Obviously I’ve reached the point that I need help! I’ve bothered my friends, family, and husband with my “what ifs”, flipped coins, read my horoscopes, and did the magic 8 ball thing…so here is my problem.
Last year I decided to go back to school for nursing, did almost all of the prereqs years ago for a local ADN program. I only have AP1 and AP2 left. Right now, about 30% done with AP1, I have a 100 average. I took the NLN entrance exam last month and scored in the 97th percentile. I know without a doubt, I should have no problems getting in. Recently, my boss ( I currently work in business and office administration), gave me a pretty good raise, knowing Ill be quitting next year once getting accepted to the RN program. I also have received news that I could possibly be get a better position with more money and more opportunities if I plan on staying. So here I am, going to list some pros to each and hope that someone can offer me some sound advice..
Pros to Nursing School
1. In the end, I would make more money. Income at my current job is rather good, but nursing still pays more and there is more openings in the field.
2. I would love more than anything to be a school nurse. I know I would enjoy it 100%, and would be awesome at it!
3. I’ve already told anyone that is what I’m doing, I’m turning 30 next year and don’t want to go through these decisions again when I’m 40!
4. I know I am smart enough to do it, and if I don’t I may be wasting it!
Pros to skipping Nursing School:
1. I wouldn’t lose two years of income and have to watch every little penny of one income to get by.
2. My job is Monday thru Friday and I wouldn’t have to worry about studying in the evenings and weekends, only time for my kids and helping them study.
3. I personally hate to study! I would rather work!
4. Wouldn’t waste $14,000 on school if I didn’t finish.
So for anyone that has taken the time to read this, thank you! If anyone can help, please do and thank you!
-Brooke
This question was asked in the nursing forum section.
S.L. Page says
Hello Brooke!
Wow, that is a tough decision with a lot of pros and cons to consider. I’ll give you my two cents.
First, I think a nursing degree is always a great degree to have. As you pointed out, you’ll have a lot of job possibilities in your future. You’ll also likely earn a competitive salary. You also seem to have some business/administrative experience which may enable you to move into nurse management later on (if you so choose).
At the same time, many people earn competitive salaries while working in business or management roles–even without a degree sometimes. Your job may offer you a good income, and you could develop that career as well.
What I think you eventually have to decide is this: What do you want to do for the rest of your life? If you really want to become a nurse, and you know you’d love being a school nurse, then go for it! It will require some sacrifices (money and time), but you’re still very young.
One thing that may help you decide is looking into your financial situation. For example, have you considered all of the possible scholarships in your state, as well as federal tuition tax deductions, etc.? That may make tuition look a lot cheaper than what you are considering now.
You could also work during the summer and winter breaks to provide some income, but you may have to leave your current job. You could even go to work at a hospital or agency part-time, and see if they have a tuition-reimbursement program (many hospitals hurting for nurses will hire you in as a CNA or other staff and then pay for some or all of your college–so long as you work for them as an RN for a while afterward). So you may want to ask around about that.
Lastly, you could always go to school part-time and work part-time. That may help buffer some of the loss of income and make tuition a little more affordable (though it may take an extra year or two to graduate).
Those are just some ideas to consider to help you make your decision. If you keep feeling like nursing may be what you really want to do, then you may want to consider those other options above to see if you can work something out so that it’s not such a financial difficulty.
I know these decisions can be tough. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the very best of luck!
Frankie says
Nursing is a great career to go into. It has a lot of benefits and it is great degree. I say go for it because although you will be losing an income for two years you will easily make it back
You could always take it slow and go part-time….also you should see if any hospitals in your area have scholarships….they usually work by you promise to work for them x amount of years after you graduate.
Good luck!!
Brooke says
Thank you both for your advice! I had a huge crying session last night, and decided at the end of the day, I do want to be a nurse. I think if I stay in my current job and career, I would eventually go back to saying, “I’m going to nursing school”. Unfortunately, in my area I have to go full time, there is no part time option. I will look into some scholarship/ tuition reembursent options, but since we are planning to relocate once I graduate, that is not likely. But reguardless, I am going to make it work! 🙂
S.L. Page says
You’re very welcome. I know this is a very difficult decision, but I think everything will work out in the end. I wish you the very best of luck! Hang in there!
Martha says
Hi I am a registered nurse in Kiribati but now I am teaching at Kiribati school of Nursing. I think it worth a try to go back and study at nursing school. why don’t you try and see what happens next after completing your training. I know that nursing career is the most challenging but also the most interesting work especially at clinical field. if you have a chance to try again, then don’t miss it
I wish you all the best in your decision making and future trainings