GLMac

I actually tutor A&P right now and I love it too!!! Do you mind if I ask whether you took out any private loans, and if so, what your experience is/was with them? I'm dreading the all-too-real possibility that I will need to take out private loans, but have heard nothing but horror stories about them.

Wow! Flexible hours or not, working two jobs while in nursing school is impressive! What you mentioned about group assignments is one of my fears about working--I know that personally, I can study or do homework at 3 a.m. no problem, if it's what my work schedule allows, but that isn't necessarily conducive to effective group dynamics. And full time nights???? Oh my gosh...I tried to balance night shift (8p-4a) immediately followed by class (8a-2p) for about a month before I couldn't take it! Your friend must have INSANE levels of dedication and perseverance!!!!!

Sheesh! You work hard!!!! But I can't really put off admission any longer because I don't make much at my current job and I can't afford my current student loan repayments right now so I need to defer them! Definitely digging myself a hole...but it'll be worth it in the end! Like I mentioned, I completely overlooked scholarships as a possibility, so I'm going to start researching ASAP! Do do you mind if I ask what job(s) you work? And do you think that working has made it harder to succeed as a nursing student? Thanks for your advice!

You know, it may sound silly and even stupid....but I hadn't even considered scholarships as an option! I guess since I was rejected previously, this option didn't even occur to me but I'll definitely investigate further! And yup...I've been dreading taking out private loans!! Thank you!!!!!

This may be a bit premature since I haven't been accepted to my program yet, but I'm already frantically crunching numbers and trying to figure out how to afford the cost of my program plus the cost of living. So I wanted to ask my fellow nursing students: how do you do it? A little background info about myself: I'm 23, single, have a BS in kinesiology, and currently work in an urgent care clinic as an uncertified medical assistant. I will be moving to another state this summer (assuming all goes well with my application) to begin a post-baccalaureate accelerated BSN program. I don't know anyone in the town I'm moving to with whom I could live, so I will have to budget for rent and utilities. I've also been advised by the admissions director that students don't usually work during the program due to the time-consuming nature of the accelerated program (although as far as I'm concerned, choosing to work while in any nursing program requires extreme motivation, excellent time management, and a bit of insanity). He also mentioned that financial aid doesn't typically cover the entire cost of attendance (over $55,000 for 18 months...yikes). Would I be insane to try to work while in an ABSN program? I worked 1-3 jobs at a time while getting my BS to stay afloat, but I know nursing school requires much more time on campus or at clinicals than what I'm used to spending on school. Does anyone on here have experience working through nursing school (accelerated, or otherwise)? I would love to hear everyone's personal stories and am grateful for any advice you can offer!