what would you do if you were in my shoes???

Woodenpug, BSN · Mar 7, 2012

I'm not sure what I would do in your shoes. The market for new grads is not very good. Hospitals pay a lot of money to get new grads "up-to-speed." The rest of the staff work hard to cover for new nurses. After that, when the economy recovers, you'll likely get a job that pays well with your first degree.

BTW, where did you get the idea that nurses are paid well? median wages for RN's is $62,450. (Registered Nurses) You would need a few years experience to make that much. Is it worth paying 65K to make about that much in a year?

Maybe, you could take a few courses in small business administration and find gainful employment by applying the money not spent on nursing school to a small business?

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2012

Well, for one thing, examine why you want to be a nurse.

If it is for a job and for job security, you may want to rethink it. There are thousands of new grads out there that have been searching 6 to 24 months, without luck for a nursing job. And the ADN grads are having the worst time of it.Nurses are also seeing layoffs and pay cuts. Most states are increasingly cutting reimbursement for Medicaid and that becomes staffing cuts.

And nursing is also a profession that you really need to like and want to be in....... Not one you just take up because you are having difficulty getting a job in your field and you heard that nursing is recession proof.

Put it this way. Would you be okay with going to school, if it means possibly job hunting for 1-2 years after before you find a job, probably not in your preferred field and maybe working nights? Because that is what many are facing right now.

Scarlettz, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2012

Well, for one, I would not recommend doing the associates program (at least for that sort of money!) I am in an associates nursing program and from day 1, the teachers have told us that the job outlook is not very good for new grads.. at least around my area. Fortunately, I am going to a CC and the overall program will cost me less than 12,000. If you are going to put in that sort of money (50,000+), definitely go the the bachelors degree!

One of the reasons I was drawn to the CC program was because I was not sure how I would do/feel about nursing. If you are not sure (which I think is common for many people), I would maybe recommend familiarizing yourself with the hospital scene. I wish I started off early with some sort of medical/patient care background. I did not have any medical experience prior to the program. I feel like many of the aides, LPNS, unity secretaries, medical assistants, etc., have more confidence and knowledge than me. I would definitely apply to these sort of jobs (if you can get one) and continue to search various programs around your area. Attend info sessions, meet with counselors, and really know the admission requirements needed. If necessary, retake classes to better your grades. I took A&P I as an undergrad and did poorly. I knew I would have to retake it. I took it again at CC and got an A. There is no shame in bettering your self and your GPA.

DawnCaprice · Mar 7, 2012

I am going to be going one of those expensive private schools. I have been unable to get into our CC program here. I did still have to qualify and test to get into the program I will be starting this month.

All of that being said, the reason I am going to the expensive school is because I am 44 yo and I am in a hurry (and inpatient) to get started. I cant wait to start school and work. As far as pay is concerned, I can start out as an RN in Tallahassee, FL making more money than I can doing what I currently do (I am a bookkeeper/office manager).

I do qualify for financial aid and a few grants, so that will help me get through school.

Good luck to you in whatever decision you make.

stargurl2006 · Mar 7, 2012

Keep in mind that hospitals like CC better than private colleges. The cc's have been producing quality grads since before the recession hit & private schools came into the "nursing business." I agree with a pp that you should not go into nursing just for a "guaranteed job." nursing is not all glorious as many ads make it seem. If you really think you would like nursing, try getting your CNA license & working as that first. Ltc cnas do the grunt work that many hospital nurses have to do.

navycorpsman2012 · Mar 7, 2012

I was a corpsman for the navy for about 5 years (its like an LPN). So, having said that, i do have some experience with the medical field.

Most of my family (dad side and mom side) are nurses. I would say that there are about 15 to 20 nurses in our big family. All of them are highly successful. Many have second homes. My girlfriend is also a nurse and makes bookoo money. She is a infection control nurse at a hospital and works part time at a nursing home.

After being in the medical field, i have come to love it. The satisfaction you get from helping someone is irreplaceable. I am only 28, so now, i am leaning towards retaking most of the prereq's (which i have already taken) and applying to several Community Colleges. I am fortunate enough to live within three border states - CT, RI, AND MA. So, i will be applying to those states. Plus i do really feel that the private colleges are just degree mills. You wont learn anything. All they want is the tuition to be paid. Thats all.

navycorpsman2012 · Mar 7, 2012

The only thing is - you dont have to wait. I truly cannot make up my mind. I really want to be a nurse but at what cost.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2012

Do you have kids? How would you feel about signing back on with the Navy or another branch of the military? You may be able to get your tuition paid for if you agree to work for them for a certain time.

allnurses Guide · Mar 8, 2012

55-65K for a two year nursing degree at a "private" school who isn't choosey about who they let in? Not only no but H.... no!

What is the NCLEX pass rate for these schools? How about the attrition rate? How about their accreditation status? What about transferability of coursework? There IS such a thing as too good to be true and what you have described has that written all over it - including the part about nursing have greater job security.

Nurses are out of work left and right, especially new grads. Toss in a subpar school with higher expense than reasonable and you are looking at a recipe for disaster. If you want to be a nurse, great. Never let the state of the economy discourage you, only motivate you to plan well for your own success. But do NOT let the enticement of tons of money for a "quick fix" dazzle you. There is a reason these schools are easier to get into. Answer my above questions and you will find out why. What that will mean to you is a boatload of either depleted savings or student debt combined with an extended period of unemployment without the option to return to school to advance your degree. And THAT is if you pass the NCLEX with what you were taught in school. Nothing in that sounds like wisdom to me.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Just remember - if it were easy, everyone would do it. Easy ways out are usually not what they seem.

mindlor · Mar 8, 2012

Hello brother and welcome to these forums.

I am assuming you are eligible for the GI bill? So that said, perhaps money is not a problem.

One thing that has not been mentioned iss accredidation. I do not care where you go but please make sure your school is NLNAC accredited. You military experience gives you a big leg up in getting on with the VA healthcare system. However, they WILL NOT hire you unless you go to an NLNAC accredited school......

Most of the private schools have dubious reputations at best. Reatking your prereqs to boost your gpa is an excellent way to go. You need to get it up to a minimum of 3.5.

The mean gpa for my class is 3.8.....

/username, BSN, RN · Mar 8, 2012

Dubious? Why did all of the nursing students from my school have employment offers contingent upon graduation then?