Financial Tips for Nursing Students
There are so many types of degrees and schools for nurses. You can go to community college, attend a university, or do a vocational program!
All of these options cost money and will take time out of your life to complete. I chose to get my BSN as a second bachelor’s degree (my first being a BS in kinesiology) which made my student debt a little more than most at $46K. BUT the schools I chose were both fairly inexpensive for their respective degrees.
“If I could go back in time, I would have gone to a community college to save money and then went back for my bachelors on a hospitals dime! ”
(Did you know that most hospitals will reimburse your bachelor’s degrees? ANNDDD for those considering going to school for nursing, to become a registered nurse you need an Associate Degree in Nursing, so why not get your associates and then get your bachelors paid for?!)
However, if you are already in school for your BSN, here are some other ways to save or be more financially secure during school.
Work part time/ PRN as a CNA/ unit clerk/ scribe so you get comfortable in the setting while getting paid!
Take advantage of retirement accounts at the hospital while you are in school (start early, the longer those investments sit the more compound interest you’ll have! )
Cut back expenses you don't need during school (Rent your books/ ride-share to clinical or class)
Know where your money is going NOW (this is important if you are living off loans or a lower income. If you learn this now you will be better off as a new graduate nurse!)
Pay off high interest debt while you are in school and try to not accumulate more! (I know this may be hard with living on a very low income, but the less high interest debt you have when you finish, the more your paycheck will be YOURS!)
If you do nothing else, make sure you start budgeting now. If you get used to doing it now, when you get your degree and become a registered nurse and that money starts flowing in, you will already be in the mindset to accomplish your financial goals!!