Torn between going back to work or finishing Nursing school...

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I need some advice. I am a second year student in a Nursing program. I am currently dual enrolled in an RN and BSN program. I was laid off from my previous job and decided to start back into school. Last year, I was able to draw unemployment while I went to school and was able to make my bills just fine. Now my unemployment has stopped and I am having issues getting a job that will work with my Nursing school. I got a job with a local hospital as a Nurse Extern (Nursing Assistant) on a PRN basis. The hospital is cutting its budget and has decided not to work anyone who is PRN. So I have a job but no hours :(

Since this has happened, I have been without money to pay my bills and I am having a terrible time finding an employment anywhere else. When places hear that you are in nursing school they just run the other way...literally...lol. I am almost maxed out on my student loans due to bad decisions when I was younger. So I am limited on taking out student loans for school. So now I am trying to decide whether I should just go out and find a full-time job and put school on hold (possibly forever), or to take a chance and try to finish school.

I really need some advice on this. No one really knows what to tell me really.

Thanks!!

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Your SO close!!!! Don't stop now! One of my best friends is a single mother, maxed out on loans as well and is stressed as can be about making money/paying for school/and supporting her daughter, but shes doing it. Not to say she isn't stressed as heck but don't give up! My best bet is to do what she and I do to get by....waitressing/bartending. Yah it sucks dealing with rude, drunk people but it gets you by. A lot of places don't require experience and it can be short hours that won't conflict with your schooling. I'm so sorry your stuck in this position... this economy is tearing people down... keep pushing and don't give up hope. The strong succeed. Best of luck hun :)

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Thanks for the encouragement. I really appreciate it :)

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Of course, no need to thank me! You have no idea how many people Ive talked to that are in your boat... and they ALWAYS tell me not to give up cause they are SO happy they didn't. Just keep pushing, you can do it. :)

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This is gonna sound awful, but if your going to be a good nurse one day don't quit. If your one of those that is just doing it for the money and doesn't really care about the dignity of patients quit. That would be my best advise to you as one day you maybe caring for me or a family member of mine. Let your heart guide you, if you dream of being a nurse and have missions and passions don't stop. If your just going laong for the ride, get a job. I hope that helps, sometimes being blunt helps, and I hope it did. :)

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I should also add, that if you are going to be that good nurse, the world needs you, don't you dare give up!

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Specializes in Cardiac, Rehab.

I would hang in there. If you drop out, you will kick yourself in a few years for sure. And realistically, do you think you will find a decent job right now anyway? If the market sucks, being out of school wont make it any better.

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Specializes in none.

Don't quit...you will regret it in the future. Try and find a job as a waitress or something. What about working in a nursing home? They always hire student nurses as nursing aides as long as they have completed at least one clinical.

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Specializes in NICU.

Have you tried private student loans, such as through Sallie Mae? The interest rate is ridiculous, but it gets you where you need to be.

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Yeah...I have one student loan from Wackovia. I'll use that route as a last resort if I have to. I really don't like those types of loans to be honest.

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I've looked into some nursing homes websites but didn't see anything. I may have to just go to some places and see if they are hiring.

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Specializes in NICU.

It's not great, but there is a 6 month grace period after graduation. I'm hoping to consolidate my loans--part of the reason my interest rate was terrible is that no one would cosign for me.

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