On The Rough Road of Nursing

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I've always wanted to be a nurse since I was little and I feel I have wasted a lot of time. I'm 21 years old and I have just signed up for a CNA class.

Long story short, my mother made it difficult for me and said she won't pay for my college if I don't take business class instead of nursing. So here I am, all by myself. And I have no clue if I'm going in the right direction.

My school counselor was barely any help. She said I have to be 25 to be able to declare myself as an independent and that there is no way around it except I have to get my mother's 2007 tax return to get financial aid. I don't even know where she is and what her number is. And really, I don't want to find her.

I don't have any relatives nearby and none knows a way to get around the financial aid "rule". Also, they're not able to cosign for a student loan. I'm really on my own and have to figure things out by myself.

My plan now is, take an ROP CNA class (my counselor says CNA certification is required to get into the LVN program), get certified, and then enroll right away for the LVN program at my local college.

Is this the shortest way and the best way to get into the LVN program? Also, is there some way for me to get financial aid for when I'm in the LVN program? I can prove that I am independent. I've been living by myself since I turned 18. And are there companies/hospitals I can work for while in school who can provide some or full tuition reimbursement?

Thanks in advance. :redpinkhe

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Has anyone claimed you as a dependent on their tax forms? Or are they currently claiming you as a dependent through their employer?

I don't know how it is in California, but if you've been independent since the age of 18, then you're on your own and you would qualify for financial aid. But if someone has claims you, then the rules change.

When you say "school counseler" do you mean the LPN school?

Something doesn't quite sound right about this situation.

Good luck.

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sorry about your mom....that has to be rough but i so admire your attitude and your sticktuitiveness. you go, girl!!! as the last person who posted said, you will be independent if you have not been claimed on your mom's taxes. and if you have, she is doing it illegally cuz you haven't been living with her, so she cant claim you. i am willing to bet you will make a fantastic nurse. wish i could adopt you myself.......good luck. :yeah:(boo to the counselor who gave you improper info!!)

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Thank you for responding, everyone. I didn't think anyone will read my long, tedious post. LoL. :chuckle

As far as I know, no one has claimed me dependent. I'm getting the $300 stimulus check in the mail soon so I'm assuming she hasn't claimed me. I had a feeling she did about 2 years ago but I hope that doesn't matter now.

My school counselor is from the community college I was going to. Another counselor from University of Phoenix said the same thing. I thought I could do things by myself easy but the counselors said to be able to get financial aid, I have to be 25 or get my parent's tax report. When I told them I have no contact with my mother, they seemed uninterested in helping me and told me there are only two ways around it; if both my parents are dead or if I'm married.

As for my previous plans, my community college counselor suggested I take all the general ed classes and then transfer to San Diego State University, which can take a lot of money and time altogether.

I recently found out through a lot of asking around that I can just take a CNA class for three months and after that, enroll to be an LVN for a year and a half. It seems to me that it's the best and shortest way to be a nurse given my current situation.

Thanks 43AndJustStarting =) I am so glad to hear that. I don't have a lot of support, not even from the family I know (Just a mother I have no contact with for three years now and two aunts). My aunt would just like me to join the Navy and go with whatever comes with it. I have seriously considered because it didn't seem too bad. But I don't think I will be happy in the Navy and I do believe I can do things on my own. It's very disheartening sometimes and I feel like giving up and joining the Navy instead. My other aunt is the only one who believes in me and pushes me to keep going. Neither aunt can help financially as one is also struggling and the other one just got married. I was starting to doubt myself. I always felt like I can do anything in life but it's been quite a challenge.

Anyway, you just made me smile and gave me new confidence in myself. Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate it more than I can tell you :heartbeat

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have you really taken time to think about the navy, army, etc.?? i was just reading in a magazine about a couple who retired from the armed forces and now each has a pension of approx. $3-4,000 a month. they are my age and now are free to raise their children and have to worry not at all about money. wow. to me that is quite a deal. $6,000 a month and don't need a job!! i don't believe it is for everyone, but i really don't believe you would have to just 'take what comes'. unless i am terribly mistaken, they will pay for you to become what you want to be. and nurses are in such high demand. might not hurt to at least check it out. i hope you will keep in touch thru this. i really want to know what you decide. :yeah:

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