What's the best way to pay your bills and go to school full time???

[jlamar11]

Hello all,

I plan to apply to an accelerated ABSN program within the next couple of years. As I was in the middle of writing down my goals, it turns out that even though I plan to have my other debts paid off completely in 1-2 years (with the exception of car note and school loans from my undergrad), I still would not earn enough to cover expenses while in school...even if I chose to work full time as a CNA (which I understand would be crazy to do).

I'm thinking that I may have to take out a $35k+ loan, give or take, to last 12-18 months while I'm in an ABSN program to cover my expenses. In addition, I was seriously thinking about working part time to have a buffer for small unexpected costs. I'd REALLY rather not do this if at all possible, but if I have to then I will. I'm not married, no children, and I'm only supporting myself...which is kind of a relief lol. But I'm curious to know how any current nursing students (preferably ABSN) are managing their expenses while being in school full time AND while maintaining a good GPA??? I'm trying to develop a plan before jumping into a situation without considering other options and/or ways to do this strategically.

Thanks for reading! All suggestions welcomed

J

A little about me: 26 years old. I already have a B.S degree but I'm trying to make a career change. Currently working full time as a lab technician and I got my CNA certification in Dec 2014. Currently looking for a second full time job to work as a CNA (no luck yet, but I'm still pushing.)

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

Point taken---OP seemed to be a female however, so I was responding with her in mind =)

Bucky, let's not forget equality:

Sugar. Mama.

[mirandaaa]

It really just depends on your job/pay.

I'm about to begin the RN program soon and I don't have an option but to work during school. Right now I make enough to float my bills on 40 hours a week, but it just depends on what you make.

Bartending can be great money if you're good at it, but unfortunately the money is never guaranteed.

If I were you, I'd stick with the CNA job (unless you can find something better) and work as much as you can without falling behind in school and if you start running low on money, then focus on taking out loans.

Try to avoid taking out loans as long as possible because that's going to hurt you later.

[Msmedic68w, MSN, RN]

in home care as a CNA....more flexible hours.

[SarahStrings]

I have found that home care is very flexible. If you are lucky you might even find overnight shifts with a client who won't need much assistance and you can use that down time to study too. Good luck!

[FutureNP2U]

Hello,

Everyone has left some really good advice on here, here is my two cents!

In 2013 I was laid off from my bank job and was able to take funds from my 401k to pay off as much debt as I could (only leaving my student loans from my 1st Bachelor's and my car note- which will be finished in a little over a year). I also took some of that money and paid for my first semester of pre-req's (which was A&P I and A&P I lab).

It took me 2 years to complete my pre-req's, I will be finished this mid- May and will begin my ABS the following week. I paid for the rest of my pre-req's out of pocket while working full-time (at another banking institution) and taking pre-reqs part time, and continued to pay off additional bills (and finding ways to get existing bills lowered).

This past January/February I quit my bank job to obtain a per diem Nursing Assistant position at a local hospital. The per diem scheduling allows me to work as much as I need to (full time and close to fill time) while finishing up pre-reqs. In mid-May (next month) when I start my ABS program I will work my minimum requirement as per diem, I week day/evening/night shift and 2 weekend day/evening/night shift) per month. I also intend on working more during school breaks.

For my ABS program I was offered loans to cover 75% and I will use private loans to cover the rest (plus some living expenses- mostly rent for the next 12 months). I will continue to work during the ABS program, just not as much as I am working now. The way I see, I rather take out loans so that I can focus on my studies and get good grades, as I hope to also get my FNP. Also, I found a program that will repay Nursing school loans. Although nothing is a guarantee, I did as much 'clean up' of financial affairs as I was doing my pre-req's to put myself in a situation to work less while in nursing school.

Good luck with everything & I hope this helps!

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

I'm sorry, just had to laugh at your one comment. I'm pushing 30 in the next 4 years!! Lol. You do realize how young you actually are? I'm 39 and in the ASN program. There are a bunch of people older than me. You will be fine on time. Get your stuff paid down and then go to school. You will be so much happier without tons of debt hanging over your head.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Marry rich. But we all know that if you marry for money, you'll earn it one way or another.

[SweetPotatoes]

I'm in a similar situation, except I don't have any undergraduate loans. I purposely applied to state schools whose tuition and fees for the ABSN/2nd BSN are 20k total (not including living, of course). I didn't realize how bad the aid for 2nd bachelor's programs were! I assumed it would be considered like a Master's but noooo. lol. I tried my hardest to move out but I realized I'd need to take out a private loan in addition to working part time to be able to pay for school. My parents offered to let me stay with them and I initially denied...vehemently...but after crunching the numbers and realizing that I needed to get over myself for just a couple more years, I realized that it would be the smartest thing for me to do. So that will probably be my plan. I'll pay them something each month but it wouldn't be like renting my own place. So like others have said...if it's even a possible option, I'd look into it, esp for just 1.5-2 yrs. I have some savings as well from working which will be a big help.

I'd also apply to the least expensive schools...I know the ABSN is super fast but if you can get a BSN for cheaper for just an extra semester or 2...it may not be a bad idea. But if that is the cheapest option because it's shorter, then go for it. I was told to apply for externship/tech positions as a student nurse, and that would give me some extra cash while getting my foot into the job world.

I am also seeing that nursing schools (as opposed to programs) have more funds for grants and scholarships. See if your state legislators have scholarship programs...I have gotten abt 2-3k from them /year for my first degree and plan on doing so again this time around. HRSA is good if you can qualify financially (EFC 0-5500). See if your state has any loan repayment programs as well.

I just don't want it to be like...you're working so much just to make it through school bu not have enough time to devote to studies. It'll take time mgmt though--some people go to school full time and work full time and even have families. Good Luck...many of us are all in the same boat it seems :)