Should I give up and just get my masters?

[newgrad82]

Hi everyone-

Like many of you I am a new grad who can't get a job. Even worse I just got my first bill for my nursing school student loans and I have about $50 to my name. I was wondering if anyone had an opinion or constructive advice about just going back and getting my masters in case management or something. At least then I could defer the loans I have now while I was in school. I just worry that I would get out with a masters and not be able to get a job either. I always knew I would go back to get a masters I just thought I would work a few years before I did it. Any thoughts?

[Coffee Nurse, BSN, RN]

http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/difficulty.jsp

Consider applying for deferment or forbearance based on economic hardship. It's really not a great idea to just enroll in a random degree program ("case management or something"?), not least because it'll end up being more loans you eventually have to repay.

[newgrad82]

Do you know if deferment will effect my credit at all? Anyone?

[Coffee Nurse, BSN, RN]

I'm pretty sure it won't. The point of deferment/forbearance is to help you avoid missing payments and hurting your credit that way.

[DeepFriedRN]

It shouldn't hurt your credit. And even with a masters any job in case management or whatever will require you to have acute care experience..so I'd do the forbearance and just keep looking..Good luck!

[JustMe]

Depending on your age and circumstances, have you considered the military? They need nurses and with a BSN you would be an officer. Even as a reservist you'd have an income and could even make contacts for a full time position.

Just my

[newgrad82]

Yes justme, I have been considering the military. The problem is I have a boyfriend and a life here and that would cease to exist if I get stationed in Japan for 3 years. I am 27 and would like to get married sooner rather than later and a 3 year stint would put that on hold. That is pretty much my last option at this point, although I have applied to work as a civilian on any naval base in the state. I havent heard anything back yet.

[JustMe]

The military can be accommodating, i.e. you sign up and you get to pick your duty station. Of course there's basic training but for officers I don't think it's so bad. I'm not in the military but I work with a nurse who is a reservist plus I've been a Navy wife. I've talked to the Navy in the past and they were very liberal with their reservists who are medical personel. As with anything pertaining to the military--GET IT IN WRITING. Once you've signed the dotted line they can do what they want, unless you have it in writing. Talk to the recruiters. Ask to talk to the military medical personel. Maybe there's a military specialty listed here on AllNurses. As you probably figured out, I almost went with the military as a reservist, but got married, etc. Now I think I'm too old--but not according to my military co-worker

P.S. I just looked at the specialties on AllNurses. Yes, there is a "Government/Military Nursing" specialty.