Unemployment in Michigan and college

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Ok here it goes. This is a three part question. I guess it might sound a little stupid.

Is there anyone else in my shoes here?

1. I have been interested in perusing a career in nursing. In high school

I did horrible in science (D's). However Biology I was a strait A student.

(I ended up getting my GED after dropping out)

How much would/will that affect me as far as in Nursing? I mean the Sciences and GED.

Also I have never gone through Chemistry. It's been about 12 years since school.

2. I am currently collecting unemployment. The unemployment help line is a joke

They are really rude and not so much helpful, when you do finally get through. My

Next question (To anyone who had went through this) Can I still collect unemployment in

Michigan and go to college? (My friend is having no problems however he is going Online only)

I live in Northern Michigan and there are barely any jobs at this point, places start

Opening up in spring. The state is worried about my availability for jobs.

3. This question would be for Nurses and Student's. Why did you choose nursing?

Here's a little bit of info on me. I am 28 years old with two school aged children. Previous to the unemployment I was in hotel management for a medium sized hotel for 4 years. In the hospitality field for 7 years. I was run into the ground the last year of employment so they could sell the hotel. I don't want to get into the hospitality or for that matter Management position again. However to make any money in northern Michigan you have to be in a professional career or a Management position.

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Specializes in LTC, Disease Management, smoking Cessati.

Have you tried Michigan's No Worker Left Behind services? You should ask about that or check into it on the Mich.gov web site.

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Several of my classmates are receiving "No Worker Left Behind" benefits. I don't know how much the program pays for tuition, but I know they reimburse for mileage. I quit my job just before starting school so I don't qualify. If you were laid off or your position was eliminated, you're more likely to be eligible.

More info:

http://www.michigan.gov/nwlb

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Hi there, fellow Michigander :) I, too, am pursuing nursing, I also got bad grades when I was in high school. I had a lot of problems then (I'll spare you the drama) and now that I am back in school, I'm pulling A's. I actually CARE about school now, and it means a lot to me to have the best grades I can. Not only for myself, but for the program as well. Nursing programs are very competitive all across the country, and Michigan is right there with them, especially with our unemployment rate growing.

My only advice for you is to make sure that nursing is really what you want to do. You mentioned that you have two small children - are you a single Mom as well? Nursing (the job), pre-nursing classes and the program itself are incredibly stressful and require almost all of your time and devotion - especially since the competition is so high. I would suggest reading through some pages here and get an idea about what nurses do and the stress factor. I would hate for you to put money and time into pre-nursing classes, only to realize that it's too much for you, and you'd rather take care of your family.

There are other health care careers that are just as booming as nursing, that many people are overlooking: radiology technician, surgical technician, etc. Baker College has both of those programs, and I believe Macomb Community College does as well.

Some links for you to check out:

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/need-honest-opinion-370434.html

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-02-15-nursing-shortage_N.htm?csp=34

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090216/ap_on_he_me/med_nursing_shortage

Good luck!!

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I got a GED and worked in a hotel for several years, now I'm in nursing school =) a lot of my coworkers were moms and dads in a similar position to yours.

down here in arkansas, a LOT of community colleges will give you substantial breaks if you're a single mom. not sure if that's your situation or not, but a lot of times they help with childcare and reduce tuition and such. not sure if that's your situation or not, but good luck! just wanted to encourage another hotel-to-nursing person :up:

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Specializes in AGNP.

Just wanted to let you know that you can go to school and stay on unemployment in Michigan. You just have to answer the question about if you would drop your classes to accept a job as yes. I started nursing school in March 2007 and was working part time while doing that. In January 2008 my lab I was working in was shut down and I was able to file unemployment. I collected unemployment from Jan 2008 until May 2008 when I started my nursing job.

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Thank you all for answering.

I am actually going to the orientation for NWLB this Wednesday the 18th.

I am not a single parent thankfully, that is why I was hoping to be able to

Start school now that my children are in school (My youngest just started Kindergarten)

I am trying and have been getting as much information as I can before I make my final decision. I agree I think that is the best.

It is a huge career change I am glad to see I am not alone.

I would like to thank everyone for their answers. Everyone has been very encouraging

And helpful!

Thank you all so much!

Best wishes and good luck to everyone.

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Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.

Mandy, thank you for sharing your story with us. I hope you continue to post here and keep us updated. I want to encourage you to go into nursing. Good luck to you! :)

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Just wanted to let you know that you can go to school and stay on unemployment in Michigan. You just have to answer the question about if you would drop your classes to accept a job as yes. I started nursing school in March 2007 and was working part time while doing that. In January 2008 my lab I was working in was shut down and I was able to file unemployment. I collected unemployment from Jan 2008 until May 2008 when I started my nursing job.

Could you explain where it is that they ask if you would drop classes to accept a job? I did not see this on the unemployment application. Was this part of the MARVIN thing? Thanks.

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Specializes in LTC.
Could you explain where it is that they ask if you would drop classes to accept a job? I did not see this on the unemployment application. Was this part of the MARVIN thing? Thanks.

That sounds like a MARVIN thing, although I'm not positive. I know of fellow classmates that are collecting unemployment and are in class. One mentioned that if they miss one day of class it gets taken off their unemployment (they collect less money that week), although I'm not personally going through it so I can't tell you for sure. If you can get ahold of someone at the unemployment office, I would ask. A Michigan Works! office may be able to help you with that question though, my local office is EXTREMELY helpful with everything you ask them.

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yes you can go to school and collect unemployment you just have to go to michigan Works and get the school wavier once that is complete you are cleared for the semester.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I was wondering if you (personally) receive umemployment while attending nursing school by using this waiver.

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