I want to be a nurse, but i don't know where to start!?

Question

I'm 30 years old, just moved to VA, been out of work since May and I'm interviewing, and my unemployment money is about to run out. I've got a rent payment and a car payment, along with all the other bills that go with living on one's own. That's my financial situation. I've suddenly realised that I want a change of career, and I really think that RN is where I want to be. Obviously I've missed out on the fall semester; should I concentrate on getting a job first and look at night school, or look into getting money to pay all my bills AND pay for school at the same time, so that I can go back to school full time and not worry about finding a job.

Just not sure what I should do next, now that I've finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up...

Answer 1

I am sort of in a similar situation.  I was overseas for 5 years teaching English and just returned a couple of weeks ago after my contract ran out and the school more or less went bust.  I am currently looking for work at the moment too.

It is pretty frustrating as I am interviewing, but not getting hired.  In 100% of these cases so far the jobs have gone to "internal candidates".  I am very frustrated with this situation and unlike you have no idea what my career should be,  My sister is a medical doctor and she likes it I guess.  It pays her way more than anything and she did it for the money.  Still, she has huge debts, and is struggling to make ends meet.  She is a recent grad though.

My opinion for you would be to go to night school,  In Canada, unfortunately, we don't have many night school programs.  I have thought of re-training for a variety of careers but it is full-time mostly or nothing.  I have a BA and a Master's degree but in artsy subjects that no one will hire to do practical jobs.  This is my challenge.  To convince people that I do the job!!!!!

Answer 2

Try for a job at a hospital, some help with college expenses.

4 years college and 2 years nursing school for your RN is quite expensive