Single Parent, Nursing School, and Working can it be done?

[NinaH]

Hi! I'm new to this board and was hoping someone could help me. I need advice from anyone. I am a single mother of an 8 year old boy. I have almost finished all of my prerequisites for Nursing. I attend a community college and will be applying for the nursing program in January. The nursing advisor told me it is preferable that you don't work fulltime while attending nursing school. I will be laid off in October from my present job. My forst question is do you think it's worth it to get a new job right now even though I will be finished my prerequistes in Dec. and be in the nursing program next year?? Is it a good idea to work, while attending nursing school and raising a child especially if you do not have any real support?? Are there any programs (loans, grants) that I can receive while in the nursing program to supplement my income while I can not work?? If there are any that I can apply for can you let me know what they are and where I can find them?? I have searched the internet today for 8 hours for some type of solution and have found nothing. At this point, I am really seriously ready to quit even though this has been my dream for so long and I am so close. PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!

-Nina

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

If you are going to be laid off, apply for unemployment and look into getting food stamps so you can put money away.

[Tifftazia]

I am a single mother of two boys, ages 9 and 4 1/2. I go to school full-time while working 20 hours a week. What you need to keep in mind is that anything is possible if you want it bad enough. She should get plenty of loans and a pell grant if your yearly income is low enough. I am assuming that you are getting financial aid now???

If you want this then go out and get it. Even though it will be a struggle for you and your son it is a step up in life. It will secure your and his future. This is your chance to show your son that a college education is not only important, but obtainable. If you can do it, he will think that he can too!

Good luck!

Tiff

[WhoNeedsaShot?]

If you are getting laid off in Oct. I would deff. go for the unemployment! Also check with the unemployment office about "WIA" (This is federal money given on a local level, to assist people with school, for "high in demand jobs" You don't have to pay it back.) If you are starting in Jan. I would check into that now. Also pell grants, don't have to be paid back. There are also sallie mae loans. They have to be paid back, but usually don't have to make payments until after graduation, and you can borrow a little more than just tutition to help with living expenses.

If you have to work, bartending on wkends is a great way to make good money.

Good Luck to you

J.Q.

[savingangels]

Nina

First congratulations for choosing nursing. Nursing school is tough and takes up a lot of time. I compare it to a full time job. It takes dedication and hard work but it is well worth the time effort.

If you have not worked in the health care field I would suggest finding a part time job as a CNA in a long term care facility or a hospital to help you to better understand the content and materials. It will give a better perspective of how things operate and understand the instructors. Many of my classmates who had not worked in health care were struggling to understand the difference between a med surg floor and PCU.

Second, I worked two jobs (total of 30hrs per week), complete the fast track on 8/1 and have three kids. It can be done and was well worth the time and effort. I am tired and look forward to relaxing. It was not easy and took a lot of management skills, but I did it. I am glad I did it, you will too.

Good luck in nursing school!:yeah:

[mylilangelshop]

First of all, Good for you!!! You are raising a child and showing him that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. There is all kinds of help out there, so do what you need to do to succeed. It's worth it in the end.

1.If you want to go to school, apply for the FASFA first thing. If you apply in feb or march, you usually get an extra 250.00 just for applying early.

2. Ask your school if they have a scholarship application. Most school will have you fill out one application and submit it to hundreds of scholarships to see which one meets your qualifications.

3. Don't let your pride get in the way. I was a single parent of three when I first started school. I lived in Hud housing, on food stamps, applied for energy assistance through the welfare department, got assistance with after school child care, etc. I didn't have to work, I was able to focus on school and my kids without worrying about the bills. No, it's not the life of luxury but when I finish school, I will have that life. Now, I am married with five kids, no assistance, and still in school full-time. It's a hard road but well-worth it. Go apply for all the assistance you can get.

4. Most schools have a program for the non-traditional student, the ones that are over 24, or married, or have children, they will show you everything you need to succeed in school.

Good Luck!!

[Butterfly3001]

You can also look at working in a hospital. Where i work after 6 months the hospital pays for nursing school for you(books, class) but you must work 20hrs per week and agree to work for them for two years after you graduate.