Hello all, I am new to this forum so I do not know if I am posting in the right place or not. I was hoping to get some insight from nurses or anyone with input. I am 20 years old and have been set on nursing since sophomore year in high school. I have been accepted to a well known program and I am supposed to start January 12th. Many doors have been opened to me and I have had such a willing community of people to help me through the process. The program lasts 18 months and I will complete my BSN, but I will come out with about $90,000 in loans.
I have been so set on this career that it wasn't until recently that I really began to think about if nursing was for me. I have always wanted a career where I can help others and to be a part of their recovery, however many people want that and there are other careers that do that. My ultimate goal is to serve in other countries and I felt like nursing was a perfect way to do that.However, having no medical experience, I truly don't know if I'd be able to handle the stress and quick critical thinking of nursing. i am prone to stress in my nature, however I feel like I can work on that and I shouldn't let it stop me. At the same time I have to realize that I may not be right or cut out for nursing and decide whether the stress of school and the job is something I can handle, and want to. Part of me wonders if I am just getting nervous for school and have a lack confidence right now with no skill and if that will just have to change as I go through nursing school, or if I should not be going into this field. I am so thankful for the opportunity but I also do not want to be foolish about what I am getting into.
I have thought about PTA because it is a less stressful environment and you get to see the patient progress over an extended period of time. However there is less variety in this career, and they do not have the 3/12hr shifts.
Ultimately I know it is a decision I need to make for myself, however having as much insight as possible is helpful to me. I've written lists of pros and cons of both, yet I do not know if my anxiety over going into nursing is just my own fear of the unknown and not being sure if I'll like it or be able to handle it when its such a big commitment cost wise, or if that means I should look into something else.
Specializes in ED, Cardiac-step down, tele, med surg.
90K is too much debt to take on with uncertainty of obtaining a job sufficient to pay it back, in my opinion. Be careful with taking on that much debt, you might regret it. Never go into any endeavor without fulling researching it first, perhaps shadowing. Good start by posting your question here. Nursing, as I am coming to realize has it's rewards, but has many drawbacks that were not anticipated going in. Pay is variable across the country. Overall nursing is a very rigorous job that can take a toll over time. Just make sure you do the research first. Good luck.
Everyone on this thread is saying that $90K is too much debt. And yet, you seem unswayed by their posts and committed to attending this expensive school regardless. It sounds like you already have your mind made up and were just looking for us to support your decision. Unfortunately, that's not the way it worked out. That's something to think about.
Personally, I would never go to a school that would end up putting me that deep into debt. I went to a community college for my ADN and took the same test that all graduate nurses must take despite BSN or ADN background and did just fine. I had a great education and clinical experience for around $10,000. I have been working as an RN for over two years and paid off my loans over a year ago. It's really nice not having that looming over. And now, while working, I can get my RN to BSN. And doing it through a state university so I can afford it.
I agree with previous posters who mention the fact that what if you end up not liking the whole nursing gig and you want out, but have that giant loan to pay back? Talk about feeling stuck!
My point.. there are cheaper options. And that doesn't mean a bad education. In the end, you will still be an RN no matter which path you take to get there. I just know I would not want to take the path that would me put me 90k in debt. Good luck!
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
It seems that you already made your decision & you just wanted people to back you up. But no one is going to back you up on your indecisiveness to spend $90K on student loans.
I did not think it was possible for an under grad to borrow that much from Sallie Mae. Will your parents have to take out Parent Plus Loans to cover the difference? If so that is something that is an excessive financial obligation to ask of your parents and they will pay triple in interest. Please don't do that to your parents.
amzyRN
1,142 Posts
90K is too much debt to take on with uncertainty of obtaining a job sufficient to pay it back, in my opinion. Be careful with taking on that much debt, you might regret it. Never go into any endeavor without fulling researching it first, perhaps shadowing. Good start by posting your question here. Nursing, as I am coming to realize has it's rewards, but has many drawbacks that were not anticipated going in. Pay is variable across the country. Overall nursing is a very rigorous job that can take a toll over time. Just make sure you do the research first. Good luck.