Taking time off?????

Miss Infermiera2b, BSN, RN · Jun 25, 2015

Are you taking advantage of financial aid? That would be the first place I'd start. Also, keep an eye out for possible nursing scholarships that might be available to you.

mirandaaa · Jun 25, 2015

Firstly, don't believe anyone who says you won't go back.

If you have the dedication and the desire, you will.

I was not a great student in high school. I just didn't like it. After I graduated, I went to a community college for a semester and did terrible, because once again, I didn't want to be there. I also was unsure WHAT I wanted to major in, just that I was constantly being pushed to go so I felt obligated. My family said the same thing when I announced my break from school but here I am, a few years later. My first two semesters of pre-requisites went extremely well, I had wonderful grades/GPA, made it onto the Dean's List both semesters and am in an honor society. I was dedicated because I knew what I needed to do and what it was going to take to get there.

Secondly, if you are unsure about nursing and you're contemplating taking time off, do it! Take the time off to work and save and think about what you truly want to do. You're wasting your time if you get halfway through the program and realize it's not for you.

You have some CNA experience in home health, try getting a PRN job at a hospital. They're totally different settings and you'll have a better feel for nursing in a hospital.

I wish you all the best!

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jun 25, 2015

Just a point of clarification - "accelerated" BSN programs are for people who already have a bachelor's or higher degree - is this your situation? If so, your access to traditional financial aid will be limited. If you don't have a previous degree, you will undoubtedly be eligible for financial aid, but you may only be qualified for a generic program which would be less expensive than an accelerated one.

Have you already been accepted into a nursing program? If not, this may turn out to be a lengthy process - during which, you will be able to work and stash away some cash.

LovelyLocs, ASN, BSN, RN · Jun 25, 2015

I am sort of in the same place as you (burnt out, I have not taken a semester off since 2013) so I can't offer anything useful suggestion/plan-wise... but I can say best of luck with whatever path you take :).

studentnurse47 · Jun 25, 2015

I went to college straight out of high school and did terrible. I only lasted 2 semesters. Here I am now at 26 years old (that is a long break from when I quit college the first time) starting nursing school in August. It has not been easy- working full time, going to school full time, and having a family. Just because you take a break does not mean you wont go back.

Live like a peasant during your break and save, save, save so money wont be such an issue. There are plenty of scholarships available.

Good luck!

Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN · Jun 25, 2015

I took FIVE years off after high school.

I've been a nurse now six.

You can do it!

melissa2222 · Jun 25, 2015

Thank you all so much for the advice! It's good to know that there are other people out there who have successfully gone back to school and done well. I think if your not in the right mind you wont succeed. Like right now I'm barely getting through the rest of these prereqs and they shouldn't be this hard. But anyway, I haven't looked into financial aid yet. I honestly don't know where to begin. And the BSN program I'm supposed to go to is a 2 year accelerated for those who have taken the prereqs at a different college. I've been looking into other nursing programs recently and there is a school close by that is way cheaper but they only have an RN program and an LPN bridge. Who knows maybe some time off would give me time to find better schools? :)