Old newbie with questions...

[old_guy]

Hey guys. I'm a 47-year old career changer, and have applied for entrance into an accelerated BA/BS to BSN program. I'm hoping to start pre-reqs in January '07.

First Q: Financing. I make a decent salary in my present job, but with 2 teenagers, mortgage, and so on, we're not exactly flush with $$$. I've gone through all of the FAFSA online stuff, but it appears the amount for which I am eligible falls a fair bit short of what I'll have to pay for my schooling at a small, private university. Any suggestions?

Second, I'm an avid reader, and I'd like to find material that will help me along as I proceed. Journal(s), books, doesn't matter. Suggestions are appreciated.

[Roy Fokker, BSN, RN]

Welcome to allnurses.com :w00t:

First Q: Financing. I make a decent salary in my present job, but with 2 teenagers, mortgage, and so on, we're not exactly flush with $$$. I've gone through all of the FAFSA online stuff, but it appears the amount for which I am eligible falls a fair bit short of what I'll have to pay for my schooling at a small, private university. Any suggestions?

1. Any other financial aid/scholorship opportunities besides FAFSA?

2. How about your pre-reqs? You might be able to finish your pre-reqs from a cheaper community college before you hit the college for your program proper.

3. Could you break down your schooling over a period of time so that the financial hit isn't as strenuous?

Second, I'm an avid reader, and I'd like to find material that will help me along as I proceed. Journal(s), books, doesn't matter. Suggestions are appreciated.

Here's a thread from our Book Club Forum: Link

Best,

[old_guy]

Thanks for the link. I spent most of this morning searching and applying for several scholarships. Maybe something will work out there.

[zaggar]

I'm in almost exactly the same boat. I also have a nice job I will be leaving, and I have 2 teenagers.

Here's what made me feel better:

In this area (middle Georgia) you can start working as a nurse "extern" after you complete your first semester. Around here that earns about $17 an hour. Hey, it's a lot better to start earning after only 4 months than to wait 2 years before you draw your next paycheck

As for books, I loved the nursing books written by Echo Heron.

[old_guy]

By first semester I assume you mean the first semester of clinicals? I'm still going to be working FT while I'm in school. although I may ask to reduce my hours when I hit the clinical stage.