Working and going to nursing school

[Jlarrazabal]

I was accepted in the 2017 nursing program at my local community college. Totally excited about it because I worked very hard on my pre-reqs and entrance exam. Then, I pretty much lost my hours at work for the last six months, then I got sued for medical debt I encurred from an emergency surgery. I have no savings and no current job. My family is telling me to move back home and try again maybe in the next couple of years. But...I have the acceptance letter in my hands. I hate the idea of debt but I've worked so hard for this. I've thought about taking out personal loans so I can pay for rent gas food, and use student loans for school. I finally found a part time job that would work with my nursing school hours, and I accepted it. Looking at my finances again today, this month alone, after paying bills I will be in the danger zone. Nurses make great money and all the nurses I've talked with have said they took out loans so they could focus on school, and that if I have that acceptance letter in my hand I need to figure out a way to go. I just hate debt, and I'm afraid of putting on more. I just need some advice. I know that not everyone gets in to nursing school and it is an honor to have been chosen. I really want to go, I just need to know how everyone else has done this, if I'm crazy to go or if someone else in my position has done this. Are there any tips or suggestions on types of jobs to try to get or ways to make this work? Help

[NICUismylife, ADN, BSN, RN]

I would find a roommate & live as frugally as possible, work at the part time job that you got for as long as you can, and take out student loans to make up the difference. You are already choosing the responsible route by choosing community college. Graduating sooner and having the RN income sooner will be worth the minimal loans that you have to take out.

Be sure to apply to every grant and scholarship that you can. I got over $8000 in scholarships during my 2-year ADN program. Your school financial aid office may even have a general form that you can fill out and they will submit it to all the scholarships that you qualify for. My school had a ton of scholarships that were reserved just for nursing students.

Good luck! You can do this! And congrats!!!