Should I even continue, cost and time are so much!

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Oct 3, 2005

You need a masters degree to effectively work in social work-and then you can hope and dream of a $40,000 salary, depending on where you work. You have to ask yourself what you want to do. Do you want to do social work or nursing? The debt for nursing school is worth is as you can pay it off quickly with a little overtime. Plus, I don't know if there is a social worker shortage, but I doubt it. In fact, most of the social workers I know constantly complain of being short on hours, and even shorter on pay. Like I said, in my neck of the woods, $40,000 would be a dream.

Debbie1972 · Oct 4, 2005

Thank you, I do know social work is very low pay. My heart IS in Nursing, but I feel so discouraged. Social work is close to my heart too, but I love medicine and caring. (BTW I'm a 33 yr old single mom, no spring chick!)

I am just so worried about how long I "could" be in a Pre-nursing program to no end. With the Associate in Science, there doesn't seem to be alot of other options.

Debbie

Lisa CCU RN, RN · Oct 4, 2005

I am in my first year of the Pre-Nursing at WVSU and just realized that once I finish that program, it gives me an Associate in Science. Having a "degree" knocks me out for federal Pell Grants and other types of grants, I was told by the schools financial aid. So, I'm thinking my last two or three years of nursing are going to be loans. Wouldn't I be better off just getting a Bachelors in something else to avoid being in debt forever?
.
I am really getting discouraged. While I have good grades, I just don't see it being worth it to be so far in debt. My other option is Social Work, which pays much less but would make me just as happy. I am getting so scared now. It's my first year, I'm not guaranteed to be accepted into nursing, so I wonder if I should just give up.
Bottom line, I am afraid I am wasting two years on a program that will run me in debt and if I am not accepted, there goes two years wasted. Then what do I do for a living? Sorry everyone, I'm stressed so bad over this!
Debbie

I could be wrong, but I think only a bachelors's degree disqualifies you from grants

MiaNJ · Oct 4, 2005

I got my bachelor's degree some years ago, and want to go back for a second degree in nursing. I was told that having a bachelor's degree disqualifies me from getting a Pell grant.

I have never heard that getting an Associate's degree disqualifies people from getting grants. There are many people that get an Assoc. at a Comm. College then transfer to a 4 yr. for their Bachelor's. So it's only the Bachelor's that disqualifies you for a grant.

You can also look Fafsa site for info. Or get an application from the financial aid office and look at the questions. Everytime I've filed these applications, it asks the question if someone has a bachelor's degree they cannot get financial aid. But they can get loans that are low interest and can be paid over many years.

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

land64shark · Oct 4, 2005

I could be wrong, but I think only a bachelors's degree disqualifies you from grants

I also believe it's only a bachelor's degree that disqualifies you from a Pell grant.

Debbie1972 · Oct 4, 2005

I feel so much better, thank you for the bachelors info. I have emailed the financial aid office, maybe they can clarify their original statement.

Then again, they never are that friendly, so maybe in their rush,they misunderstood me the first time!

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Oct 5, 2005

I could be wrong, but I think only a bachelors's degree disqualifies you from grants

You are NOT wrong.

Debbie, you have nothing to worry about.