Please help a wannabe nurse!!!

[drawntofire]

I'm a 25 yr old female living in Brooklyn NY and I desperately want to become an RN. My mom is an RN in washington state and the job security she has is amazing.

I have a friend here in NYC who is an RN and keeps telling me its a waste of time and not to do it and its disheartening.

I also can't seem to find any school that offers a night/weekend RN curriculum. I work days and can't quit my job to go to school. Unfortunately I have to do both to survive!

Also, my mom got some sort of grant or loan that she never had to pay back for nursing school as long as she worked for 5 consecutive years and showed proof. However my friend who is trying to dissuade me from becoming an RN says no loan exists like that and I'm going to be at least 30K in debt.

Anyone here know of any schools that are flexible? I don't need a BA in Nursing just yet. I want to get my RN first as a AAS and then I'll go back later part time for my BA.

I want to eventually move to California and knowing that with an RN degree its so easy to get a job anywhere as long as I pass the state board exam really is hopeful.

Anyone have any suggestions or advice or help for me?

I appreciate it and thank you in advance

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

First things first!

Make an appointment with local nursing schools & find out what it takes to be admitted to those programs. Getting in to a program is the hardest part. There are federal funding sources available through schools of nursing to help deserving students (superior grades & motivation).

There are other types of arrangements also - such as the "pay back" program for nurses who agree to work in areas that are 'underserved' or have nursing shortages. Generally, you have to sign an agreement to work in that area for a specific period of time. So you may have to move.

Even if you end up with a $30k student loan, the payments on that loan will only be a small part of your nursing salary - and the interest will be deductible on your income tax. You'll be much better off than you are now.

Bottom line - GET ON WITH IT!!! Investing in yourself is the ONLY safe investment these days!!! 4 years from now, you could just be 4 years older --- or well into the start of your new career.