Affording Nursing School
With the economy in a slump, many people are heading back to college and training schools to earn degrees that will enable them to better find well-paying employment. Many of these degree-seekers are heading back because they have lost their jobs. After all, if you can’t find work, why not go to school so you can be qualified and able to find work?
One of the great things about a career in nursing is that there are different levels of nursing, and this is true in all types of nursing, be it obstetrics nursing or geriatric nursing. The three most common levels are Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Nurse (RN).
Becoming a CNA is the easiest of the three. Training usually lasts anywhere from a week to a few months. CNAs work directly under the supervision of an RN, and they are expected to do much of the physical care of patients. Truth be told, this is the most hands-on side of nursing, and many of the aspects of being a CNA are not pretty. However, because CNAs are in such high demand, their salaries are on the rise.
That means it may be of interest to those seeking LPN or RN degrees to first become CNAs. Doing so will give you a job while you work your way through your more advanced degrees. More importantly, it will give you experience, which will look great on your applications to nursing school and on your resume.
The key to affording any kind of school is to work to put yourself through. Even if you only work part-time, that will help cover some of the costs.
Loans are also a viable option, primarily because student loans in the United States tend to have very low interest rates. That means you can afford to take out loans to help you get through school. Just remember that it is best to take out the smallest amount possible and supplement the rest through working hard. Keep in mind that loans aren’t free. You’re going to have to pay the money back, with interest.
As you choose a school, be smart. Look at the cost of tuition. Pay attention to the cost of living for the area where the school is located. Find out how the degrees compare to other nursing degrees from different institutions. Be sure to factor in all these costs as you look at the total cost of the university.
While it is possible to earn your CNA degree then work towards an RN degree, you should do the math and see if that is the best situation for you. Many states have very affordable local colleges or community colleges where you can earn your LPN. If you live in an area with community colleges nearby, consider attending one for two years, then transfer your credits to a four-year institution.
If you work hard and play your cards right, it should be very possible for you to earn a nursing degree. With nurses and nursing assistants in such high demand, particularly in the field of geriatric nursing, now is the time to earn a degree.
How will the next president’s policy affect geriatric nursing?
The following blog has a great post about what Senators McCain and Obama have to say about long-term care for seniors. Click the link to check it out, and then come back to learn more about what this means for the field of geriatric nursing.
What Do Obama and McCain Have to Say About Long-term Care?
Both candidates favor home-based care for the elderly. This seems obvious as the Baby Boomers make up the majority of the voters in America, and both candidates are naturally catering to the likely voters. But what does home-based care mean for people interested in geriatric nursing?
It all boils down to numbers. When seniors are taken care of in a home or center there are fewer nurses and other caretakers needed because they can monitor numerous people at one time. However, when patients are residing in their own residences, it is less efficient for nurses to care for them. That means there will need to be even more geriatric nurses to care for the elderly who are residing in their own homes.
This prospect is excellent news for anybody in the field or planning to be in the field. Of course, it also means that if there are not enough geriatric nurses that many seniors of America will not get the care they need. However, if the demands for geriatric nurses are met, then the care the seniors receive will be far superior to what they generally receive in a nursing home or other residential facility.
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