Is there any point going to nursing school?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi! I'm supposed to start nursing school in the fall and I was just wondering if there was any point? I've wanted to be a nurse for a long time but I don't want to get into debt getting my BSN if I won't be able to find a job once I graduate. I feel like there are so many student nurses. Thank you!

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Specializes in Rehab/Nurse Manager.

Bellkaty, 

If you've wanted to be a nurse for a long time, going to nursing school is the best way to make that happen.  It makes sense to consider whether  or not the cost of the school will be worth it, but I would say that would really depend on whether you actually want to be a nurse rather than whether or not you will be able to find a job.  There are many nursing jobs out there and there are  many places in need of nurses.    I would not worry too much about the number of student nurses out there since all of you can likely be used in one way or another. You may not get a job in your area of preference right away, but as long as you are open and not too choosy, you should get hired somewhere.    

Good luck! 

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

You might consider ADN programs for a lower initial investment. Many hospitals these days have tuition reimbursement programs and will invest in you continuing your education.

The point of nursing school is it's the only way to be a nurse, so if that's what you want, then yes, it would be worth it. However, you don't have to incur ridiculous amounts of debt to do so. Good luck. 

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4 minutes ago, SilverBells said:

Bellkaty, 

If you've wanted to be a nurse for a long time, going to nursing school is the best way to make that happen.  It makes sense to consider whether  or not the cost of the school will be worth it, but I would say that would really depend on whether you actually want to be a nurse rather than whether or not you will be able to find a job.  There are many nursing jobs out there and there are  many places in need of nurses.    I would not worry too much about the number of student nurses out there since all of you can likely be used in one way or another. You may not get a job in your area of preference right away, but as long as you are open and not too choosy, you should get hired somewhere.    

Good luck! 

I’m really not choosy and I don’t have any preference! Thank you!!

1 minute ago, JBMmom said:

You might consider ADN programs for a lower initial investment. Many hospitals these days have tuition reimbursement programs and will invest in you continuing your education.

The point of nursing school is it's the only way to be a nurse, so if that's what you want, then yes, it would be worth it. However, you don't have to incur ridiculous amounts of debt to do so. Good luck. 

There is only one ADN program near me and they are very hard to get into. My friend has been trying for 3 years. They normally have about 200 applications and only 30 seats. I applied to the BSN program near me and I got in on my first try. 

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

Get your ADN and I bet you find a job. Things are rough right now and there are a ton of openings in Eastern NC, for sure

 

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Just about any decent paying job is going to require an investment of some sort.  If nursing is what you want to do, then nursing school is the only way to get there.  There are lower cost ways of entering like LPN and then working while you progress to RN, or a community college ADN program.  

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Where do you live? Are there a lot of jobs available? I would do some research if you are worried about getting a job. Like said before me, don't be choosy and if need be, be willing to commute some and you should be OK.

 

Good luck; nursing school has always been hard to get into. It was in the 90s when I went. Congratulations on getting in on your first try.

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If you want to be a nurse, become a nurse. There are jobs out there. Lots of jobs. Now the first job out of school might not be your dream job. You might have to move or "settle" for a department you didn't want, but you can get a job. People who complain that there are no jobs really mean there are no jobs for new grads in their oversaturated metro area or hospitals aren't eagerly accepting new grads into the specialty of their choice.  Hospitals are always hiring somewhere.  Nursing homes are usually hiring everywhere. Get your degree. Pass your NCLEX. You'll find something. If your first job isn't exactly what you hoped for, getting some experience under your belt will put you in a stronger position to reapply for what you do want.  Or you might find that you end up liking the job you get (happened to me).  Good luck, and congratulations on being accepted.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.
On 3/2/2021 at 3:14 PM, JBMmom said:

You might consider ADN programs for a lower initial investment. Many hospitals these days have tuition reimbursement programs and will invest in you continuing your education.

The point of nursing school is it's the only way to be a nurse, so if that's what you want, then yes, it would be worth it. However, you don't have to incur ridiculous amounts of debt to do so. Good luck. 

Hey what rules are required to get tuition reimbursement? Like do you have to work a year for them? Are you allowed to leave after you graduate or do they make you stay a certain amount of time?

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
11 hours ago, jeskarwr said:

Hey what rules are required to get tuition reimbursement? Like do you have to work a year for them? Are you allowed to leave after you graduate or do they make you stay a certain amount of time?

100% dependent on the employer’s policy. There is no one answer to that. 

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

You could apply for a scholarship through HRSA. See if you qualify.

https://bhw.HRSA.gov/funding/apply-scholarship/nurse-corps

I'm sure there are more options to obtain scholarships. Your school probably has some scholarship opportunities.

Also, how much are we talking in loans? While I'm not anti taking loans to fund one's education, the amount of debt one incurs really does matter. Will your life revolve around paying the loans off? I have a personal story about almost being suckered into a BSN program that would have run me $94,000 (even though I had my pre-reqs done). I decided to go into an ADN program instead which was paid for through grants. I have a BSN now and that cost me $10,000-$11,000.

Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for getting your BSN. Some offer scholarships. 

It's also still possible to get a job with your ADN although some jobs require you to have your BSN. Some jobs will give you the option of working with them while working on your BSN.  

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