I am a full time working mom with 2 small kids and a great husband that is supportive of my decision to go back to nursing school. I am older and married and have to budget my time between family and school.
I am very determined to obtain a BSN, because there are people that think I can’t complete the program. However, with our current situation I have to work full time, unless I can find some amazing grants.
I am currently working on all my prerequisites before even applying for the nursing program. I would love and am open to advice on time budgeting, any known grants that I can apply for and great study habits for nursing courses or any advice in general!
Thank you!
-Meg
This question was asked in the nursing forum section.
Val says
Meg,
You’re making an excellent choice going to nursing school and shame on those naysayers who think you can’t do it. Here are my opinions and what I know about some grant programs. Nursing school, as you probably already know, will consume a lot of time so it is crucial (especially since you have little ones and a hubby) that every second you have is spent doing something productive. I know what really helped me while I was going to nursing school was that I had a planner that I literally schedule hour by hour everything I was going to do (I included study time, project time, cooking, house chores, clincal times etc). The key is that you stick to the planner. I would plan at least two weeks ahead. I found when I did this I got so much more accomplished than I normally would. Then on Sunday I took the whole day off from school and spent it with my family (this helped keep us close and bonded). I think staying organized is key in succeeding.
Now regarding grants, I agree with you that you will need some extra grant money so you don’t have to work as much. Do you already have a degree? If you don’t you need to look into the American opportunity tax credit. You can get a tax credit up to $2,500. My husband is currently seeking the tax credit to finish his bachelors degree. Here is some more information on it: https://www.irs.gov/uac/american-opportunity-tax-credit-questions-and-answers
I’m not sure where you are from but the company Johnson & Johnson has a website that has scholarships listed by state for nursing students. You probably want to check that out as well. https://www.discovernursing.com/scholarships#no-filters
Another great program is the NURSE corps https://bhw.hrsa.gov/loansscholarships/nursecorps/scholarship and they have a very neat program that if you agree to work in an eligible critical shortage facility after graduation for two years they will pays for your tuition and give you a monthly stipend. The start accepting application in April 2015.
Lastly, have you checked with your local hospitals for scholarship programs. Many hospitals will pay for you to go to nursing school (this includes tuition, books, etc) if you agree to work for them a set amount of years. I would definitely check with any local hospitals in your area.
So that is my two cents lol. If you want more in depth information on studying tips and how to pass nursing school I highly recommend you check out the book called “How to Pass Nursing School” by S.L. Page. It is very helpful for someone like you starting nursing school. http://www.amazon.com/Pass-Nursing-School-S-L-Page-ebook/dp/B00FM8YCFE/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=
Val