I graduated, now what?

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I'm a recent PN graduate. I actually graduated with honors and already have a job on a Med/Surg unit at a local hospital. Shouldn't that be enough for most people? My problem is while in school our bills got behind since I was working as an aide for minimal pay and my husband got laid-off from his job. Now here I am ready to start my career, but I don't have enough money to pay normal bills, let alone $390 to take my boards. I'm in a crunch because I can only work as a graduate PN for 90 days at my hospital. Any ideas how to get out of the hole? I need to take my NCLEX asap just to be sure I don't forget anything and to be able to get a pay raise. Looks likes I'm on a teter-toter and when one side pulls the other suffers or like the old saying..."I'm damned if I and damned if I don't". If there is anyone out there that has words of wisdom, has been in the same situation and found a solution or just wants to put in there two cents....It's greatly appreciated. Thanks.:uhoh3:

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Specializes in ER, Occupational Health, Cardiology.

Ask someone that you trust, who knows what the past year has been like for you, to loan you the money for boards. Your parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, good friends. You are exactly right-you've worked too hard to let this slide.

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Are you too far out of school now to take out a student loan? Not sure of your previous student loan status, but I have taken the maximum federal sub loans so I won't have that problem. But, since you already graduated, you may not be able to do it.

Maybe instead of asking one person to borrow the money, take up a collection from family and friends. Let them know that $20 from each will go along way for you! It never hurts to ask (other than your pride).

Good Luck! You have come to far to let this hurdle get your down!

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I'm a recent PN graduate. I actually graduated with honors and already have a job on a Med/Surg unit at a local hospital. Shouldn't that be enough for most people? My problem is while in school our bills got behind since I was working as an aide for minimal pay and my husband got laid-off from his job. Now here I am ready to start my career, but I don't have enough money to pay normal bills, let alone $390 to take my boards. I'm in a crunch because I can only work as a graduate PN for 90 days at my hospital. Any ideas how to get out of the hole? I need to take my NCLEX asap just to be sure I don't forget anything and to be able to get a pay raise. Looks likes I'm on a teter-toter and when one side pulls the other suffers or like the old saying..."I'm damned if I and damned if I don't". If there is anyone out there that has words of wisdom, has been in the same situation and found a solution or just wants to put in there two cents....It's greatly appreciated. Thanks.:uhoh3:

Have you thought:uhoh21: about asking your employer to pay for the testing so you can move on with your job. Some hosp. will pay for the schooling so I do not see why they would not pay for the test.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

What do you have that you can sell? ... or take to a pawn shop?

You need to take your boards to move forward. So, get the cash any way that you can.

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