what to do for a year before nursing school?

[IHeartPeds87]

Hi! So I am going to be finishing up my prereq's for nursing school after "summer 1" (7 and a half weeks into the summer, so around the middle of july 2009). I will then be applying for nursing school and hope to start nursing school may 2010/august 2010 (depending on the program).

So I will have about 8 months- year because I couldn't get my prereq's done earlier (for various reasons that I regret )

What do you suggest that I do during this time?

(I am currently working part time as a direct caregiver to adults with disabilities in a group home setting while taking classes). I am not certified as a CNA but will be this semester.

I will have 4-5 thousand dollars in debt later on as my parents are contributing most of the money but some of it i'm paying...

What do you suggest? work? go abroad for a year? any suggestions?? If I do go abroad for a year it would have to be something that I don't pay for...as in I get a minimal stipend or something...i'm open to suggestions, ideas.......

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

I would work as much as possible to pay off some of the debt. I would purchase some nclex books as well to get a head start on the reading and learning how to answer nclex style questions. A great book I read before starting Nursing school was " Test Success for beggining nursing students". I would honestly get plenty of rest and quality time with family and friends. Good luck to you. Time will FLY !

[smartin13]

I worked more and took a few classes that would transfer to my BSN.

[amarilla, RN]

Agree - work and perhaps take a few more classes.

Enjoy yourself and don't wish the time away; eight months isn't that long and will fly by before you know it!

Best,

Southern

[DIVA_NURSE405]

I would work as much as possible and spend time with your family because when school starts both will become almost next to impossible! good luck