How to finance your education and more...

tokyoROSE, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2010

Most people who work have very flexible schedules, such as working nights and weekends. If you work for a local school district, that is going to interfere with class and clinicals. I would suggest you find a part time job and apply for financial aid to cover tuition. From reading this board, I keep seeing that LVN's face an uncertain future, but I wouldn't say not to do it. They say that LVN's are mostly in long term care versus acute (hospitals). It really depends on how you want to do this: do you want to get a degree fast? Or would you hold out for a couple years and get an ADN? What is your ultimate goal? There are a lot of options to choose from, and the great part about nursing is you can always advance your education.

Demand depends on your location. New grads are finding a very hard time getting jobs in a lot of places, mainly I hear California and NY, but really all around the country. Do not believe the hype that healthcare is recession-proof, its not! Healthcare is a business and it too has been hurt during this recession.

karensuzette · Jan 25, 2010

I would like to do the schooling as quickly as possible so that I can return to work asap.

I'm fairly certain I could obtain financial aid to pay for my tuition, I just don't know how to get by without working.

Are there options other than student loans to pay your bills while you return to school?

I'm sorry, but this is all new to me still and not sure what an ACN is...I've seen at the local college's they have Medical Assistant, LPN or LVN and RN. That's all they seem to offer.

It looks like one quarter to receive a Med Asst, then one year for LVN or LPN then 2 more for an RN.

The problem would be, after you do your pre req's you could be on a waiting list for three years just trying to get in to take the nursing classes!

I still have a 16 year old at home, so I cannot relocate to take classes elsewhere.

The job sites I've looked at seem to have 90% of their postings for RN's wanted, not much else.

I figured this would be the place to go to ask questions, to all of you that have been there done that already.

I appreciate your input!

another option might be medical billing, but I'm such a people person, I think I would burn out w/ four walls and a computer.

vanlo001 · Jan 25, 2010

In this economy, at this stage of the healthcare game, I wouldn't leave a secure job to pursue a dream unless you have a secure plan in place. I would take a job in the hospital either as a CNA, unit secretary, or a surgical tech. Many hospitals are paying for these positions to returnto school. In other words you work hardfor them, apply for the program they pay for your schooling and you work part time for money to live off of. Exxpect to be poor. You can get student loans but only forschool expenses. If you are low income you may qualify for scholarships. There is no easy ride expect to work hard to stand out. Consider volunteering in a hospital or clinic to gain. Experience and emphasize your willingness to help out. I would definately go for your RN as a two year associates degree. Stasrt by completing electives then go into nursing course. I work with an LPN who after that 16 month course work and sitting for LPN boards works as a nurses aide because LPNs are being phased out completely. Nursing is an incredible career. I loved helping people. But do take a job in a hospital before making any concrete decisions. And get a job before you quit your current one. Best of luck.