Becoming a Nurse?

Question

I'm looking into becomming a nurse and only answer if you really know the answer, don't answer just to get some points, Thanks.

I want to know how I can become a nurse and if there are programs or grants for people that have little or no money to invest into it. Could someone let me know what the best thing to do is?

Answer 1

Well, I suggest becoming a CNA first (certified nursing assistant). I didn't, but some schools require it.

I didn't have any money, and couldn't get financial aid, so I went to LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) school (which is only a year long). I was set up on a payment plan which I paid so much a month. Though, LPN school will accept financial aid.

I then got a job at a hospital and if you sign a contract with them they will pay for you schooling. Like, you have to work there for so many years after you finish your degree. I've only worked at my hosptial for 4 months and I already signed the contract and I have to work there for 3 years (of course every facility is different). I'm going to get my associates in Nursing, but with today's job market I highly, highly, recommend getting your bachelor's (BSN) in nursing. Not only will you make more money but you can virtually get any position you want. RN's are in high demand so it's a wonderful, and rewarding, career to get into.

Oh, and since hospitals really want RN's with their bachelors there are accelerated programs where you can get it within a year (though traditionally it's two). Of course, you have to be an RN first.

Good luck.

Answer 2

You would need schooling and clinical training. The kind of schooling you need will depend on what kind of nurse you want to become. You can check with your city college or a university in your area, they have the information on what type of classes you need to take. You can also talk to someone in the field that can tell you. There are government assisted grants such as Pell and SEOG grants. Also some schools offer scholarships and grants that you can look into. Check with the financial aid office at the school you are interested in going to. I would suggest that you start out at a city or community college considering that you don't have much money. If you go to a university or private college you will most likely have to take out loans. If you start off at a city college and get good grades, sometimes you could qualify for scholarships at the university level.

Answer 3

First of all... gather information from the school of your choice about their nursing programs. You have LPN schools, and then diploma, associate, and bachelor programs for RN's. You can also do LPN-RN, or RN to BSN in the future if getting something quick is important to you. Once you know the school you want to go to, check with their financial aid office. With little income, you should qualify for federal grants that do not have to be repaid provided you stay enrolled a certain amt of hours. Also, check with any local (usually the larger ones) hospitals. Many have scholarships and pay for your schooling for return of work with them once you graduate. The ones I looked at were like. You worked one year for them for every semester they paid your way. However, all will vary, so check into those. There are several other scholarships available as well. Again, your financial aid office can give you applications for what is available to you and for what you qualify for. You may have to write essays and fill out large applications. Some may be only $500. But guess what? It helps you w/books, uniforms, or tuition. Nursing school is extremely expensive, and you spend time outside of the classroom, nights, and weekends with schoolwork or in clinicals.

Answer 4

Check into a school which offers nursing degrees in conjunction with a hospital setting. Many times, in such a location, you can get a part time job within the hospital (as a non-nurse, of course) to help you cover tuition and living expenses. The added benefit is you gain experience working in a hospital setting, and may gain the upper edge for a position upon graduation.

Some of the schools have scholarships available for which you can apply. Most of them are not full scholarships, but anything helps. You'd be amazed at how many physicians have set up scholarships for future nurses in their wills when they pass away.

Check it out !

Answer 5

Here's a link of colleges and universities that offer nursing program. It will give you all the details from financial aid, location, requirements, etc. about the school and specifically their nursing programs of your chosen school.

http://www.petersons.com/nursing/ug_code/ug_start.asp?path=ug.fas.nursing

You can also click on the "Get started" tab and go from there to start your research.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

Everyone is entitled to loans from the government. I would suggest a local full time program for your LPN first. The programs take 11 months full time and cost around $10,000. Loans and aid can account for 80 - 90% of the total. Books equal approximately $600.
After the 11months, you are ready to take the state boards. Once you pass, you work. You may then elect to continue to your R.N.

I know from first hand experience.

Answer 7

Get employed at any hospital, doing ANY job! The hospital will pay for part of your education if you maintain a good grade average (B or C, usually). This way you will have a foot in the door, and begin making connections with the right people. Also, you will have a paycheck and benefits.

Answer 8

No, they do it because it is a high paying stable job in which you can help people. If what you are asking is true, then all nurses are sadistic people.

Answer 9

here you go............i am a new nurse graduate....
.....go to a community college...
.....start by talking with a nursing adviser at the community college...
....take an assessment test ...
....take your prereqs to get in the nursing program...
....study ...study .... study...
i was just hired and given a 10000$ sign bonus because of my GPA .....they are paying for me to continue my education
I did all of this with grants .... scholarships.... and student-loans..
the private nursing schools cost way too much...
we all take the same NCLEX...nursing boards to get our license ... no matter where you go to college
good luck

Answer 10

Interview the HR Manager at your local hospital. Good Luck!