Too poor to become a nurse?

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Hi,

I am really bound and determined to go thru with this college thing- because if i dont do it now, i think i will always regret it.... BUT here's the problem- we don't really have the money for college. We have two little kids and a very limited income, right now we make just enough to brake even at the end of the month, so there really isn't any money left for tuition.

So i am considering taking out loans but i am not sure..... on one hand.... i feel selfish getting my family in debt.... on the other hand.... if i dont get a decent education, we will probably always be stuck where we are.... we just organized our life backwards ;-) got pregnant when i was in my second year of college (with a foreign language major--> dead end), and now everything is so much harder.... but i am so sick of only looking for the jobs that dont require anything, sick of not being able to pay my dental bills (dont laugh- i needed two crowns after my pregnancy and this is not even funny), not being able to save for my kids' future....

i will probably have to put my girls in daycare, at least part-time, because nursing classes are only in the morning. there are daycare grants, but as with all the financial aid, i don't want to rely on that alone.

Sooo.... is it worth taking out loans? how do you finance school? my college here charges about 150/credit, so the entire program will come to at least 10,000, and that doesnt include any books yet....

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$10,000? Not bad... I blow more than that in just one year.

The income you make after you graduate will make up for the suffering.

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Specializes in CVICU-ICU.

I suggest you go to the school and speak to someone in the fiancinal aide department. There are many grants available that might not even need paid back depending on the situation. My daughter is in nursing school now and she received enough grants/schloarships/loans to pay for her school. I am betting you'd be surprised the money available to assist you and the best help is a good fiancinal aide advisor.

As far as feeling guility about the family you need to consider the job you do now and the job you'd do as a nurse. The money difference very well might be alot but you also have to consider as a nurse the increased job market compared to what you do now. Also consider the other benefits you might obtain as a nurse. I dont know what you do now so I dont know if that'll make a difference or not.

I know you read alot on here about the downfalls of nursing and I think many people have said before people come here to vent but overall I do think most people in nursing feel secure in the job market. Alot of nurses do feel underpaid and that is a whole other discussion but in general Im happy with the amount of money I make and the fact that I can make alot more by working overtime which is always available to me. Not many other jobs have the availability of overtime in order to make more money if needed.

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Specializes in HCA, Physch, WC, Management.

Have you thought of financial aid? With two kids, you likely would qualify for SOMETHING. Scholarships are something else you DEFINITELY need to look into! Student loans suck but sometimes there just isn't any other way to pay for school.

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Do it, just do it! You have all the reason in the world to go through with it. Nothing that we want in life comes easy. Its going to be hard with two babies, but it is doable. There are alot of mommies on this forum that can be a shoulder to cry on when you need it. There are a lot of people in this forum that understand where you are coming from.

The fact that you recognize the position you are in and want to get out of it, says alot. You have the determination. Yes its going to be debt, but nursing school is an investment. Keep the future you want in your mind's eye at all times, don't hold yourself back, and go for it. Once it is all over and you pass that NCLEX, you will be making enough to pay those loans back, take care of yourself and your family the way you want too.

I know everything we say is easier said than done, but I agree with Kymmi, go to the financial aid counselor ASAP, tomorrow if possible; speak to them, do this immediately, the faster you get your questions answered the easier it will be to make this a reality. There are several private loans availble, such as Sallie Mae, check out http://www.salliemae.com/ they have several different loan options.

You should also look into Judy Lawrence The Budget Kit to help with budgeting while you are in school and after school.

GOOD LUCK, you can do it!!!

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I agree with the previous poster on the above two points:

1) You should check into financial aid options at the school you plan to attend. If you never finished your bachelor's degree, it is easier to get aid money than for those who are pursuing a second bachelor's. Also, there are hospitals that will sponsor you through nursing school if for some reason you don't qualify for any aid. There are also plenty of scholarship resources out there for people who are pursuing nursing as their first undergraduate degree.

2) You will easily make the $10,000 back when you graduate. That is a relatively modest amount of money to take on as student loan debt. Keep in mind that the payments don't start until six months after you graduate. Also, once you have more financial stability, you may be able to work part time and spend more time with your children. As you have pointed out, if you don't further your education, you will probably remain where you are. It isn't selfish to take on a small amount of debt to improve your (and your family's) situation.

Good luck in your efforts.

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I agonized over taking out loans, too. I'm already in debt. But like you, I knew my life wouldn't get better unless I made some changes. I say go for it...even if you have to take out loans. I'm betting you could probably get some grant money, too.

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I know just how that feels. I finally got into NS and don't know exactly how I am going to pay for it as of yet but I applied for federal aid, I will apply for student loans and scholarships and hope for the best. I decided to just go for it and work it out as I go. I'm really taking a leap of faith. I also am hoping to provide a more stable income for my family. Sometimes you will feel guilty about taking on more debt but hopefully it will provide many happy returns later!

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Specializes in CNA, RN Student.
Do it, just do it! You have all the reason in the world to go through with it. Nothing that we want in life comes easy. Its going to be hard with two babies, but it is doable. There are alot of mommies on this forum that can be a shoulder to cry on when you need it. There are a lot of people in this forum that understand where you are coming from.

The fact that you recognize the position you are in and want to get out of it, says alot. You have the determination. Yes its going to be debt, but nursing school is an investment. Keep the future you want in your mind's eye at all times, don't hold yourself back, and go for it. Once it is all over and you pass that NCLEX, you will be making enough to pay those loans back, take care of yourself and your family the way you want too.

I know everything we say is easier said than done, but I agree with Kymmi, go to the financial aid counselor ASAP, tomorrow if possible; speak to them, do this immediately, the faster you get your questions answered the easier it will be to make this a reality. There are several private loans availble, such as Sallie Mae, check out http://www.salliemae.com/ they have several different loan options.

You should also look into Judy Lawrence The Budget Kit to help with budgeting while you are in school and after school.

GOOD LUCK, you can do it!!!

yeah....what mystiqx said! Well said by the way Mystiqx! And may I add, most hospitals have sign on bonuses that will halfway cover that approximate $10,000? Making those payments will be peanuts compared to the income you will receive but the real reward is when you will be proud to say "I am a nurse" or in my situation and perhaps yours, when your kids and husband are proud to say "she's a nurse" and be financially comfortable. I am not going to lie, it's a hard hard struggle but I constantly visualize the ultimate result. Sure 12 hour shifts seem testing and tiring to say the least, but it will probably only be 3 or 3 days a week which will leave the remainder of you your time left for your family, with funds to actually go out and do something and not feel guilty about it. YOU CAN DO IT!

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Hello,

You many also look into your local community college and start taking your pre req. This will save you so much money and will cut the loans in half. Also look how much your family spends every month you may be able to cut down some of your bills so that you have extra for college. For example you many have to move into a smaller cheaper apartment. If you make some cut backs you many end up saving a enough money to get you through at least community college.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
Hello,

You many also look into your local community college and start taking your pre req. This will save you so much money and will cut the loans in half. Also look how much your family spends every month you may be able to cut down some of your bills so that you have extra for college. For example you many have to move into a smaller cheaper apartment. If you make some cut backs you many end up saving a enough money to get you through at least community college.

I think this is excellent advice. I'm normally not a fan of taking out loans for school (especially when people are using the money to live off of rather than get even a part time job) but in your case it does sound like it would be necessary if you can't get grants. I commend you for getting ready to do this. Another option would be to get your LPN and that way you could make a decent income part time while you pursue your RN. Best of luck. Jules

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Go to school!!!! I am not in nursing school (yet) but got another degree when I was 30 and had no money -- rec'd loans (no grants or scholarships, just loans). Yes, I'm still paying for them, but geez -- the opportunities for you would be ENDLESS with a nursing degree. Perhaps time will stand still while you are in school -- but let me tell you, when you are all done and working, your schooling will seem like it went by in a minute.

GO FOR IT. Most importantly.....find that one special person (nursing or not) that will provide you support (mentally, emotionally) when you need it. It seems like these boards are the perfect place for that!

I know a nurse whose schooling tuition was forgiven bec. she promised to work at the V.A. hospital. Just FYI.

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