I am getting ready to apply to a BSN program. If all goes well I will be in the 2009 Fall program. It has been quite a challenge getting through school. I try to keep positive. I do receive grants in my state (California). I do go to school full-time and work @ a hospital. I am really excited about becoming a nurse. You can do it K.K. all you have to do is go down to the school that you will be attending talk to someone @ the financial aid office and obtain all the information you can. What state do you live?? I wish you much success in you education venture. God Bless,

Carla

God Bless,

Carla

[K.K.]

Thanks Carlasbizz! You are super inspirational. I will start first thing Monday and get the ball rolling. Best to you!:redbeathe

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

Good for both of you! Welcome to the wild, wonderful, crazy world of nursing.

KK- one of the great things about nursing, is that there is all kinds of money out there, due to the shortage. You may want to get a CNA position at a hospital after your first semester in the program, in a facility that offers tuition reimbursement. That helps a lot, too.

Good luck to both of you!

[UVA Grad Nursing]

Check out the searchable database of scholarships at the discovernursing.com website at http://www.discovernursing.com/scholarship-search

This lists hundreds of nursing scholarships available to students. Also, I've had great luck using google for scholarship sources: just enter your home state + "nursing scholarships" and see what comes up.

Undergraduate scholarships are generally need-based. Federal aid (Pell grants) are easier to obtain if you are earning your first undergradaute degree; federal aid can be tougher to obtain for second degree BSN students since guidelines emphasize students getting their first Bachelors.

[carlasbizz]

Yes that is great advice. I currently hold a CNA certification and work in a hospital in an Oncology unit. I love it!!!

[Jules A, MSN]

Also keep in mind that although it is often discouraged it is VERY possible to work while going to nursing school. Good luck.

[carlasbizz]

Thanks for the reply Jules A. I know anythings is possible. Sometimes my feet want to quit. But it's those patiences that keep me coming back. Thanks again Carla