Saving money in nursing school

k_r_ah · May 12, 2009

i've learned to buy used textbooks, you'll probably use them again and in my case the bookstore wouldn't buy them back because they switched texts. i also take my lunch to clinicals most of the time.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · May 12, 2009

Check the weblinks listed on the stickys of the student forums. There are a lot of websites listed there that can be used in place of going out and buying supplemental books. In fact, there are some online texts that are linked into there.

cursedandblessed · May 12, 2009

i keep those little packets of drink mix in my pocket (they do make some with caffiene for those of us that need it) and use the free water and ice at clinicals. i also keep a container of campbell's soup/chef-boy-ardee (those microwavable bowls) in my backpack in case i get hungry.

msdeannah · May 12, 2009

This is a good thread. I used to make and save money by mystery shopping. That way you get free stuff and make a little money. I will be starting this again in the fall.

AtomicWoman · May 13, 2009

When ordering supplies like printer paper, pens, ink, etc., order them online. Before you check out your order do a Google search, something like "Staples coupon". You'd be amazed at the number of coupons out there, and some of them are substantial (like $15 off a $75 order).

Cilantrophobe · May 13, 2009

I like this one:

"Call your cable company and tell them you're dropping all cable. I was offered a $50 per month cut in my bill: "We don't want to lose you." — Mary, New York City"

I wish I had the strength to live without cable, but it is one of my only guilty pleasures.

AtomicWoman · May 13, 2009

I like this one:
"Call your cable company and tell them you're dropping all cable. I was offered a $50 per month cut in my bill: "We don't want to lose you." -- Mary, New York City"

I wish I had the strength to live without cable, but it is one of my only guilty pleasures.

Hmmm, I had no idea you could negotiate with your cable company. Thanks for the tip. :)

inProgress · May 14, 2009

Some Student Nurse Tips:

When ordering textbooks online, google the ISBN number and check out the websites that compile lots of website's prices. Usually these websites aren't the cheapest but they give you a great idea of the "going price." I have searched and searched for cheaper sites but mine is always amazon.com.

Also, I'm not sure if anyone reading this has smaller children in daycare (my "bug" is 2 and daycare cost for her is $150 a week) but a lot of colleges offer Daycare Scholarships. Not necessarily for single-moms but anyone who needs help paying for daycare. Ask Financial Aid.

One more, I pick up a couple hours a week tutoring students in A&PI and A&PII for extra money.

cursedandblessed · May 14, 2009

staples also gives you $3.00 for each ink cartridge you turn back in. i'd had a stack i was saving for some charity but they never sent me the envelopes, so i've been taking them in 10 a month (limit) and get a $30 certificate each month, or do they send it by quarter? not sure, but i liked getting my last two-pack of ink jet cartridges for free.

AtomicWoman · May 15, 2009

staples also gives you $3.00 for each ink cartridge you turn back in. i'd had a stack i was saving for some charity but they never sent me the envelopes, so i've been taking them in 10 a month (limit) and get a $30 certificate each month, or do they send it by quarter? not sure, but i liked getting my last two-pack of ink jet cartridges for free.

thank you for reminding me about this! i have a drawer of full empty ink cartridges in my desk... :)

AtomicWoman · May 15, 2009

One of my favorite money-saving tips is to watch the Sunday paper for coupons on items I use (like paper towels and pet food). Then when I find a good coupon, I go to eBay and buy a bunch of them, usually at just pennies each. Then I wait for a sale and swoop in with all my coupons. I have saved a lot of money this way. You just have to be sure the expiration date on the coupons isn't too soon.