I could use some advice...IS this possible or should I wait even longer?

[TryingNot2BeScared]

When the site changed (was down) somehow my post disapeared so this may be similar to some who may have responded.

I will try to wrap it up as best I can:

I am 32 with an AS in Liberal Arts. I have 2 CC within 2 hours that I have attended in the past. The one I received my AS from has a ADN program but I was waiting years for clinicals, so I went elsewhere. There was even worse where you needed to score above 95% on the TEAS, so I went into Respiratory Therapy instead. I got accepted into the program alot sooner than anticipated, WHEN...a few weeks after I had my daughter-FIGURES! I also have a 4 year Developmentally Disabled (SPD)PDD little man. So I declined.

So here I am a year later ready to make my moves again. My hubby has been out of work for years...long story and besides keeping my kids alive while I work a low paying 40 hour a week job, he is unsupportive of my nursing career, which I NEED to do. We barely make it every month..and I am SICK of it.

I was accepted into a LPN program...full time (I wanted part time but its full and I score high enough to place into full time). Its accelerated 10 month program. 8-330 mon-friday. I would need to take out the max loan they offer of $9500, which half would go to tuition and books, etc. I would only get about $3K back for living expenses. I already have $28K in student loans that lovely Sallie Mae took over from Citibank last month. (the original amount was only 17K...so yes over 10K they racked on!!).

I need time to study and do cleaning and cooking. I am NOT one of those people who can just put off cleaning until "later". I need alot of study time too. Also my son needs alot of attention.

What would your advice be? Just dive in and reep the benefits sooner? There are LPN jobs in my area that pay about $20/hour. I have the opportunity 2 bridge to either RN or BSN immediately as well. But I would have to live off loans and figure something out meantime. Work maybe 2 days a week and do alot of praying, lol? I could get my CNA certification and make a few bucks more an hour as a PCT in the local hospital.

OR wait about another 3 or more years just to get into the clinicals for RN which maybe I would be done in 4-5 years. The only positive I see this route is very little loan debt, I can still work (barely making ends meet)...and when clinicals do start both kids will be in school. Maybe by that time my husband will either be gone (hee hee) or working.

I would really appreciate any advice!!

[onepowerfullady, LPN]

Honey...sounds like you have your mind made up. When you are sick and tired you are sick and tired! I did my LPN first because I needed to be able to work and currently I am working on BSN. There are jobs out there that will assist in helping you to go back and obtain your BSN. Our state also has a loan/scholarship program where you can promise to work in your state for 3 years and not have to pay the loan back. I am not sure if there are many scholarships out there for the LPN part, but definitely the BSN. I am not sure if this helps, but I did the LPN first. Good luck and keep us posted! I wrote an article recently and you are welcome to read over it and see what I went through.

[theantichick]

You have to do whatever it takes. If you're determined to go for your degree, then you will probably find a way to make it happen. I will caution you however to cut yourself some slack related to cooking/cleaning, etc. You can't keep all those balls in the air without going crazy or dropping all of them. I'm sorry you don't have a supportive spouse, hopefully you can get him on board and/or call in help from family/friends. It's not an easy road, but you can do what you put your mind to. Find out what support you have from everyone in your life, and USE it.

My mother came up for 2 days with my dad over the holidays to get my house cleaned, repairs done, yard caught up, etc. so I have a clean slate for the next semester. Having help like that is invaluable. Also, if you can cook ahead (once-a month or once-a week cooking, there are websites) you'll be better off because my kiddo an I have been living on pizza and frozen meals and eating out for a year.