I Really Want To Be A Nurse

[caramel_goddess]

I have had a long standing dream to become a nurse. I am a single woman with a full time job, and have no outside support system. I have completed most of my basics at my local community college here in Texas, but I am unable to complete clinicals because of my full time job status. Quiting work is not an option unless I can find some way to cover my expenses. Can anyone make a suggestion such as grants that will cover my bills during clinicals, work study programs, or internet based classes I can take? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Dreams]

Greetings All!

Caramel, we are somewhat in the same boat, however I learned my lesson as far as whta I am able to do and not able to do while trying to become a nurse. I am a single mother of a 2 year old. I tried to work 40 hrs a week and take a full load. Needless to say, I withdrew in the first semester because I could not hack it all. That was in fall 2002. Now it's 2004, and I am starting a cna/phel/ekg class on Feb 9th and plan on begining my pre-req's for the nursing program at local comm. college. I am taking the cna because I know that I may have to work while in school, and just like someone else mentioned in the post, the hospitals offer the most flexable shifts available, plus I can see up close and personal what nusrsing is all about. I am very intimidated by my math classes ( I have to take 2 remedial classes ) and my prayer is that I make it through those classes.

I refuse to give up!!! I am excited because I finally believe that I now have the right idea as far as trying to support myself through this journey...plus my mother ( who is also a student) and I are getting a place together ( can we say 11p-7a or 7p-7a free childcare??:) which will help me beyond belief....I belive this is the right time for me to begin this journey, as opposed to 2002 when I had alot going on. I personally belive in God, and I tell you he definately helps those who make an effort and help themselves.

[LilgirlRN, ADN, RN]

could always become an LPN first. good luck :) Wendy

[SmilingBluEyes]

http://www.allnursingschools.com

helpful little site that points you to all the nursing programs USA-wide and how they are set up...what type education they offer (LPN, Associate degree, BSN, diploma, MSN, etc) also.....phone numbers, names to contact etc.

It also discusses scholarships, loan programs, and how to advance in nursing (e.g. move on to be a nurse practioner or certified nurse anesthesia provider, etc.)

I wish you luck and welcome to you!

[PMHNP10]

are loans an option for you? They certainly got me through school. Unfortunately they are taking a chunk out of my earnings today, but IMHO the ends justify the means.

If so:

http://www.eloansecure.com

[Agnus]

I'll admit I skimmed this but I did not see the obvious. Go to the financial aid office at your school.

In addition to traditional grants and loans they have applications for scholarships, some that you can only get though them.

Sit down have a long talk with them. The financial aide application is not the last step. There are many things that qualify you for certain aid that is not addressed on the form. Like you lost your job or you are not making what you did last year. Or you have expenses that they did not cover. There are lots of things that effect your ability to get aid. Including your own persistance and unwillingness to take no or "that's all you get" for an answer. I have had financial aide officers jump though fire to get me aide that I would not otherwise qualify for at more than one school because I was unwilling to settle for their first or even second offer of aide.

My very musically untalented sister went to nursing school on a music scholarship simply because no one else applied for that scholarship.

NEver ever allow them to apply your scholarships toward your aide allotment. It should alway be applied toward the student contribution .