Pre-nursing student with no idea what to do!!!

OrlandoFLNurse2b · Feb 12, 2008

First, congratulation for being accepted into a nursing program. For me, nursing school appears to be extremely competitive to enter. Second, I wouldn't rush your decision either way. Regardless, I think it's important to keep your long-term goals in mind while making this decision to enter school or let the opportunity slip past; keep in mind, there is no guarantee that you'll be admitted next time you apply. Also, will your family be better off in the long-run by your attendance to school. I realize that they'll have to make sacrifices now, but it may still be worth it 5, 10 or 15 years down the road. Anyway, best of luck to you.

Audrey28 · Feb 12, 2008

Well I am a single mom. I work F/T and decided on my career in Nursing. I am currently taking pre-req's and will be doing one class at a time. My mom is helping me out on the nights I have class by picking up my daughter from after school. If it is something you are passionate about- then yes it can be done. I know i have a long road ahead of me- but one of the reasons I am choosing to do this is so my daughter will have a better future and I can better take care of her- as well as it is something I am so passionate about. I got to sleep thinking about it and I wake up thinking about it. I will not quit until I get there. And even if it is one course at a time- dreams are not achieved overnight- I will get there and I know I will be a great nurse. So don't be hesitant just b/c you think you can't handle it- take the opportunity and run with it- delegate responsibilities to family- your husband- whomever- and you will get there. But you have to be passionate about it and want it. And nothing will stop you from getting there- go into this KNOWING that you can do it- and you will. You wouldn't be the first to do it and you won't be the last. SO many others before us have done it- and I know if THEY can do it- I can do it! Good luck.

OlyNP2b · Feb 12, 2008

Congrats on your acceptance into nursing school! I think most of us know exactly how your feeling: first comes the thrill and excitement, next the financial reality sinks in. I agree with Orlandoflnurse2b: you should really think of your education as a long-term investment. Ultimately this will be beneficial for your family, it just means a few years of sacrifice in the beginning. The first thing you should do is apply for FAFSA and have the report sent to your future college/university. Depending on your expected family contribution (EFC) on that report, you may qualify for certain grants, loans, scholarships, etc. Talk with your school's financial aid office and they should be more than happy to fill you in on the details and courses of action. If you don't qualify for too much grant/scholarship money, you should consider taking out student loans to cover all of your tuition and school expenses. I know loans can be overwhelming, but there are plenty of loan repayment options offered through state, federal, and hospital agencies that will pay your loans if you work in under-served areas for so many years upon graduation. Do a google search on nursing scholarships and you never know what you may find. Good luck and don't give up on the dream!

Lucky4 · Feb 13, 2008

Girl I wish I was excepted into the nursing program. I have been taking classes since 2003 and was laid off in 2007 and I took a break because I had a new baby and it was causing strain on the family with me being away in school.

Now I am single and still trying to finish school. After the lay off after working full time this was God's way of telling me you need to get your education.

Girl basically it has been a long time coming. Once you have your education your life will get easier because you will hopefully have more money in your pocket. The husband might not be there the next day. You know how that goes. Girl I thought I would be married forever but that did not happen and after 9 yrs of being superwife here I am still left without my degree.

Go for the nursing... Take a living expense loan, or have family help you. Look up scholarships but do it. Trust me you will be very happy in the long run.

Oh did I mention that I have two kids later was laid off and as a gift to myself I decided to go back to school with or without a job. I am barely making it but that light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter everyday. I am now applying into the clinicals and can't wait to get my acceptance letter. It has been a long time coming .

Good luck and God bless. Go for it...just get help...

ag11 · Feb 13, 2008

Hi...i know what ur feeling i have 2 small kids as well..my husband works 2 jobs just to get by...He will quit his day job to watch the kids while im in school..thats the plan, although we know it will be pretty rough...it will be worth it in the long run...good luck! :)

Pre-nursepookie2010 · Feb 13, 2008

THANKS EVERYONE FOR YOUR MESSAGES, THEY ARE FULL OF ENCOURAGE AND I HOPE THAT THIS MESSAGE HELPS OTHER PEOPLE THAT ARE IN THE SAME SITUATION. NURSING IS A CAREER THAT IS WORTH TAKING ANY RISK AND NO MATTER WHAT THE FUTURE BRINGS, NURSING WILL BE THE MOST CONFORTING CAREER THAT ALL OF US CHOOSE, BECAUSE WE LOVE IT, BEC WE HELP PEOPLE, BEC WE LOVE OUR FAMILIES AND WE WANT TO SEE THEM BETTER, BEC WE WANT TO FEEL GOOD. AGAIN THANKS EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT GOD BLESS EVERYONE...:wink2:

PRE-NURSE POOKIE :heartbeat