I am so bummed!  I already have a bachelor's degree and would really like to go back to school to become an RN.  I was considering an ADN (RN) program at the local community college.  But, that was quickly squashed when I found out that I cannot qualify for Federal financial aid (grants, loans) because I already have a bachelor's!! 

I'm a newlywed, unemployed and we cannot afford to pay out of pocket for me to return to school. We also do not have any family that could assist.  Because of our financial situation, a private loan is not an option either.   I have heard that if I can aquire a job at a hospital, sometimes they will pay for you to go to school.  I'm not having much luck with that, but I'm still looking.  Has anyone found themselves in this same position??  I would welcome ANY feedback to this frustrating situation.  Thank you!!!

 I agree with Teresa Teaching Hospitals would help you. Sometimes when you are in and keep expressing your interest in learning you never know who will help direct you in the right direction. Sometimes just Volunteering  @ your local Hospital to get your feet wet, they might see how serious you are,working in various Depts, its about Networking,even talk with the Drs, perhaps if possible expressing interest of going to Nursing School thru the local College they may know,some people who want to do/give out scholarships etc?  Girlie, you may need to start from Bottom up like I did @ local hospital.'cept unfortunately,by the time I passed Boards they were bought out becoming a "For" instead a "Non" Profit,so I ended in Geriatrics all these years.  Who said Life would be easy sometimes,but thats what   WE  @ the Link are HERE FOR YOU!

There is usually a county hospital in the area. Try one of those..Just call all of them. you could also look into some on line classes. Good luck, Keep us posted..Hugs,Teresa

Welcome, and  if you have any further question  and now I'm able to  way say to go.. now there's a way to go...I hope I help you somewhat. Good Luck and  God Bless you in all of you future endeavors....Hugs, Teresa xoxoxo  BTW Keep us posted...

That's wonderful...Good luck and God Bless.. Please keep her posted.. Hugs,Teresa

That is just wonderful news. I am very happy for you and you won't regret your decision.. Good Luckto you and God Bless you in your future endeavors..Hugs, Teresa

rookin423, I'm sorry I'm late getting this to you, but this information may still provide some additional funding.  Way back in the day when I went to school, my friend supported herself throughout by applying for scholarships, as well as government grants.  She found these through the campus financial aid office.  They were usually small to medium in size and offered by various organizations or funds (as opposed to the government grants and loans).  She didn't live high on the hog (she said she had alot of "popcorn nights"), but by applying for as many scholarships as she qualified for, she won enough incremental scholarship money to pay her way through school.  Since you have yet to start to school, you might look into these, as you will still have to pay for your tuition BEFORE THE COSTS ARE REIMBURSED BY YOUR EMPLOYER!   And don't forget the costs for books and supplies, lab fees, uniforms, etc.  It all adds up.   

In any case, congratulations and best of luck in your career.

Thank you RobertRN01 for the great advice! Yes, I'm aware that I must pay for it upfront before costs are reimbursed.  After much encouragement from my co-workers, I decided to apply to UT-Arlington's BSN program for a second Bachelor's degree and was accepted!!!!  I start classes in late March and when I'm done, I will have a BSN.  I'm exceptionally thrilled to go down this path!!!  I have heard so much about how having a BSN would be so much more beneficial over an LVN or a ADN.  I just didn't thnk I could do it with working.  As it turns out, the classes are online and when I am ready for clinicals, they will be at a local hospital.  I'm blessed to have a boss that is more than willing to work around my schedule for my clinicals!!  I'm walking on a cloud right now!!!!