Help! Working full time: which nursing school?

[FLFutureNurse18]

Hello,

I'm currently working a decent paying day job as a teacher (making almost $40,000), so quitting for nursing school is not an option, especially since I'd never get back in given the economy here in FL. So here's my problem: I want out and want to be a nurse (RN), but the community college only has a day program. So I could go to a tech night program for LPN, take a lower paying LPN night job while I get my RN at the community college, or I could go to Keiser University for my RN.

Which would you do? Is Keiser respected? It seems like an associate's from them won't help me move on to a BSN, which I'll probably want to do. I want to make the best choice. I wish my CC had a night program! Thank you for reading! :redbeathe

[penelopelp]

I used to be a teacher, too! I'm in a very similar position. I am no longer working as a teacher--I recently moved across the country. It is a huge paycut for me to get a entry-level healthcare job, but that is my plan. I'm going to take a 2 month course to become a Health Unit Coordinator (unit secretary). That will get me on the floor. I'm hoping to get some health care experience and really make sure that nursing is the job for me. As an employee, the hospital will pay for me to further my education. So, I plan on getting my RN while working part-time at the hospital. The hospital hours will work out much better with the daytime RN classes/clinicals.

Have you looked into an accelerated BSN program? Some schools have programs for 2nd degree students to get their BSN. There are some accelerated programs in the country. I'm not sure where they are in Florida. Of course, those classes would be during the day, so you'd probably have to survive on loans/scholarships.

[FLmomof5]

FL Future.....not sure why you would think you would never 'get back in given the economy'....all I hear is that there aren't enough teachers! But then again I live in Duval County.

I wish I had an answer for you. FCCJ has a night/evening nursing program. This is why I chose to go back. I can still work FT (my pay is $75K in my current job) and go back to school. FCCJ gives priority to applicants in Duval, Baker, Clay and Nassau. Not sure if you are in a neighboring county, but that could work for you if you are.

BTW, in the orientation we had a girl from St.John's county who needed the evening/weekend option. During the orientation, the proctor stated that if you were not in a priority county, you most likely would NOT get in. I was going to "hint" that maybe the lady could find a "friend" in Duval and use that addy. I couldn't believe my ears when the proctor herself made that suggestion!!!!

So if you are close enough to FCCJ, that might be an option. (commute might be a pain but it is 4 straight semesters and you are done)