South NH eve/part time study?

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Hi all--

This is actually my first post, although I have been "lurking" here often for awhile. I am definitely looking for advice/information.

My situation: I am a High School Science teacher who was actually studying nursing as one of 2 majors, but dropped the nursing part to finish up quick and dirty with my Bio degree.

Now, I'm really considering "going back" into healthcare. I'm in gathering information mode now, and all the options are mind-boggling. Here's some more details/thoughts/potential issues/solutions from me:

Concern #1:There is some concern about exactly why I dropped the nursing major the first time. I was definitely burnt out on school (excellent grades but the 2.5 years ahead of me with the double major seemed bleak), was kind of thinking at the time that the only reason I was in the nursing program was becasue I wanted to take the interesting classes and maybe apply to med school, and definitely was suffering from stress when clinicals began. (I made it through 1 (generentology), and dropped out early in Med-surg.)

Solution? (Feedback?)--take an LNA class and get a job this summer. Get in there, hands on, see if it's as stessful as it felt 10 years ago, talk to people, network, etc etc etc.

Concern #2: What program/s to apply to?

Thoughts: Having a BS already, I tend to be attracted to direct MSN and also 2nd BSN programs...but the costs are scary and I am starting to think I should go cheaper....I know some of the MSN programs for example expect you to work after you sit for NCLEX, but how much? My undergrad debt is already too much (one reason why I am getting out of teaching, sad but true.)

Concern #3: Time. Kind of goes with the above---the ability to start earning money and not be racking up more and more debt, is a concern. Someone suggested I try to do it evenings/summers while still teaching...I dont know if this is reasonable at all. Anyone from the area working full time and studying nights?

Ideas? Thoughts? Im in southern NH.

:uhoh3::rolleyes::wink2:

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Specializes in Maternity, quality.

Welcome seekingtruth.

It sounds like finances are a big concern of yours. I'm not sure there's an easy answer. I do not know of any evening/summer programs in this area. NHTI has an evening option, but their evenings start at 3pm and I have a feeling that could potentially conflict with your teaching schedule. Also, even if you go to a community college and just need to take the nursing courses, they will still demand a lot of your time between lecture and clinical. I would expect to be in class or clinical four days a week. The accelerated options are more expensive and time-consuming, but you do walk away with a higher degree.

It would definitely be beneficial to think about what you want to do with nursing. Volunteering or getting your LNA may help you to think about this. The LNA could also give you some income potential (with schedule flexibility!) if you chose to go back to school. If you see yourself getting into administration, education, or leadership you may want to more seriously consider the accelerated options.

I would definitely recommend attending info sessions of the programs you might be interested in. I know that UNH is having an information session for their direct-entry MS program on May 12 and I just checked MCPHS's site and they are having one for their accelerated BSN program on 6/5.

I hope something in here was helpful. Please feel free to post any additional questions you may have. Best of luck in making your decision!

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Hi

I live in southern NH and have been going to school at Lawrence Memorial/Regis College School of Nursing in Medford MA. The commute is about an hour for me. Excellent program and the teachers are wonderful. I am in the day program, but they do offer an evening program. The clinicals are every other weekend, and you attend class two evenings one week, the following week 3 evenings.

I chose an ASN program so I can start working as soon as possible. When I graduate I can transfer in to their RN to MSN program at Regis College. No waiting list, no additional application fee etc. I can also choose to exit that program with a BSN. Regis offers online programs and offsite classes.

Lawrence Memorial/Regis College is part of Hallmark Health. So if you work for them(Melrose Wakefield Hospital & Lawrence Memorial Hospital) every 6 months they pay half of a student loan. In four years my loans would be paid off. The school has several information sesions. Good Luck

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You guys (Melgrek and Arciedee) gave me some good food for thought/ideas. The program at Lawrence memorial/Regis is looking good...I do like the idea of getting to work as soon as I can, while keeping my income from teaching as long as I can. In the meantime, I just started an LNA class, and am having a great time! We are just in theory now, and all I have been dreaming about is poop and more poop! So I am mentally preparing myself while I sleep! hahahaha! :) Just chatting with a classmate, she kind of figured out that "seeking truth" was me, and it reminded me to go back and thank you for your insights and help. I got so involved in researching Regis and crunching numbers that I temporarily forgot. THANK YOU! :)

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I took the evening nsg (ADN) program at Mt. Wachusett in Gardner, MA - don't know if that's too far for you or not, but I'd have to say that between lectures, clinical, and homework it took about 24-30 hrs a week...

When you get your LNA license I'd advise you to get a job as an aide at a hospital, in case you're thinking of going on to get your RN - a lot of hospitals look at their aides first for RN jobs. Another thing to look at is that some hospitals have "externships" - for the summer in between first/second year you are working in their med/surg floor with an RN - wish I had done it.

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