I just want to thank the state of MA, in conjunction with the federal government

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...for funding my education. This is wonderful. I call a number every week (yes, yes, no) and money appears in my account. We can complain about our government all we want to, but when you get laid off and go back to school... I LOVE UNEMPLOYMENT!!!!!

That being said -

I get the opportunity to get paid for doing something that I love and that I'm good at. Isn't that living the dream?!? To get the chance to work 3 days a week, spend time with my family... I couldn't be happier.

Now all I need to do is find a job when I graduate...

Details!

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Specializes in OR-ortho, neuro, trauma.

Maybe I'm reading your post wrong but you work AND get unemployment????

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Yes, you are reading my post wrong. I'm collecting unemployment as I finish my 2nd degree BSN program. It's excellent. Not only does the federal government provide me with scholarships to pay for school, the state government pays me unemployment to NOT work as I continue my education. It rules.

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I couldn't get any financial aid to help pay for my BSN program so I worked all throughout school. I'm still paying off my loans. I wish more of us had the opportunity to not have to work and spend more time with our families while going to school...

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Specializes in OR-ortho, neuro, trauma.

Wow you're very lucky!! I got laid off in the fall from my job, I was working about 20-30hrs a week along with school but since I was per diem I can't collect.

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It's all about being broke, married and a mommy... then they HAVE to give you money.

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I thought you could only collect unemployment if you are a part-time student and still available to work? It seems strange, and I might be careful making such bold announcements. I was unable to begin a second degree BSN program because I did not get any financial assistance and was unable to afford it. I am also a mom, married and financially struggling.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, ER.

Biok8e your post comes off almost as if you're rubbing it in tax payers' faces that you're able to stay home with your family, go to school, and not have to work. I think all of us that had to bust our butts to work through nursing school wish we were given that opportunity. I had to work three jobs 40-60 hours a week to pay my way through school, on top of student loans. I slept very little and worked very hard. If you want to make ostentious posts of gratitude, make them to US. It's thanks to the taxpayers, not the government, that you're able to do that.

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I apologize for coming off like I'm rubbing it in. The thank you was sincere. I got my benefits extension from the Federal government which allows me to continue to attend school and not have to work. Up until I got laid off, I was working 7 days a week, well over 70 hours to make ends meet. The only reason I get to go to school at all is because of the "training" program offered by the state of MA. It's an incredible opportunity... at least I'm using it for what it's meant for! I've worked forever and paid my taxes - We live in a land of so much opportunity and so many people don't know about.

Again, sorry if my post comes off "ostentatious" or like I'm "rubbing it in". The fact of the matter is - I'm insanely grateful... and it was like Christmas when they extended my benefits. You can only take out so many personal loans before they start telling you no: add that to the loans I already have from my FIRST degree - heh... I'll be paying back Sallie Mae until I'm 90.

Everyone is so quick to assume the worst of others... my intention was genuine even if my words were kind of twisted.

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I felt insanely grateful when I passed the NCLEX and even moreso for a job offer. I'm curious, biok8e, are you the only one you know in your situation? It really does sound too good to be true.

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I am. At least in my program. However, the catch is that the program must be able to be completed in a year ( I didn't file for unemployment until 5 mos in) and it needs to be "approved" by the unemployment office. I'm so lucky I managed to fight my way into approval. This is seriously one of the best opportunities of my life.

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How much is Umass Boston nowadays by the way? I went there as undergrad, no loans, no financial aid, just worked my butt off through school and graduated. I remember it used to cost me like 12K to 15K a year, but I really was taking 6 classes each semester and finished it in 3 years. What's the cost for the BSN if you don't mind sharing?

Thanks

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