Help :(

[andr1ajones]

I need help. I decided that nursing was for me about a year ago and ever since then I have been actively in school trying to get my prerequisites done. Unfortunately due to certain circumstances (financial) I cannot continue to go to school full time like I have been. I need a job! I need advice on what type of work I should be looking for, perhaps a more entry level position in health care that would pay well in order to help me continue my schooling. I want to become an RN but considered perhaps becoming an LVN and then going back to school for RN? I understand that is sort of a round-about-way to do things but I need a program that is faster than the full four years, pays well, and will help out in the future. Any suggestions? Perhaps a CNA?

[Jules A, MSN]

CNA doesn't pay anything although now that it is more difficult to get nursing jobs for new grads it might be a decent intro to a unit in hopes of landing a position there after graduation. For money I always suggest waiting tables or bartending which pays way more than most entry level jobs. I did my LPN first and it was a great way for me to decide if nursing was for me without a huge time committment so that might be a decent option for you also. Good luck!

[havehope]

being a cna isn't bad, we all need them! but.. like jules a said they don't pay anything, again maybe lpn is the route to go. or you can do adn (associate degree in nursing) it's three years and for me my total schooling including all classes, books, uniforms, etc. is a total of 10,000. which after seeing the pricing on allnurses.com that students put i don't think thats bad at all. i'm sorry financial problems are stopping you from achieving your goal! :/ good luck!!

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

i don't pretend to know how much being a cna or a unit secretary pays, but i do know several nurses who got their start in those jobs and went to nursing school on the hospital's dime. other considerations are dialysis tech, dietary aide, pharmacy tech or even housekeeping. the hospital -- if you choose the right one -- will pay for school and you'll have benefits besides while you're in school.

i personally made my way through school waitressing, bar tending, cooking in various restaurants, as a maid, wedding photographer, photography assistant and washing test tubes in the biology lab. none of those -- including the waitressing paid much and tips were pretty skimpy considering i wasn't a particularly chatty waitress and the economy in that town was in the toilet.

good luck!

[Jules A, MSN]

none of those -- including the waitressing paid much and tips were pretty skimpy considering i wasn't a particularly chatty waitress and the economy in that town was in the toilet.

good luck!

bummer, i always made at least $20 an hour as a waitress and more when bartending. good point about the tuition assistance many hospitals offer and the health benefits.