Has anyone made a budget or expense sheet for Nursing School?

Was wondering if anyone has done this and would be willing to share? I am working on putting together a complete budget for all my expenses related to nursing school. So far I have tuition and books and the list of vaccinations, tests and physical exam as well as uniforms, shoes, stethescope, and CPR certification. I'm sure I'm missing several things.

I also made one for my prereqs but that's easy, just tuition, books and lab supplies.

Oooo, I just thought of transportation costs and child care.

Thanks!

Karen

ETA - Parking permits and possibly a PDA, maybe a housekeeping service a couple times a month.

ETA more - parking fees at clinical sites, graduation fee ($50 at my school!)

ETA even more - exam fees, student and professional nurse association dues

[nikki_nurse]

I know my school had to have police checks done for some of our placements so those can add up. Also, what about planning for some cafeteria costs while at the hospital for clinicals?

[Sarah Bellum]

AH! Yep, there are 2 things right there I forgot to include. Thanks!

[LeavingTeaching4RN]

Here's a list required by school and/or state that you haven't included in your budget:

2 level II background checks by different companies

Some schools require health insurance

Malpractice/Liability insurance (may be included in your tuition)

Lab Fees (our clinicals have additional fees)

9 panel drug screening

Titer following Hep B vaccine

PDA (sometimes optional)

Lab Kit

Watch with second hand

Bandage Scissors

Black Pens

Black Sharpies

Trouser socks or hose

Pin light

We also have to hold the following certificates:

HIV/AIDS

Domestic Violence

TB/OSHA/Hepatitis

Prevention of Medical Errors

Health Career Core

Many of these supplies are inexpensive, but altogether it adds up. I hope this helps.

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

Include plenty of copy/printing paper in your budget (and of course print cartridges which are usually very expensive).

Most schools teach by the "death by powerpoint" method, and you generally can either buy copies of these from the school, or you will need to print them out yourself. I like to print them out myself, and I have gone through a shocking amount of paper and cartridges. I've never done the math, but I can tell you it adds up!

[MB37]

I have killed a lot of trees already, but I didn't need barely any of the stuff on LeavingTeaching4RN's list. We didn't have background checks or drug tests at my school, and why do they test you for HIV? Do they not let you go to your school if you have it? I think that's illegal...I don't know what most of that on the list even is. We did have to get certified for HIPPA, but it was free and online. Also, I know one person who has a PDA, and she doesn't use it for school. I'm in a 4 semester accelerated BSN program at a public university with a >95% NCLEX pass rate on the first try. I only spent money on tuition, books, living, and supplies (scrubs, paper, pens, etc.), oh, and one BLS course, but that was about $30.

[Dream2BANurse]

Im not in the program yet but this is the list my school gave me with estimated costs

Shoes $60

Lab Coat $40

2 Uniforms $100

2 Nursing Program Patches (for uniforms) $5

Stethescope $30

Pocket organizer $6

Penlight $8

Hemostat $5

Watch w/second hand $40

Tuition $6,480

Books $$1,800

Liability Insurance $380

Packets (didnt specify so Im not sure) $270

Preclinical screening $30

Nurse pacs $100

Application for Licensure $85

NCLEX exam fee $200

Diploma fee $20

Background check $17

Cap and gown rental for graduation $30

Group composite picture $20

Nursing pin $45

Temporary permit $50

Student nurse association dues $40

That totals to right at $10K, Im sure some of those are optional and those prices are just estimates from my school.

[Achoo!, LPN]

Don't forget gas to and from. I pay about $500 a semester in gas.

[ZooMommyRN, ADN, RN]

My husband and I make one up every semester when the scheduele changes and it usually ends up going right out the window lmao I'm blessed that I have a hubby who is behind me 1000% and doesn't want me to work at all while in school so that kinda strains any budget right there lol Good luck and pinch those pennies and remember, spaghetti is a cheap & easy dinner lol

[LeavingTeaching4RN]

I have killed a lot of trees already, but I didn't need barely any of the stuff on LeavingTeaching4RN's list. We didn't have background checks or drug tests at my school, and why do they test you for HIV? Do they not let you go to your school if you have it? I think that's illegal...I don't know what most of that on the list even is. We did have to get certified for HIPPA, but it was free and online. Also, I know one person who has a PDA, and she doesn't use it for school. I'm in a 4 semester accelerated BSN program at a public university with a >95% NCLEX pass rate on the first try. I only spent money on tuition, books, living, and supplies (scrubs, paper, pens, etc.), oh, and one BLS course, but that was about $30.

Yes, at my school we need to complete two separate background checks and a drug screening. My school completes the background checks because the FL board of nursing does a background check before they will allow you to take the NCLEX. It's pointless to complete a nursing program and then, not be allowed to take the NCLEX. The rationale for the drug test is pretty obvious. (I'm still amazed that teachers don't have to take drug tests. But that's another story...)

Of course my school doesn't test students for HIV. We have to complete continuing education courses in HIV/AIDS, Domestic violence, prevention of medical records, TB/OSHA/Hepatitis, and CPR prior to starting the program. (However, we don't need HIPPA certification.) I believe these are requirements in my state because every school that I researched in FL required this certificates.

If she choose to, your friend could download tabers, a drug guide, and other books onto her PDA.

Again, I listed everything required by school and/or state. I'm sure that other schools and states have different requirements.