OP here. Thanks for these honest replies. For PP who suggested I don't have a passion for nursing - this is not true. I earned my degree later in life and didn't want to "start over" with my credits when I went back to school. I want to become a hospice nurse.

I'm taking this job because this is what I've found for now. I'll keep applying for higher paying jobs and get more solidly on my feet, get a better lay of the land, etc before taking on the added responsibility and chaos that being a student entails.

Perhaps I mentioned it elsewhere, but I moved to western Maryland for the low cost of living and because one of my very best friends lives here. I don't have family support and no former network to return to in DC - all of my old friends from there have since moved away and it's far too expensive besides.

Thanks again.

Anonymous wrote:Find something that pays more than $9/ hr for starters. Fcps bus drivers start at $18/hr.

Nurses don't make much more. INOVA hires for $23/hour.

sales clerks at Saks make $16/hr to start plus commission. There is no reason you should be getting a job for $9/hour.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FYI this is why I'm becoming a nurse:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/657193.page

1. You aren't going to make that as a new grad.

2. Nursing is hella hard so you better have something you like about it other than money.

3. As a newbie, you'll get the worst shifts.

4. I know all of this. I did my homework. I am going into nursing for job stability and growth potential.

If you did all your homework why are you on DCUM asking people to plan your life?

I'm looking for advice - if it's better to work and go to school or just go to school.

And we at Dcum are telling you NEITHER choice is a good idea. Just get a job first. And why do you think you'll only make $9/hr?

Any chance of a reconciliation OP? No offense, but it doesn't sound like you are cut out for single parenthood. (I don't think I am either.)

Nursing school is not easy. Lots of people wash out. I would stabilize myself with a job first. Also, I'm puzzled at how you've apparently accepted the statement of some nobody in a western md social service office that you'll never collect child support.

OP, you're being very risky and naive going back to become an RN this early in the game. Sure, it's a great career, but as a former RN, I'll let you in on the not so secret that the beginning years are hell, and you need to make sure you have help lined up before you even consider it. As a student, you have clinical hours outside of "regular school" hours. As a new grad, you're getting all the sucky shifts - holidays, overnights, weekends, etc. These can provide a huge childcare issue if you don't have that considered ahead of time.

Aside from this, it's hard, breaking work, emotionally and physically, and isn't something that I'd recommend someone take on on a whim just to help their financial situation.

Personally, in your situation, I wouldn't be looking at taking on any extra debt and insecurity, especially considering you already have a degree, and I especially wouldn't look at nursing as it obviously isn't something you have a passion for, or you would have taken it instead of communications to start with.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FYI this is why I'm becoming a nurse:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/657193.page

1. You aren't going to make that as a new grad.

2. Nursing is hella hard so you better have something you like about it other than money.

3. As a newbie, you'll get the worst shifts.

4. I know all of this. I did my homework. I am going into nursing for job stability and growth potential.

Build some income first before you spend money - money that you don't have - on tuition, books, labs, and practicals.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FYI this is why I'm becoming a nurse:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/657193.page

1. You aren't going to make that as a new grad.

2. Nursing is hella hard so you better have something you like about it other than money.

3. As a newbie, you'll get the worst shifts.

4. I know all of this. I did my homework. I am going into nursing for job stability and growth potential.

If you did all your homework why are you on DCUM asking people to plan your life?

I'm looking for advice - if it's better to work and go to school or just go to school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FYI this is why I'm becoming a nurse:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/657193.page

1. You aren't going to make that as a new grad.

2. Nursing is hella hard so you better have something you like about it other than money.

3. As a newbie, you'll get the worst shifts.

4. I know all of this. I did my homework. I am going into nursing for job stability and growth potential.

If you did all your homework why are you on DCUM asking people to plan your life?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FYI this is why I'm becoming a nurse:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/657193.page

1. You aren't going to make that as a new grad.

2. Nursing is hella hard so you better have something you like about it other than money.

3. As a newbie, you'll get the worst shifts.

4. I know all of this. I did my homework. I am going into nursing for job stability and growth potential.

So why not get a 8 to 5 using your communications degree so you are making more than $9 per hour not dependent on gov't assistance and child support ( which btw from experience both suck), you could still taking evening classes towards RN?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FYI this is why I'm becoming a nurse:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/657193.page

1. You aren't going to make that as a new grad.

2. Nursing is hella hard so you better have something you like about it other than money.

3. As a newbie, you'll get the worst shifts.

4. I know all of this. I did my homework. I am going into nursing for job stability and growth potential.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FYI this is why I'm becoming a nurse:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/657193.page

1. You aren't going to make that as a new grad.

2. Nursing is hella hard so you better have something you like about it other than money.

3. As a newbie, you'll get the worst shifts.

Anonymous wrote:FYI this is why I'm becoming a nurse:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/657193.page

1. You aren't going to make that as a new grad.

2. Nursing is hella hard so you better have something you like about it other than money.

OP,
Can you please answer the question about why you have to get a nursing degree now.

Why aren't you building on the degree you already have?