Living expenses while in ADN program

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I'm waiting to hear back from several nursing programs that I applied to for the fall semester. The program I have the greatest chance of being admitted to does not do federal loans which means I'd have to work at least part-time as a CNA to pay bills. Most programs recommend that you don't work more than 12-20 hours a week. I completed my prerequisite classes so I'll only need to focus on my nursing classes. I'm single with no children. Based on your experiences in the nursing program, is working doable or am I setting myself up for failure?

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Specializes in Allergy/ENT, Occ Health, LTC/Skilled.

Anything is doable. I definitely think you can work at the very least part time if you do not have children and still maintain good standing in the nursing program. Your life will be work/school/sleep repeat but it's only for the short term. And it depends on the type of program I think. I start my bridge program in July, its LPN to RN in 2.5 semesters, really accelerated. I have kids/husband so I will only be working a few times a month but if it were more of a traditional program, like two years for a traditional nursing degree, I definitely would have kept working.

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If you are organized, totally. I have a husband who works night and 2 kids under 6. I work anywhere from 10-30 hours per week. And I take one non nursing class on top of my nursing classes.I got a B+ last semester and should be getting a B or B+ this semester as well (pending my final tomorrow) in my nursing classes.

Organization. Balance. Commitment. Discipline.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Warning.

Schools that "do not do Federal loans" are most likely disqualified from participation due to lack of compliance with the rules and requirements.... frequently due to poor graduation rates & high loan default rates from former students. It can also be an early warning signal of a school that is going down the tubes. Be very careful. Make sure you know the real reasons so you can make an informed choice. Private student loans are a fearsome beast that can have horrible consequences for your future.

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It's one of these small town community colleges in a poor area of the state. I'm guessing they don't have as many applicants because they do not participant in the federal student loan program which is the safest option for a full-time nursing student. Private loans have sky high interest rates, plus require a co-signer. I'm an older student so I'm not trying to gamble with my family's retirement.

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