NCLEX financial help

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Aug 17, 2014

Ask family & friends? Crowd source ( just not on all nurses) personal bank loan? Credit card?

almenae · Aug 17, 2014

I forgot to add that I have no family assistance and I wouldn't dream of asking my graduate nurse friends for help since, let's be real, are the only friends I've been able to keep during nursing school. I really don't want to start a line of credit for only for only 200$. Besides, I already have to pay back student loans which is primarily why I'm broke. I was thinking more of a program like Job Corp or something official like that. Thanks for your reply. I'm looking into a lead from someone about a loan that Job Corp might do for me? Does anyone know about this?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 17, 2014

Do you not have a credit card on which these fees can be billed? If you are flat broke, this would (in my opinion) constitute a wise use of a charge card. If you do not have a card, apply for one because they are good for life's unexpected emergencies.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Aug 17, 2014

It's not common but the answer is definitely no if you don't ask. Are you collecting unemployment? Job corps funds are often limited to certain populations

I still think a credit card would be the best choice.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 17, 2014

I have one more item of food for thought: the longer you put off taking NCLEX, the longer you'll live from paycheck to paycheck on PCA wages. On the other hand, if you borrow the money for the fees and pass NCLEX on the first attempt, you have the credential and RN license that qualifies you for jobs that will lift you out of flat-broke status.

This might be one instance in life in which you might want to swallow your pride and borrow the money from friends.

almenae · Aug 18, 2014

I'm not collecting unemployment because I'm employed. I just don't make enough to cover the extra expense on top of the rest of my bills. I would ask my friends so its not a pride thing. I just know they are in the same boat I'm in. My university hasn't gotten back to me about assistance yet, but I just sent the email today. The whole reason I'm strapped for cash is due to being on a deadline by my new RN job or else I would just keep saving until I had enough money. Im worried that If I don't sign up soon, I'll get an ATT past the deadline. I've already contacted my new job about this, but I haven't heard back yet. Thanks for all the good replies.

DJAYS · Aug 18, 2014

I know it is very hard...I am a tech myself. I paid it with my income taxes check. But I failed then I had to save all the money again to retake it. But what I did was put back $30 a pay in a different account then when I got all the money I move forward with my fees..It has taken me about 3 months but I finally got it... Good Luck

dbrenda1510 · Aug 19, 2014

Most of us waiting to pass the NCLEX are in the same boat as you. If you find a program that will help with the cost please share it with the rest of us. Good luck.

elkpark · Aug 19, 2014

How long have you known that you were going to need to come up with the fees for licensure and the NCLEX? At least for the duration of your nursing program, right? Have you not been planning for this in advance? There are always costs involved in professional licensure.

dbrenda1510 · Aug 19, 2014

Elkpark, I cannot answer for anyone other than myself on this. Yes, I knew about the fees for licensure and testing and way back during the last course of nursing school I had those paid, prior to graduation. The problem was I didn't pass. That I didn't count on. So here I was all moneys depleted (I paid my own way through school) from my savings and no job. I went right back to studying for the second NCLEX hoping it would be my golden moment of passing and I'd get a job and start paying back the money I borrowed from a credit card to take the 2nd test as well as start paying regular bills. Well I failed test #2. I then had a choice of putting test #3 on the credit card or stopping and just going to work. I chose to try a 3rd time. So again I used my credit card for this third test which is incidentally TOMORROW. I know if I do not pass tomorrow it will be my last time to test. I must seek employment and get my debt back under control. So you see, it's not always as simple as planning for a cost one day because you know it's coming. There are always the possibilities that other unexpected costs blindside you. :scrying:

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Aug 19, 2014

Elkpark, I cannot answer for anyone other than myself on this. Yes, I knew about the fees for licensure and testing and way back during the last course of nursing school I had those paid, prior to graduation. The problem was I didn't pass. That I didn't count on. So here I was all moneys depleted (I paid my own way through school) from my savings and no job. I went right back to studying for the second NCLEX hoping it would be my golden moment of passing and I'd get a job and start paying back the money I borrowed from a credit card to take the 2nd test as well as start paying regular bills. Well I failed test #2. I then had a choice of putting test #3 on the credit card or stopping and just going to work. I chose to try a 3rd time. So again I used my credit card for this third test which is incidentally TOMORROW. I know if I do not pass tomorrow it will be my last time to test. I must seek employment and get my debt back under control. So you see, it's not always as simple as planning for a cost one day because you know it's coming. There are always the possibilities that other unexpected costs blindside you.

The OP is preparing for her first attempt. It's understandable that no one plans to have multiple attempts at $200 just for NCLEX registration