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

[Nathifalr26]

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...

[Nathifalr26, LPN]

Thank you!

[mjaybx]

I would look into Floridas scholarship and grant system, Florida Student Scholarship and Grant Programs . Im from NY so I wouldnt know how to apply but would ask your financial counselor about the different scholarships and grants since they are the ones who put your package together. Your program is very cheap mines cost 22k since its almost impossible to get into an LPN program in NYC with all the waitlist. I still owe 13k in tuition after all the loans and aid without TAP due to it being a nj school not ny. With WIA grant and Pell your program is already paid for and money is left over , but you can max out your loans by telling your Financial Aid counselor about your situation and they can get it for you. There is also minoritynurse.com they have a list of scholarships

[mjaybx]

As for work , I can only speak from my experience you should get your CNA license back . I had a private patient while in school did only two double 12 hr shift on weekends @ 15 an hr. If you have experience you can try an agency which pays more.

[Nathifalr26, LPN]

I'm going to a vocational/tech school. Since it is a pretty inexpensive tuition, it covers the cost of tuition but unfortunately they don't provide the loans. That would of been one of my first options to max that out and I would of covered the cost of my living expenses with that money. I'll look into the scholarships and grant programs. Thanks for the link.

[Nathifalr26, LPN]

I wish out here pays that much. My mom was a CNA for several years in NY before we moved to VA and she made a lot more in NY then she did in VA. FL is just as bad. I'll be lucky if I find a CNA job that starts me off at $10.00 an hour here. I originally looked for jobs out here with my CNA license before it expired but could never find a job-which was the other issue. I've always had a problem finding a CNA job out here. It's crazy.

[mjaybx]

wow that is low thats how much home health aides are paid here. I know a guy in my class who moved to FL immediately after finishing the LPN he found a job at Sunrise Assisted Living I would look into their job postings. Discover Nursing | Campaign for Nursing has scholarship list also.

[Nathifalr26, LPN]

I know. My aunt worked as a HHA and CNA in NY (when it was interchangeable). Before I left NY I was suppose to start a HHA program to get licensed. However, I would of never been able to really live out there on that salary so I just moved instead. I'll look into it, thanks.

[nekozuki, LPN]

With determination and hard work, you can achieve anything. That being said, I would not recommend working full time to ANYONE. In my opinion, it would be better to spend the extra six months to a year getting yourself in a position that will facilitate success rather than just jumping off a cliff and seeing where you fall. Can it be done? Yes. Are people always successful? No, not at all. I am the only person left in my class who works (everyone else failed out).

Many tough women have made it through (you'll find them all on this website, lol), but I strongly believe that many young women do themselves a disservice by saying "gotta have it NOW" and taking the plunge instead of waiting for the right opportunity. Get yourself in a better financial state, keep doing research about the best nursing facilities, get your CNA again (it can really help you get a foot in the door when you graduate as an LPN) and stay excited!

[Nathifalr26, LPN]

Thank you for your opinion, advice, and suggestions everyone! Due to my current circumstances I decided I'm going to wait for the part-time program next year. I'm not a position to start a full-time program and work. By next year financially I should be in a better situation-things paid off, daycare cost should be a bit lower, etc. Also, I have an idea of all I need so I can get everything taken care of before that time and it wouldn't be rushed. Thanks again!

[Nathifalr26, LPN]

Update: Not sure if anyone will read this since this was posted nearly a year ago. I prayed, and prayed, and prayed some more. My church prayed with me too and so did family and friends. That job, hired me permanently Oct 8 making more than I started at. I got a newer car because my old one broke down on me last Sept and my supervisor is willing to change my schedule. The lpn program starts this Oct 2013 (they pushed it back for some reason). However, God always make a way. I am not where I want to be financially but I am in a better place than I was last year. With that said, I resubmitted my paperwork to Teco and just waiting to hear about my interview. I got someone who can watch my son for the schedule I have. And I have very supportive coworkers (some are nurses including my supervisor) to help along the way. I am blessed. The wait wasn't easy but necessary. Oh and I found out I could renew my CNA license. Waiting for it in the mail for some extra prn work. Nursing school ain't cheap! Lol. Hello everyone and thanks for the advice. I hope everyone's journey was filled with much success.

[ASPIRING2BGREAT]

Im here....so good to hear everything worked out. Its never in ur timing but right on time. Keep your head up and keep pushing forward.

[Nathifalr26, LPN]

Thank you!