Risky Plans, but the cherry tastes good 65k in loans small background

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I am 23 years old.

So, graduated early from Purdue with a General Health Science Degree. 140 credit hours....

Took 2 graduate courses in Biochemistry (561, 562) and Graduate Level Statistics.

Worked really hard. Proud to graduate.

Been working in retail management for fortune 500 companies, both small and large box. Large box now.

Interested, however, in healthcare for a career now.....

About to be accepted to Graduate Level Entry Nursing Program to prepare for RN and CNL licensure.

Have 22k in undergrad loans, private masters school costs 25k a year (which, is much cheaper to the ONLY

other general entry masters school in the state). With saving while working this year will graduate with a total

of 65k in loans. If I sell my Land Rover I can take off another 8500, but I already invested 14500 in my SUV so I dont want to sell it will last a long time.... And, already will have 4k for rent which is minimal in the area of this school (pure country). So 65k of debt is pretty much set in stone.

I also have 1 city ordinance violation retail theft when was 16 and two months, and 1 mip alcohol on record (uncle's came up to tailgate at Purdue......), and 1 MIP alcohol on record dismissed (first day at Purdue). I don't drink at all. But, it is what it is.

I verified with multiple state boards (including my own drove to the city 3 hours 1 way because strangely they do not answer phone calls EVER....) and all said I can get licensed. Unfortunately, I cannot commission in the army with my record and thus cannot knock out future loans.

I already know I am going to go thru with the education. How hard to find job? Any experiences with being a travel RN? I have read of people with DUIs getting jobs so I think I should be fine. How hard to handle these loans? I am 23 so I am factoring that I have a lot of years to pay these off....!

Should I choose a state other than Illinois for finding a job, I heard they have the greatest need per nurse to population than most other states. LOL, don't know if I am lacking confidence or what but either or I am getting the degree because I know I can get licensed. :uhoh3:

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The people that you talked to at the BON can't guarantee that you're able to be licensed. The Board will meet and determine whether or not you're eligible whenever you send your application to sit for NCLEX. The boards can tell you that they THINK you'll be eligible, but they're not sure until they review your individual case.

Is there a reason that you're choosing direct entry master's instead of an ABSN program? An ABSN program will only be one year, thus much less money. An MSN doesn't net a bedside nurse much, if any, more money than a BSN, so I'd consider that... especially because all of the CNL positions that I've seen around here want some bedside experience before assuming the CNL position.

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About to be accepted to Graduate Level Entry Nursing Program to prepare for RN and CNL licensure.

You my friend, are in serious financial trouble with a poor plan to recoup your investment. CNL is not a license, RN is. I with my little ASN and 16 years consecutive ICU experience, am a "Clinical Nurse Leader" as determined by my peers, not by any certifying body.

Suggestion #1 Look to see what the Indian Health Services or Public Health Corps can offer you in return for a loan forgiveness program for NP, not CNL. Prepare to spend a number of years on a reservation.

Suggestion #2 Go to a military recruiter with what you have now, and see what they can offer you. Six years of having your living expenses paid will go a long way toward cleaning up the mess. As a Navy veteran, I would suggest the Air Force.

Good Luck!

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I spoke to other states directly to the person who reviews in their state and they said absolutely. So, if IL does not multiple others who do not have conventions will approve. I have not considered ABSN, but I did read that about bedside but also there is the fact that accelerated is a lot to cram in one year for a 4 year degree (BSN). Kind of scary to think about. I did think about associates degree as an option I could pay in full. Still you make me worried about applying to IL now Yikes. :( Even though I talked to someone who reviews applications (all are reviewed in Springfield not in Chicago).

Can't go in the military.

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Um, is this even a real post?

If it is, you seriously need to rethink your financial future.

A nursing license will not make 65k worth of loans disappear. Getting an RN designation is not automatically buying you a winning lottery ticket.

You will not get a management job or CNL position in nursing with no experience.

Why are you driving a Land Rover if you are so far in debt?

You do realize that you will be very lucky to make 50k a year as a new graduate, right?

*sigh*

Why do so many people seem to think being an RN is a ticket to riches, and rainbows and bunnies? I'm an RN and, I promise you, it isn't.

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Very good advice. How hard is it to get a job with an Associates in Nursing. I'm driving a Land Rover and have my whole life to pay off 22k in loans. I just graduated after 3.5 years of 3X per week not sleeping and studying. One year spent on me is fine by me. I currently make 45k in retail in an entry level position. I will have 18k in bank after this year. Maybe 65 k is too much for student loans. Good advice. I wonder how hard it is to get a job in nursing with an associates degree.

I'd be paying for degree, and losing pay to go to school full time, and then looking for a job with equivalent pay. I'd be happy with 40-50k starting. If I had to take multiple jobs or overnight shifts I am okay with that. I would also work anywhere so thats a plus.

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I spoke to other states directly to the person who reviews in their state and they said absolutely. So, if IL does not multiple others who do not have conventions will approve. I have not considered ABSN, but I did read that about bedside but also there is the fact that accelerated is a lot to cram in one year for a 4 year degree (BSN). Kind of scary to think about. I did think about associates degree as an option I could pay in full. Still you make me worried about applying to IL now Yikes. :( Even though I talked to someone who reviews applications (all are reviewed in Springfield not in Chicago).

Can't go in the military.

65K in debt isn't worth it. There's nothing that an MSN is going to get you that is worth 65K in debt. Right now, it's hard to get a job anywhere, with any type of nursing degree, and most places are making the push toward BSN prepared nurses.

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I spoke to other states directly to the person who reviews in their state and they said absolutely.

A word of advice:

Get it in writing, or it never happened. Trust this.

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$65k is too much for a nursing degree. you are still young and you already have a job. you can work out a plan were you can work & save to pay off the loans you already have, then save some more to pay for the degree you want. By 29/30 you can achieve this if you put you mind to it.

this would also give you time to consider going to a community college for your associates instead of a masters.

Take your time, Dont rush into debt or you'll regret it the rest of your life.

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Yes, but statistically those that never follow their college goals never go back..... and 29/30 is a LONG time.

I might be able to do 2 years or 3 max working and saving.

If I wait what are the chances I will ever go back. It worries me. I think I would enjoy helping people, taking care of people would bring me more job satisfaction than performance management in retail....

And, yes I do agree, I will call back those other states and ask for it in writing to see their response and test it. I did have them verify over 4X though repeating what they said and she said I would be called in because I have 1 MIP dismissed if it was one MIP guilty I would not have been called in but this won't affect my getting licensed. The person in charge of reviewing for that state said she guarantees I would get licenses and not to stress it (knowing I was not from her state also).

65k loans lol guess the cherry is not that tasty. :) 23 year old ponders now. What was I thinking?

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Specializes in Hospice.

Several things:

1. It is as easy to get an entry level nursing job with an associate's degree as with a BSN or MSN. Same pay in my state except a BSN or MSN can open career opportunities down the road.

2. You need to read Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. He will help you find 'financial peace'.

3. One year minimum experience as a travel RN. The more money you make as a traveler, usually the less desirable place you are traveling too. A very stressful type of life not for the feint of heart.

Good luck, but don't set yourself up for bankruptcy. It is not easy to find a job as an RN right now, so that kind of debt would be very scary.

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Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.

Talk to a different recruiter; they don't always know what they are talking about.

Also, is there a way to get some legal help with your record?

We had many people in my ADN program that had previous degrees. The community college is the most affordable. I do agree that you should continue your education right away without a break.

Good luck :)

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