Paying the bills through school?

Nurses Career Support

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Specializes in psych, ltc, case management.

Hello friends,

I am working on trying to figure out if going back to school for nursing is for me. I'm considering getting an LPN or an RN (haven't decided which one is better yet either).

One of the difficulties I am facing is that my current job takes ALL of my time, is not related to the healthcare industry, and I don't know how I could take classes while I work. I feel like it's all or nothing- like I need to just quit this job so I can really commit myself to my new career and get moving on it. BUT I do have bills to pay.

Do most people work while they go to nursing school? All of the nursing programs I have looked at seem very demanding in their schedule. Do people just stick their living expenses on their financial aid tab? That would take years for me to pay off though...

I know there are hospital jobs out there that will help pay you to go to school, but I need to get some initial education to get those jobs. It's a catch 22.

stories? advice?

Thank you!

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Specializes in acute care.

are you able to take one or two classes at a time while you work? What are your hours during the week?

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Specializes in ltc and med surg.

It depends on where you plan to go to school but you should be able to take your pre reqs while continuing to work. The school I went to recommends that you work less than 24 hours a week or you may not make it. Your schedule will have to be flexible for nursing school because clinicals and class will take up alot of time,and you may not have much of a choice about day or evening clinicals.

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Specializes in ltc and med surg.

As far as LPN or RN I'm sure everyone has an opinion. I personally found it easier to take LPN first because there were fewer prereqs. Then I worked on my RN prereqs while waiting to get into the LPN program. I am starting the bridge program in January which is just 3 more quarters then I will be an RN. The school I went to is small only 20 lpn students get in per year for example. Look into the pros and cons going the route I chose allows me the option to work as an LPN while finishing school but I think it ends up costing me alittle more because it was a few more credits this way.

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Specializes in psych, ltc, case management.

My hours are about 9-6, but I commute a long distance to my job and wouldn't be able to get to class at night until 8pm. The problem is the schools don't have night programs that begin that late. And could you imagine working those kinds of hours while going to school? I wouldn't be able to study ever. No, I definately need to leave this job if I am going to do it.

If I can find a community school or something that has pre-reqs on the weekend I could take those while I work at least...anybody know of any in NJ? I haven't found one yet..

I've though about doing the LPN and then taking the RN while I work, but yes I think it will cost me more (there are only expensive private LPN programs around here, but there are RN programs at the community college).

gah I don't know what to do! But thank you for the help guys, it's nice not to be alone.

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Specializes in acute care.

I hear of people from NY going to the NJ private schools to become LPNs. Honestly, if I had a car, I would have gone out to NJ if I had trouble finding schools in NY, became an LPN, then I would have taken my time to finish the RN program...but I have no car and couldn't bring myself to take public transportation out there.

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Hello,

I understood how tough it is, even just to start..I am just recently started my prerequisites too..It is not that easy, but doable..Fortunately, I work for manufacturing company that operating 24 hours..When I decided to do this, I negotiated with my boss to move my shift to 12pm-10pm..from originally morning shift..It is mandatory overtime work in this company..

I take classes in the morning..2 classes this semester..then go straight to work..I drive long distance too..Homework and study at night till around 2am..It was a little struggle at the beginning, but after awhile you'll get used to it..Just don't give up...

I am considering RN..I do have some concerned about money for the school as well..I heard that we can not hold full time job once admitted...I am really concerned...However, first of all, I am determined to finish my prerequisites...

I hope you can find a way to start your prerequisites soon..

As long as you are willing to do it...you will make it...

Good luck to you...

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