Single Mom on the Fence about once again postponing school or quitting current job...

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

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So...I'm trying to get any advice or help of any kind. I'm suppose to be starting my LPN program on the 20th of this month. In a nutshell, the same time I applied to my program I also was applying for jobs. I was unemployed since March 1st and was on unemployment but it wasn't enough to cover all the cost for bills. So I had to find something even if it was temporary to make ends meet. The day I got my acceptance letter I was ecstatic! I couldn't believe it because I didn't know if I would get in.

Two days later, I was offered to interview (through a temp agency) for a company near my home. They wanted me to do a "working interview" that week and offered me the temp position that Friday. All great, except they may offer me a permanent position and I won't know until September 12th. I may talk to the temp agency to follow up more on this know, but I want to make sure I word it properly to not put my foot in my own mouth. I shouldn't complain, I really should be grateful-which I am-but now I don't know what to do at this point. My job isn't paying all the bills so to speak but it is a paycheck, the job is simple, and it's a pretty good company to work for but my heart is nursing. I've been trying to become a nurse at the age of 16 and I turn 27 on the 29th.

However, I have a two year old son and I'm a single mom with only my income. No child support, wasn't placed on the section 8 waiting list and I get help from my Dad (when he can help). I know there has to be other options though. Before I continue, I can't get private loans and I am going to a tech school anyway so I'm unable to use federal loans to max them out for each semester. If I wait, I won't be able to start their part time evening class (and that is pending on the job keeping me) until September 2013. But I also have to be concerned about the hours at my job vs. the commute to school. I don't know what to do. All the other schools are at least 45 minutes to an hour (or more) away from home. This school is literally 5 mins from home and 30 mins from my job. Is there a way to try any home health/nurses's aide position during the beginning of school?

My c.n.a. license expired this past December so I have to challenge the FL BON to get my license again however, I do have a lot of medical background so I'm willing to give it a try to start looking for something else.

P.S.-We were advise not to work at all for the fulltime program at the LPN program (and I do believe they know best) however, I got to work! Bills don't pay themselves...

Specializes in Pediatrics and Women's Health.

@juswannabenurse-My friends sing that song for me at my sweet 16! LOL. Lord knows I've been through so many things that have continously held me back. Nothing in stone yet but I am looking for other jobs right now as well as more ways to cut cost. I really live with the basics now: no takeout, no cable or house phone. I have a really low cell phone bill. The biggest bills I have is daycare, car payment, and rent. Everything else is like insurance and utilities and my cell phone. That's it. However, it is still tight. I wish I could pay my car off ( I have until next year before it will be) or I wouldn't be so strapped you know? I'm on the waiting list for childcare assistance but at the moment they are out of funds-of course! Plus I got to think of with work and school who will stay with my son after hours. I'm just praying for guidance. God is showing me certain things right now so I should know soon what is what.

Specializes in Pediatrics and Women's Health.

Thanks everyone for your insight and advice! I have a feeling were God is leading me but I definitely have to get some things in order first! Keep you all posted. :hug::)

Ok girl I pray eveything works out! In the end you have to do what makes you happy cause its your life, we can tell you all day to do this and that but only u know the obstacles your facing. its easy for us to give advice but actually living it is a different story! GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS U!:)

Specializes in Pediatrics and Women's Health.

I do have questions. Job wise-until I can challenge the board for my CNA-what could I look into other than Home Health or hospitals for Companions and Sitters?

some assisted livings hire you without a cna, well in texas nc and louisiana they do.

Specializes in Pediatrics and Women's Health.

I live in Fl and this a funny state to put it nicely but I'll give it a try. I know some places in VA (at least in the nursing home I use to work at) may have hired me and paid for my testing too.

o dang! i hate that girl! Im praying something works out. I have heard not so good stories about working in florida

Specializes in Pediatrics and Women's Health.

Yes I've read a lot of things on here. To be honest VA was worse. I got more job interviews and opportunities out here then I did in VA. It really depends on who you know too.

yea i bet I think knowing someone has advantages everywhere you go because Ive put in plenty cna apps here in tx and havent had much luck besides the 1st position that was offered to me when I first got here and I have 8 years experience! i would love to live in florida its so beautiful there. I live in texas now but im from nc im planning to move to florida once I get my nursing degree and a little experience.

Do it ASAP .. Every semester you don't do the program is wasted time. I know girls who graduated with me they were coming all the way from Flatbush in bk to nj by bus and had to be in school by 7 til 330. And a lady who was pregnant had her child on a Friday was ready at school on a Monday. You can definitely do it if your heart is set on it. Look into scholarships from nursing associations and as another person mention apply for wia grant I think you get 5500 for your program . Good luck

Specializes in Pediatrics and Women's Health.

Well the WIA grant is was one of the reasons why I really decided to take the steps to do it. It is $5,000 total and I have full financial aid. However, I don't want to fall on my butt so to speak. Once everything is paid for (the program is over $6100) I still want to be sure that I don't have to worry about my bills and everything else plus daycare for my kid. When I lived in NY the one thing I could depend on was that daycare was fully paid for without a question but I couldn't stay there for personal reasons. I will look into the scholarships though because I did think about it. What are good websites to go to for that?

Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.
I do have questions. Job wise-until I can challenge the board for my CNA-what could I look into other than Home Health or hospitals for Companions and Sitters?

You could look into unit clerk positions at the hospitals & nursing homes. Also , when I was working at nursing homes they usually all had weekend secretary positions available. Idk if working in corrections is your thing, but I know I see medical record clerk positions available a lot at various facilities in my area. Dietary aides & housekeeping is another option too.

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