Balancing Life and Nursing School: Tips for Success
Choosing the Right Nursing School – Part Two
And the journey continues…
In Part One of this two-part series on choosing the right nursing school, we talked about the different levels of nursing (LVN/LPN, RN, NP, CRNA, etc.), how to verify a school’s approval with your state board of nursing, the differences in accreditation, and an estimated timeline for each nursing path.
Now, in Part Two, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty:
- 💰 Financing your education
- 🚩 Red flags to watch for
- ⚖️ How to balance work, life, and school
And yes — your free surprise is at the end!
💰 Financing Your Nursing Education
Now that you’ve chosen your path, the next question is: How are you going to pay for it?
Nursing school can be expensive, but don’t let that scare you — there are several options:
1. Out-of-Pocket
If you can afford it, paying cash avoids debt. Many schools offer payment plans for easier budgeting.
2. Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA)
Complete the FAFSA each academic year to access Pell Grants and federal loans. Know your annual and lifetime limits.
3. Private Loans
If federal aid isn’t enough, private loans based on credit are an option. A co-signer may help you qualify for better rates.
4. Scholarships, Grants, and the GI Bill
Research school and community scholarships, professional organizations, and grants — especially if you qualify for the GI Bill.
5. Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Check if your employer offers tuition reimbursement. Requirements usually include pre-approval, passing grades, and job-related coursework.
🚩 Red Flags to Watch Out For
Let’s talk about that infamous “Florida Nurse” comment from Part One...
A few years ago, some schools (especially in Florida) were caught offering fake degrees and even NCLEX guarantees for cash. This scandal hurt innocent students and tarnished reputations.
Moral of the story? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Protect yourself by:
- Checking NCLEX pass rates
- Talking to alumni or current students
- Asking employers if they hire grads from that school
⚖️ Balancing Work, Life, and School
I’m not going to sugarcoat it: nursing school is tough.
I spent nearly 10 years finishing my Associate’s degree. Every time I tried, life hit me — job loss, car troubles, family illness. But in 2015, I made up my mind. I wasn’t quitting again.
I worked 12-hour night shifts, napped in my car between work and school, and pushed through exhaustion, doubt, and finances. I had classmates, instructors, and my family cheering me on — especially my husband (he’d kill me if I didn’t mention him! 😄).
It was hard. But it was worth it. And if I did it — you can too.
✅ Lean on your support system
✅ Don’t aim for perfection — just keep going
🎁 Your Free Surprise: Download the School Comparison Worksheet!
I created a simple, printable worksheet to help you narrow down your school choices based on important criteria like cost, accreditation, and pass rates.
If you have questions, comments, or need advice, drop a comment below or contact us using the Contact Page.
With Love,
Nurse TLC Life 💉❤️
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