I'm not rich! How do they expect some of us to get this done!?

[Truly_Blessed]

*sighs* I am a bit frazzled, annoyed, disenchanted, whatever you want to call it. I was accepted to the LPN program a couple of weeks ago and they gave me a long list of things I needed to do before July 7. This list includes all the good stuff like: current immunizations, Hep B, Rubella, TD booster, TB test, lab work, drug screen, etc. The health dept. only offers a couple of these things. I will have to see a private physician for the rest. All of that stuff, from the prices I got, is going to be extremely expensive. Plus, a physical exam.The cheapest I found is $80, and that's the least if the physician doesn't spend alot of time with me. *rolls eyes* THEN there are my uniforms. I can't wait until I save the money up for these...we have to get fitted for them within the next week so they can special order them and they can be here by the time school starts. That alone is $400. All of this stuff is totaling up to money I just do not have. My parents have even hit a rough spot financially and are unable to help until they recover. Jobs are less than abundant in the area I live in....what did some of you do concerning these expenses? I am really stressed out right now. I want this more than anything, but the financial roadblock might be the death of my nursing career before it even starts. I mean, this is one of the many reasons I am going to school to be a nurse, I DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY, lol. Geesh. Does anyone know of any programs that would be of some help? I am all out of ideas right now. There has to be a more cost effective way or some help out there for ppl who need it. Any comments and suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you for reading my vent. Have a blessed day:)

[mariessas_mom]

Check with your school's financial aid office. Sometimes they have emergency loans to tide you over until any regular loans/grants come through! Good luck, the expenses will pay off in the end!

[angelac1978]

lol, hmmm, then how would I pay the monthly payment? heehee.

well you would pay the minimums until you get your financial aid $$$ and pay off the balance. This is the only way that I would recommend anyone putting their supplies on credit. Otherwise, like Carolanne said, it's a dangerous trap.

A

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Not to minimize the expense of it all, but all those requirements are fairly typical.

Don't know you're situation but a job in a hospital or perhaps a clinic -- even if part-time -- would likely get you all the shots and testing for "free."

Additonally, you may qualify for tuition reimbursement as well.

[nursedawn67, LPN]

Try a job service agency, or how about Social Service, somtimes these places allow for this type of need. Definately figure all of your expenses into your financial aid, that way you can repay or just have the extra money for whatever "needs" pop up later.

[lunakat]

Does your area offer "work source" I know for a fact that they payed for my friends uniforms, books tutuion, gas and various other fees. If I were you (and I have done this before) literally throw yourself on the mercy of financial aid. Beg, Plead, Cry... I KNOW there is always something they can do to help. You just gotta motivate them enough. :chuckle

Ya in my area (CA) it's called JTO (Job Training Office). Its based on your income. They pay books, school fees, supplies, gas $ and even child care. Maybe you should call your unemployment office and see what your options are ..... Good luck

[NewEnglandRN, RN]

Here is what I figured it will cost me before I start in September:

Physical $25. copay

Hep B $45. for the series

CPR course $80.

uniforms, etc $250. through school

stethoscope $60.

shoes $60

watch $40.

liability insurance $20

Nursing Competency pack $650.

school supplies $75.

Cost of first semester $1500.

other books $100.

new glasses so I can see! $400.

1st semester total cost: $3305.

Getting into Nursing school: priceless:)

Michelle

[ARmickie]

Don't freak out until you have talked to your schools financial aid and nursing department offices. Chances are, it's not going to be as bad as you think. The college knows that alot (almost all) of their nursing students are going to be dependant on financial aid, and for most of us, a Pell grant is a major source of that aid. They are aware that we can't get our hands on the money right now. Alot of times, the fin aid office will agree to have these expenses "charged" to your fin aid account, since the money will be there in a month. I know it's so easy to get frustrated about it, but just wait to panic until after you've talked to the fin aid office, at least! Good luck.

[or-nery]

Be careful when scheduling your physical. Because I sheduled it as such, with a form to fill out, my doctor charged 100$$ - NOT covered by insurance ...They don't even apply it to my deductible. All that for a 10 minute assessment...5 minute form, at the most.

[Truly_Blessed]

Thanx for all of the info you guys. I appreciate it. I'm alot calmer than I was this morning. I will call the Texas Workforce and see what they have to offer. Still, keep the comments and suggestions coming....I am trying to get my hands on ALL the help I can get, and maybe someone else is in my situation and this will be helpful. Once again, thank you very much:)

[z's playa]

I just thought of something. Go to your schools web site and there should be a list of scholarships and burseries you can apply for. Thats a good way to pick up extra cash. Only thing is you have to meet the requirements of that particular scholarship and some are really wierd. Like you must be a single mother under 23 or you must be an aboriginal indian and a recovering alcoholic. You're guarenteed to qualify for a least 45 and it doesn't matter how many you get! Look into that. :)

[Energizer Bunny]

Our school gives us the physical free, but we have to pay $50 for our varicella titer and TB test. I have to dole that out next week and this week it was $52 for the professional CPR class. UGH! will it ever end? and I have heard nothing about my financial aid or loans yet!

[mariessas_mom]

Here is what I figured it will cost me before I start in September:

1st semester total cost: $3305.

Getting into Nursing school: priceless:)

Michelle

So, so true. It is expensive, but it will all pay off in the end! I will scrounge in whatever way possible.Goodness, what is a nursing competency pack? $650?? wow!