Hi. I'm currently a CNA working full time nights in a LTC facility. I'm seriously considering going to Nursing School. I've really made the decisoun that this is what I want to do, but I just don't have a clue about how to get started. Financially, I can't afford it. While my employer does offer tuition reimbursement, it won't reimburse everything and I don't know that I can really make up the difference. I'd hate to get tied up in loans, though it looks like that's what I'll have to do... I'm still not sure if I want to do an LPN or RN program. What are the pros and cons? Also, I have a husband and a school-age son. Plus I will need to continue to work full time overnights. Anyone else done this working full time with a family. Will I ever see them? Will I ever sleep? Also, the local community college has a nursing program, but it has a waiting list. I'm trying to get on it now, but I don't know which program I want to do. LPN? RN? How long does each one take? Is it worth it to start out with the LPN that takes less time, and work towards an RN later?

Anyone that's been in this situation, or that has any advice, I'd really appreciate it. Right now, I feel like all I know is that I want to do something.. I just don't know what? Thanks for everything, anything...

I am working full time now and will be back in nursing school in January. It has been a difficult balancing act for me. I started nursing school August 06, made it throught the first semester. I made a D the second semester and will have to repeat it so I am not in nursing school right now. I found the stress and pressure to be extreme. I took all my non-nursing courses first before getting into the nursing program. I am going for an ADN degree. While out I have taken classes that will transfer to the BSN. I have taken 1 or 2 classes at the time. I paid out of pocket for the first year or so and then got finanacial aid, grants and loans. I am married with 2 teenagers. The youngest graduated high school this year but that doesn't make it any easier. As the wife and mother, there is so much you have to do. I have to fine tune some of the things I did that didn't work last January as well as find ways to deal with the stress. I work third shift too. I actually work 7P-7A when in nursing school on Fri., Sat. and Sunday. I will try working 11P-7A on Thurs. and Sunday and 7P-7A on Friday and Saturday. Full time work is a must for me also because my husband is disabled. I am now saving my vacation time to use it for the summer when it will be impossible for me to work and do the labor and delivery rotation of my nursing program. I know I will make it this time. I was just 3 points from what I needed last January. I have been a CNA for 10+ years. I tried before to go to school but finances were the problem. I have been taking a class or 2 since 2003 and will finally graduate with the help of God in May 2009. It will all be worth it to me. I will go on for BSN when I finish ADN. There are more promotional opportunities where I work for BSN.

You're right pumpkin there are several members on NursingLink that are in your position. What type of program are you looking into?

regardless of how difficult, and out of reach your goal may seem, if you want this, really want this...then nothing will stop you. When a persons heart and mind are one, and you can picture yourself getting through all this, and believe...it will happen. The universe will see you through. Just believe.

I am currently working from home with 2 small children of my own. I have a 2 yr old and a 6 week old. I have finally made the decision to go back to school to become an RN. The local community college has an awesome nursing program. I am in a similar situation where there is a daycare on campus but they will only take my 2 yr old and not my son. I am not really wanting to put him in day care at 6 weeks old. I was wondering if there is an online RN program out there? I was also wondering about finances. Does anyone know of a website or somewhere I can find funding for furthering my education? Grants? Scholarships?

It is nice to know though that there are people with the same goal in similar situations out there.

Hey everyone im a cna i just found this site do anyone know if pascagoula hospitale needs any cna..and does the home heathcare need anyone..it would mean alot to me if anyone knows..im a single mother without a job i need one bad!! I just moved down here..please let me know thank you!!