Vic300

I don't know if I can really answer your question. I haven't started nursing school yet. Classes start in Sep. My plan is to cut my working hours to about 20 per week. Student loans will cover the tuition since it is a Community College and very reasonable. We will either take a home equity loan or cash in an old 401K to cover my decrease in salary. I did not have to take any prereq courses as I already had taken them with my original BA. I think that, and the fact I am a veteran, was what helped me get accepted into the program. None of the state schools here have a part time program, or I would probably try and do it that way. It would take longer, but less impact on the family. In addition, I could test the waters before diving in. The only part-time program is at a private school and very expensive. Plus I think the amount of financial aid you can get is limited if you attend part time. Sounds like you have a good plan. I think you will enjoy your time in school. Best of luck.

Pie123 Thank you. NurseLeeLee's response reminded me of the "tough talk" of the Training Instructors in basic training. They were always trying to scare the ** out of us. I should have checked the public profile.

Thank you for the honesty of your reply.

I have been a reading this board for months and finally decided to join today. I need some advice. I have been accepted into an RN program at my local community college starting in Sep. I have an undergrad degree in Environmental Science (though I'd like to teach until I had kids of my own), and an AS in Human Resource Management, and I am a veteran of the USAF. I love working with people and their families. While in the military I worked in assignments and helped relocate military members and their families. It was my favorite job. I have been working the past ten years as an office manager for the family business. I though it would only be for a few years while my kids (6&10) were young - ten years later. It is flexible with little stress, but so unrewarding and boring. I decided I wanted to change jobs, started looking, and absolutely nothing appealed to me. I applied to nursing school on the advice of a friend. I'm just not sure its for me. I love people, but also have to look the other way when I have blood drawn and have been known to get woosy at the sight of a needle. However, the military taught me that we all have the strength to get past most things. I just don't want to put my family in debt, neglect my children, and spend the next two years studying - only to find out I'm miserable as a nurse. However, the more I thing about nursing, the more I think it might fill a void currently in my life. I am living the middle class dream, but really not making a difference. On the other hand, my experience in the military has given me little patience with winers. How do you feel bad for the overweight smoker who needs to be on oxygen. I also don't know about spending two years in school, only to spend nights and holidays away from my children. I should note the husband is a firefighter EMT, works a strange schedule, but supports whatever I decide. Any advice on making this decision would be helpful. I need to withdraw from the program soon, if I do, they have hundreds on the waiting list.