I'm experiencing a "quarter-life" crisis...

pixiestudent2 · Jul 8, 2015

My advice would be to cut chamberlain of your list. They are way to expensive.

Do your pre reqs, study for your entrance exam, and try to get into an accelerated BSN program if you wanna spend that kind of money.

Otherwise I'd look into community college.

dvah1987 · Jul 8, 2015

Christ! That is certainly not the answer that I was looking for. I have looked into accelerated programs and bridge programs that would allow me to earn a MSN, but I cant possibly imagine how I would be able manage that. I am expecting to do some juggling, but taking six classes a semester, five days a week, while working, and parenting doesn't seem feasible for me. I am actively looking at HCC, PV, Chamberlain, and UTMB.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jul 8, 2015

Do not look at any for profit colleges. They are super expensive and many have terrible pass rates. You need to look at accreditation and NCLEX pass rates. Also look at cost. Have you looked into whether or not you have any financial aid left? You already have a bachelor degree and I'm sure you had to use it for starting a masters program even though you dropped classes and dropping classes impacts financial aid also.

if you are working full time and a single parent it's going to be difficult. You are going to probably start out with a LPN program and go from there unless you can find a nightime and weekend RN program. I know there are a few out there but not many.

Make sure you have plenty of support around you. I'm a single mom also, but I don't work. Without friends helping me out with my son and organizing everything, I couldn't do this. My ex helps out as well as my boyfriend. Nursing school is highly competitive and not easy. So you will need to ace your prereqs to even get in the program.

have you shadowed a nurse to see what nursing is? Do you fully know what you are getting yourself into? I ask these questions because you say nursing is pulling on your heart strings. Nursing is a job. It's a job like every other profession. You will deal with positives and negatives every day. Including patients and coworkers. I find many people on here have this romanticized notion of what being a nurse is about. Then they get thrown into the field and they are back saying they hate it. They didn't know what the job entailed. Just some food for thought.

dvah1987 · Jul 8, 2015

Hello Heathermaizey,

I appreciate your feedback and your questions are quite valid. I have considered obtaining my ADN at HCC and finding a RN-BSN program (likely PV) to minimize cost. I was fortunate enough to have nearly 20k of my debt from undergrad forgiven based on my academics, but this time I would like to apply for more scholarship and employee reimbursement opportunities. I have a few friends who are Chamberlain graduates and a family member who recently obtained her ADN from Galveston College, they were all employed while in school. Between these people I have gotten a very realistic idea of what the job entails. I have also reached out to more seasoned nurses for insight and I just finished reading a post entitled, "Is Nursing My Calling" which details her account of choosing this field. I am aware that nursing is not just saving lives and kissing babies. It is brutal, but rewarding and I am longing to know if I've got what it takes to diligently serve as a nurse.

xxdiscoxxheaven · Jul 8, 2015

I think the other poster just wanted you to know that chamberlain is a VERY expensive nursing degree. I've heard around 90,000 for 4 years. That's A LOT of money for a career whose starting salary is a little more than half that amount. There are cheaper routes to becoming an RN.

dvah1987 · Jul 8, 2015

I definitely agree. I was a little shocked when I saw their program cost, but I am transferring credits from my bachelors and I'm taking a few pre-reqs at HCC. I feel like I am at such a crossroad because anytime I change the scope of my career I come right back to the idea of wanting to be a nurse and wondering if I made the right decision.

dvah1987 · Jul 10, 2015

Quick update: I visited Chamberlain's Pearland campus today and I am absolutely estatic about their curriculum, facility, and endless resources. While the expenses are high, I will be applying for scholarships and utilizing tuition reimbursement (along with financial aid) to cover the cost. I am more than confident that I will become an exceptional nurse with their teachings. I'm going to reactivate my application and take the hesi. I'll update again once complete. Wish me luck!

NurseIndependa · Jul 10, 2015

I definitely think you should pursue nursing if it is your passion & what you continually think about doing. Many people come into it as a second career so this "crisis" of sorts is common.

But... heed the advice from other posters & avoid Chamberlain. It is a chain of nursing schools & functions more like a business than an institution for higher education. I could (maybe) understand going into a little debt for a nursing degree from an ivy league school, but to pay that sort of money to attend a school like Chamberlain should be reconsidered, even when scholarships & financial aid are factored in.

notnursezelda · Jul 10, 2015

not to burst your bubble, but there is a reason why the other posters are telling you to avoid for-profit schools such as Chamberlain.

Sure, your smart and you'll make it to the end and graduate with a nursing degree, BUT schools like these have horrible graduation and NCLEX pass rates.

A BSN is of NO USE if you can not pass the NCLEX and obtain a NURSING LICENSE.

Profit schools are just that, profit schools. They don't care if they graduate, or pass the nclex, its all about the money.

And yes, they probably have great resources and a campus, thats where all the tuition money goes, TO MAKE A SALE.

They are trying to sell you something that is NOT worth it.

Look into other programs in your area, have you tried to visit them? Talk to them. Find out their resources, tuition costs, etc. I'm sure there is something more viable and cheaper closer to you, unless you live in the middle of nowhere.

Sit down and compare all the programs.

Read reviews.

Talk to current students in the programs.

Talk to students who have graduated from different programs.

Heck, even contact HR at local hospitals and ask how many graduates do they usually hire from each school?

Do the research and make an educated decision.

Maybe chamberlain will be BEST choice for you, but I HIGHLY doubt it.

The school I'm attending is a bit pricey, but its a private school, and a faster route to my BSN, and I really did not have the time for a cheap ADN program first. Perhaps you do.

But the reason I choice this school was due to its reputation.

Hospitals here LOVE the graduates of this program. They actively recruit us, even though there are 3 other nursing programs in the immediate area.

So my point is, there are MANY different FACTORS.

Please do you research into all these variables and then make a choice.

Please don't rush into a sale.

Your going to invest the next few years of your life, and lots of money into this.

Be confident about your decision, and the best way is to do your research and know the program your entering.

The previous posters are trying to help you and advise from committing to a school that may not be worth it in the long run.

Hope this helps.

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Jul 10, 2015

I agree. They sell on people being impatient. While most regular Universities have wait times and long application process the for profits are ready "tomorrow".

I agree with just slowing the roll and really look at the options. Ultimately it will be up to you to decide.

notnursezelda · Jul 10, 2015

And scholarships and tuition reimbursement are not so easy to come by.

Forgot to add that part.