Not sure where to begin?

allnurses Guide · Jun 21, 2008

Hi and welcome! :flowersfo

First, why do you need to do this now? ASAP?

steph

Soldierswife · Jun 21, 2008

Because my husband's contract ends February 2010 for the Army. He fully supports us all right now, and we are trying to get my education finished as soon as we can so that when his contract is up, he can go to school full time and I can be the financial supporter. ( Or at least as close to his contract ending as possible, because he is infantry, so his MOS (job) does not transfer to the civilian world and the chances of him getting a job that pays like he gets paid now is unlikely. (Especially if you consider all of the medical insurance!) We are trying to avoid him re-enlisting at all costs because we are lucky to live now near our families and he has already been to Iraq and been wouded once! That is enough!

Ladypie · Jun 21, 2008

Sounds like you need to do those prereqs online. Evening classes are a possibility, too. With a 5 month old, you will have lots of chances to get online during the day to check in with your classes.

When can you apply to nursing school next? Have you researched the schools in your area? I would not take too much at one time until you know what you are capable of handling. Be aware of drop dates so you can drop classes without penalties.

I also discourage taking prereqs along with nursing courses. If you are stresed out now, it will only get a million times worse!

While it is nice to be able to go to school full-time, it isn't always possible when you have other committments. My husband supported me for a year when I finished up a degree, but that was before marriage and kids. Now that we have 3 kids, I have to work nursing school around my family-not the other way around!

Would your families be able to help watch the baby? Is daycare a must?

allnurses Guide · Jun 21, 2008

I agree with not taking pre-reqs at the same time - in fact I had never heard of that prior to coming to allnurses and think it is a very dumb and stressful idea.

I also think moving close to family and having them help is preferable to day care.

This seems a little unfair to you - to be the breadwinner in two years. You should be able to enjoy being a mom.

steph

I<3Nursing · Jun 21, 2008

I think that if your motivation is becoming a nurse and being the supporter, than you can accomplish what you want. I started nursing school with a 2 year old, and actually completed my four year degree a few months ago as a single parents, and she is now 6! I received several scholarships and even got a full ride with a monthly stipend, it was like I was working a full time job but all i had to do was go to school, an amazing opportunity! The scholarship is called HRSA nursing scholarship, but there are others out there, especially as a military connections, try and find all the support you can, its out there you just have to look. :) Best of luck I know you can do it! :yeah:

I<3Nursing · Jun 21, 2008

I just thought of something else, my brother just got out of the military and used the GI bill to go to school, there is always extra money besides tuition and books so he could contribute financially:up: as well.

allnurses Guide · Jun 21, 2008

That is a good idea - use loans, scholarships, GI Bill, etc.

Also, check out your budget and eliminate things that aren't really necessary. No going out to dinner. Movies. Downsize your living expenses. Look for all kinds of ways to decrease your spending.

steph

Soldierswife · Jun 21, 2008

I really appreciate everyone taking the time to offer suggestions and advice. I actually sort of feel like I am not alone now! I think I will try to get my pre-requisites out of the way first. I honestly don't think that there is another way to do it realistically. I do feel like I can handle a pretty decent load of courses, I learn pretty quickly, especially when it comes to the sciences. (Hope that doesn't sound conceited, I just pick it up rather quickly.) I think I will take my A and P II and Intro to Psych class this Fall, then maybe Microbiology and the other Psych class in the Spring, maybe along with my Fine Arts Elective, and then Pharmacology in the summer, so that I could start Nursing School (should I be accepted, of course), in Fall of 2009...That way they would only be part time, and I could still be with my son a little bit. My family does live close, but they ALL work and go to school and don't really have that much time to help. They all would love to, but practically, the hours just don't work well. I found a daycare that is actually quite amazing, it is through the college that I will be attending and it is literally across the street so I can check on him anytime! It is an extremely clean nationally accredited school and the people there are amazing! So, as hard as it was to think of putting my new little guy in a daycare with strangers, I felt incredibly comfortable with this one. Does this plan sound reasonable to anyone? Thanks again for all the help and advice! I know if I work hard I can do it!

Soldierswife · Jun 21, 2008

Oh, by the way, I got an email from Military.com, they are about to allow soldiers to transfer their GI bill to dependents if they want to. I have applied for every form of financial aid, scholarships, etc. that I could possibly find. I just don't think they will help with daycare? And as far as cutting expenses, we definitely have done so! We do not spend ANY money on anything that is not a necessity, because it just isn't there to spend! LOL

I<3Nursing · Jun 22, 2008

I know that when I was in school I applied for daycare assistance through the state, if your husband isn't making that much then you could get that assistance, I know previously the military provided day care as well. Just a suggestion to look into what the government can offer you while you become fully self-sufficient (a term they used for me while I was working towards my degree)

obicurn · Jun 23, 2008

Check with your local unemployment office. They should be able to point you in the right direction for daycare assistance if you fall under a certain income limit.

Where I live, there are programs that will pay for daycare for you to work or go to school. You have to be within 80% of the federal poverty limit though....which is like 60 thousand for a family of 3 I think.

There is tons of help out there...you just have to look for it. Try googling childcare assistance and your zip code to see what pops up.

Also.....most hospitals will fund your schooling if you sign a contract to work for them after graduation. Most often it is a 2 year contract. Call the local hospitals' HR departments and see what they offer. If you qualify for additional aid through the school, you could use that to pay for the child care. And I know you might not want to, but you can also look into a Stafford Loan through the school for day care costs. They are low interest, and the government pays the interest while you are in school if you get a subsidized loan. You have 6 months after graduation before you have to begin repayment.

Even though getting a loan might not be the best course of action, look at it as an investment into your future. If you have no other option, it is a way to pay for child care at least. You'll be making good money after you graduate so you should be able to pay it off quickly.