Should I Stay in School?

[mbl2013]

My husband is in the National Guard in WNY and I am trying to get into nursing school for the RN program. I talked to admissions and there is an opening for the bridge program. We have moved 3 times already and I am finally back where I started 3 years ago. We just moved again from NJ back to NY this year I only have this semester before I am done with prereqs and all my credits transferred thankfully. He is getting stationed in Michigan this April and I am wondering if it is better to stay or take a chance and reapply to another school. He is all for me staying, but I am curious if I would have trouble getting in to another school. I already am not doing so great in one of my classes and I am afraid of applying there if I do get a bad grade. Any advice to be helpful.

[crazydoglady89]

This is a HIGHLY personal decision. We can't pretend to know the facts surrounding your situation (and emotions). I am going to assume that your husbands assignments are somewhat unpredictable, if not at the very least you frequently move. Unless this is going to change to a permanent residence in Michigan, at some point you are going to have to decide to stay put and finish your education if you want to become an RN. Sure, you might be able to transfer credits, but I just fear this could turn into a situation of constantly chasing admission deadlines, maybe missing those, needing ONE extra class that another school didn't need, etc etc.

You said a "bridge program", so I have to assume you are an LPN? Or is this an RN-BSN bridge? The good thing about a nursing program is it doesn't take much time (maybe a year or two tops, if this is an ADN program). My husband and I were LONG distance (states apart) for 3 years while he finished his PA program and we made it work. It wasn't ideal, but you do what you have to do. I'm currently applying to ABSN programs in my state, and although I would only stay in state, we have considered the very real possibility that I would move away for a year, and move back when done. My husband has a wonderful job here, and I honestly can see myself living here when I'm done. I would hate to uproot and have to start over in a place I'm not even sure of. Kind of opposite-ish your situation, but I get why it's hard to think about.

There are clearly many variables, again, that I don't know about. Do you have small children who depend on you? Would being apart from your husband (I'm thinking rent/mortgage in two places, daycare if you have children) devastate you financially, or do you have enough money for this to not be a burden? If this would strain you two financially, I would take a year or two to pad up some cash to prepare.