aandie

Alright. I need practical advice from actual nurses. I hope this doesn't irritate or annoy anyone, but I do need answers. I prefer them from people working in the field, and who have amassed experience. I'm 20. I haven't attended any college yet (too expensive; I wanted to save) and it's recently occurred to me that since my mom was 41 when she had me, and she's raised me alone, on top of caring for her elderly brother, that she doesn't any any retirement. What I'm wanting to know, and please bear with me here, if I even pursed this, would paying any debt off in a short amount of time be a feasible goal? I don't mind putting in the work. I know I like the field. I've been the primary caregiver of my uncle since I was 15 (on top of part time jobs, so again, not the work.) and after seeing how much of a difference nurses can make in so many ways, I like to believe that I could contribute. My other question is do employers actually hire rn's with associates or are bachelor degree's preferred? If I seem foggy in any of these areas, I admittedly am. Any college counselors I've talked to seem to tell me only that employer's prefer their own unique degree. I am interested in the career, and appreciate the field, but since I do have my mom to consider, any advice and help from practicing professionals would be greatly appreciated. I've already learned more from these forums than I have talking to any counselors. Thank you for your time and any advice or help.