Just Accepted!

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Hey all, Ive been lurking the forums for a while now and just signed up!

I have been accepted to Nursing School for Spring of 2013 at Lincoln Memorial University at the Knoxville Tennessee campus. Was wondering what all i should know going into the program. Ive heard people say that you can't work while in NSG school, i have a lot of bills to pay, what have y'all found helpful in this situation? Did you work while in school? I really don't have a support system, my parents are broke and ill already be taking out a lot of loans just to pay for tuition. Any information about what i need to be doing, what to expect, and working while in school will be appreciated.

Thanks

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I am going to assume you mean 2014 and over you many congrats!

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First off, Congratulations! Prepare yourself for a strenuous, but extremely rewarding adventure!

I was (still am) poor all through out nursing school. I am, however, lucky to have a wonderful woman who pays a lot of bills around here. I worked full time during my pre-nursing courses with no issue. When I started in Fundamentals, I only worked 2-3 days a week, with no issue. However, when I started advanced classes, I couldn't handle working beyond 2 days a week, and in fact, I went down to 1 day a week when my Psych grades started slipping.

To put it in perspective, I am no slacker. I am currently 2nd in my class of 35 (I held the #1 title for 5 consecutive semesters, but lost it with that Psych class). My GPA is 3.22, and I bust my ass. But I feel that if I worked full time that my grades would have suffered more. The thing is, it's all subjective. I know people in my class that work full time (they have to), and are still graduating along side me. You just have to stay focused, and prioritize your time. You'll likely have little to no social life, or free time, but it's definitely feasible.

Also, I don't know if you can (or if you even want to), but I took out additional funds with my student loans (disbursements), and I used those to pay my rent. That helped a great deal, leaving only a couple of hundred in bills a month. Sure, I'll be paying 10k more than if I didn't, but it reduced a LOT of stress worrying about rent, and what not.

Again, it's completely do able! I'd recommend trying it, and at the first glimpse of your grades starting to slip (or your sanity), then I'd cut back on the hours at work. If possible, can you dorm at your school (mine was extremely cheap, and I would have done it, but I got a kid :) ). Also consider if it's possible to move back in with your parents, siblings, or even get a roommate (a responsible one). Those are just suggestions if money becomes too tight due to having to cut back on hours.

I wish you the best of luck. Remember, others have done it before so you can too! Congratulations again on choosing this field!

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Levitas, thank you for your reply !! You've made some good points, it looks like ill just have to figure it out when i get there and see exactly what i can do. I would hate to take out more loans but if it has to happen then so be it. I hope i can be second in my class haha, i have no problem working hard, loosing social life or whatever, those things won't get me where i want to be. The only thing that will help me reach that goal is if i work towards it. once again, Thank you for the reply and information.

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Congratz on your acceptance! I'm sure you figure out the right thing for you. Best of luck!

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I work part time as a CNA, have a family and of course go to nursing school. I have found that it's not nearly as hard as I made it out to be in my own mind. I'm sure that it will get much much harder as time goes by but just try staying focused. Do not slip on reading your chapters, power points, etc., and if nothing else, set a goal that you will read/study for at least 1 hour a night. You can do it. You were accepted for a reason so just remember that and carry on. Don't let them get to you in the beginning. Most teachers for the first semester will try to break you by hitting you with a syllabus (hopefully not literally) and giving you a peak into all that you will do over the next 4 months but remember, you've got this. Remain humble and confident.

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Bdedwards, Kaizan3625pn thanks for the reply. I over analyze things way too much. We are accepted into this program for a reason, that right there is something i had not understood until just now, thank you for that. I really hope they don't actually hit me with anything, if i wanted to pay all this money to be beaten i would at least enjoy it! gotta stay motivated! Thanks for the kind words and good luck to you all!

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You look like a guy I was supposed to go to school with but he changed his major. I wish you all the best in your endeavors and hopefully we can keep up with each other on here!

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haha not me bud! would have been cooler if i was though!

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

Congratulations bruh! I just got accepted into Nova SouthEastern University program in Ft. Lauderdale for the 2014 Winter term. I'm not planing on working personally but I too have a great woman who is holding me down. We planned this a few years back. I put her through nursing school and now she is returning the favor. I was just looking around at this section and read the reply post from everyone. Just wanted to let y'all know that you guys are awesome positive people and I appreciate y'all also. Lol, feeling the positivity on this thread. Again, congratulations bruh. Now let's get it!

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I'm encouraged by the number of potential male nurses! We need to all make it through this thing so that we can change the face of male nursing. It's not just a woman thing to care and work in this capacity and that's being shown. I'm really excited to see what the future has to hold. Keep up the great work everyone, you've made it this far for a reason, you can do it!

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haha Thanks dfridm! everyone is really positive and i love that! Thanks for the reply and you're just, lets GET IT.

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