I don't want to give up!

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I want to make a career switch so bad but it almost seems impossible! My husband and I both have decent jobs that allow us to put a roof over our families head and food on our table, but that's just the problem - all of the bills! I have been looking into nursing programs but everything I've come across is during the day - which I don't think I can do. I cannot quit my job or even go part time since we cannot afford to make any changes financially. I had thought about getting my CNA certification and doing that part time at the hospital (for the experience and to get my foot in the door) while cutting my current job down to part time, thus bringing in the same amount of income. The problem is finding a program to fit my lifestyle. I found an online school but they denied me because I need to work full time. I have also come across WGU which is a longer program but MAY work with what I need. I understand the amount of studying I will endure. When going to school for my associates I worked on homework every night after putting my daughter to bed, from 9 pm to midnight, sometimes 1 am, and was back up again for work at 7 o'clock the next morning. Weekends were also full of studies. Is it possible?? Is there a program that will work for me? Should I spend the time working on my ADN first to get a job, then go back for my MSN? Or should I go straight to my MSN? Will I have the time to handle everything with my 8-5 job and kids? I want this so bad.. there MUST be a way!

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Specializes in Emergency.

Have you looked into grants, scholarships, and student loans to help you supplement your income while you're in school?

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I have not actually, but I am not opposed to doing so either! Luckily I was fortunate enough to get my first associates degree with financial aid, so the thought of such a large loan scares me. How do I come across these options? Do they approve a set amount based on your tax returns? Or would they see that I plan to go to nursing school and decide based on that? Also, working part time would get me some income but the amount needed to suffice would place a huge burden on my family - I will already have to get loans to pay for school. So much research to do! I thought about picking up a full time job at a hospital that does not require a degree. That way they could work with my school schedule, but I am not sure there is a position available w/out a degree at the pay I am looking for?

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Have you considered working nights in the hospital? Perhaps in Patient Financial Representative or Unit Secretary. I don't know what type of work your doing now. Or if you get your CNA you could possible in a nursing home or assisted living at night on the weekends. Its just a thought.....I know you have a daughter and husband so that may take to much time away from them. Because you would go to school during the day and work nights. Then would need to study in the evening unless you could study at work. It would quite the juggling act. Best wishes figuring on a plan. Where there is a will, there is a way. But when will you sleep? hee hee Who needs that, right!

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I recently decided to go back to school to transition into a 2nd career ( Nursing). I work full time, have a 9 month old baby, 6 year old step child, and am starting from the bottom in evening / weekend classes at my local community college.

Please don't give up ...keep looking you can and will find something.

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We have the same exact story, down to our children's ages!!! Too funny! But unfortunately there aren't any community colleges that offer night or weekend classes for nursing school around me. I take that back, there is one but its every 2 years for an ADN. I'd like to tackle the BSN if possible. I found one online school that is accredited, but no face to face interaction. Which is a bummer but if that is my only option then I'll do it. If only income wasn't an issue! í ½í¸œ

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FAFSA is what you want to look into.

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Specializes in Emergency Room, CEN, TCRN.

I work overnights from midnight to 8AM and take weekend shifts with my days off on Tuesdays and Thursdays so I can attend class. I go to bed after work for four hours, pick my kids up from school (my wife drops them off) then hand them off to her when she gets off work. It's not easy on any of us, but it's pretty much the only way I've figured out how to concurrently attend school while support my family by working.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

What about making some rather severe -albeit temporary -lifestyle changes that would enable you to cut back to part-time? Ditch the cable, rent a cheaper, smaller apartment, give up a car in favor of public transportation? Work a different shift than the spouse to avoid day care- what ever it takes.

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We own a house so unfortunately the only cutting back we could do on that is to stop paying the extra, which we are. Outside of that cable is the only thing I could cancel; however, I called and it will cost to cancel and since my daughter and husband use it often I have not cut it off yet. Other than that we don't ever go out or spend extra money (believe it or not lol. I am very conservative when it comes to spending anything outside of bills). BUT the good news is we have found a solution since this post!!! After running out of options, I ran our numbers on me working part time and putting my youngest child in the schools care center while I attend school (I will save $320/month) and we will manage to make it work! With part-time income, our tax refund, and a little help from the government I can do this!

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Specializes in PACU.

Have you also thought about possibly rentng out a room in your house for extra income?

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