How can I go to nursing school but still pay the mortgage?

In the UK, many people work part time as an agency healthcare assistant (the USA equivalent is a CNA). This means you pick and choose your shifts around your university work and your clinical rotations. I agree with CatDad... be careful what you wish for. It's not as good as it seems.

I worked at a computer company for 16 years and spent about 5 years doing my prereqs. I decided about 2 years into it to go into nursing. I applied and got accepted to a VERY competitive BSN program at UT in the Houston Medical Center. We became debt-free a couple of years ago and started saving. I quit my job in January and will be done May of next year. The program is 4 semesters and we go straight through the summer so it takes just a little over a year. Some people work during the program, but I can't imagine doing that. If you HAVE to work, then you might need to get your ADN, then go back for your BSN later. If you are in the ADN program you should be able to keep working. It is much less intense than the BSN program. Of course, there are grants and loans out there. So far I am paying for everything as I go. I really need to take the time to apply for some grants!!! Yes, you would be an RN. Keep in mind that some of the larger hospitals want BSN-trained RNs. BUT, there are LOTS of nurses that do the ADN, then get into a "bridge" program to get their bachelor's degree. The problem is that you are going to spend another 2 years to get an associate's degree and you could probably spend 2 years or LESS and come out with a BSN. I'd suggest you look at all the options. The BSN will cost a bit more and will be more intense, but it will save years on your education if you plan to continue past your ADN down the road. Personally, I want to get my masters and become a CRNA. Sine I am already 40, I wanted to get my BSN, then work for a year or two, then go for my masters (while I work). If I got my ADN, then my BSN, then my MSN, it would just take too long. GOOD LUCK. It is a great career. I did clinicals in a major hospital this semester and loved it! Just finished finals this week so I am off for the next two weeks and I MISS CLASSES!!! DON'T do an LPN program unless you want to work in a nursing home. Good Call!

There are lots of programs out there to help nurses get financial aid to help pay for school. Also when you get done and start working , there is a great program that helps pay back your loans. It is called the NELRP (Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program). It pays back a certain percentage of your loans over 2-3 years. Good luck and I know you can do it. Nursing is great. it has so many rewards.