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

[dawn8207]

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!!

[Anne36, LPN]

I totally understand how you feel. IM in a similar situation. I am applying to the LPN program next month and am not taking classes in the fall. Instead Im looking for a job to pay the bills. If I get accepted I hope I can find a way to go. My childsupport has dried up since this recession hit. Dealing with job loss is not easy.

[JBGC4]

Exhaust all avenues if you truly want to become a nurse. If you don't, you will resent the people in your life. You will become resentful to the people in your future. I have seen this happen to so many people in my life, including myself. Unless it's a complete impossiblity, I say go for it. Go to your instructors or maybe your director and ask them of any hidden money they may know about. Find a hospital in your area that has tuition reimbursement. (I realize this may have already been stated, I haven't read all the posts.) Good Luck in your decision making. Best I can tell you is decide now to stick w/ that decision.

[dawn8207]

Thank you all for all your advise. I have made my decision to stay in school with the help of all your inspiring messages. I have found out also that Obama has increased the amount of student loans that a person can get, so I am going to max everything out and finish out the year. I just have to get through the next month until I get my financial aid. I really want to be a nurse so I am going to give it my all and hope for the best.

[choc0late]

:yeah:Yay Dawn!