I will get about $1200 next month from finacial aid and I'm debating on whether I should become a CNA over the summer, or get my car completely fixed up for when I get into nursing school (waiting on the decision for fall2017)?
I'm 19 years old and I will be moving 3 hours away to attend nursing school at a university. l looked at the clinical listing for the school and they are all about 45 min-3 hours away from the school itself. And my car has a habit of not being reliable and is very expensive to get fixed because it's international and the name.
I tried to sell my car but a lot of the car dealers are only offering $500 for it which is not feasible.
Though I also want to become a CNA so I can work while in nursing school and gain experience.
I asked my mother what should I do but she just said to get my car fixed. But I value Allnurses opinion so that is why I am asking you all. What should I do?
Whether you buy another car or fix the one you have will depend on whether or not you think you can get your current car fixed well enough to carry you through without any other major repairs. Having said that, the amount of money you have to spend is obviously not going to get you much of a car, so it may be that you are better off with the car that you know. Only you can answer that question.
Yes, I'm looking into financing a 2013 Toyota Corolla
Is the nursing school in a metropolitan area? Would you have the option of taking a train or bus to clinical sites? Are you living on campus? What about carpooling with other students? A reliable car is important, but if you have other commuting options available, saving on loan payments and interest is a huge consideration.
It also looks like you haven't officially been accepted to nursing school yet and if you are accepted, you plan to start in the fall- so about 7-8 months from now. Why do you need this loan right now? 7 months is a long time to find a temporary job in a restaurant or retail store and save money to fix your car.
Hi thanks for replying. I need the loan now since I'm not working due to helping my mother of by babysitting her new baby so she can work nights. I get paid $140 a week to do that but it is not enough to save for my apartment + pay off my loans and continue to support myself with it.
I would definitely fix your car. As you posted earlier, you can challenge the CNA exam. When I was in nursing school I challenged the CNA exam myself after the first semester. Many places will also consider hiring you as a CNA if they know you're in nursing school. You need transportation! Good luck!
Get your car fixed. I know you would like the experience and all, but honestly, you won't make significantly more money as a CNA than a minimum wage job. Unless you get hired into a hospital right away, which if your region is anything like mine most hospitals want previous experience as a CNA unless you are applying for a CNA position after your first or second semester of nursing school (another option for you). But getting to clinicals is a MUST, and you don't want to fail a class or have to make up clinicals (time-consuming and extremely inconvenient) because of your transportation. Do everything you can to prepare for nursing school, and that includes taking care of your car and/or living situation. Trust me, it is much easier to take care of things like that before nursing school versus during.
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Dlansey
45 Posts
Yes, I'm looking into financing a 2013 Toyota Corolla
and junking the car I have now for $500.