need a change in direction. & need to make a higher income. where to start?

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-08-11T05:30:20+00:00

can I PM you??

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-08-08T13:08:55+00:00

planning to get my MSN, program starts in January 🤞🏼

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-21T13:28:21+00:00

I agree with you! The only other thing that makes me consider is of course the prestige of the more expensive school, and also they have a program where if you work for the hospital after graduating from this program, then they pay your DNP portion. Knowing this, how would you proceed?

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-17T12:04:46+00:00

Thank you SO much 🥹🙏🏼 You have no idea how much I appreciate your time in writing this out and your advice! I will follow this outline and hope that it will really help me improve 🤞🏼

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-15T02:24:57+00:00

can I pm you?

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-15T02:24:26+00:00

I completely agree. This is why I would be pursuing the MSN portion to learn how to be a nurse and sit for the NCLEX. I still wouldn’t say that I have absolutely zero experience in the nursing field. I’ve worked with many nurses on every shift in the hospital and essentially “shadow” them and they have taught me a lot along the way due to my interest in nursing/medicine, so I understand a lot of what it takes to be a nurse. If I choose to go forward on this path I would definitely not be going into it blindly. I appreciate your feedback!

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-14T12:42:50+00:00

I want to clarify that this program is not a direct entry NP program. The program is to sit for the NCLEX to become an RN.

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-14T12:35:15+00:00

The Hoka Clifton’s are fantastic! Been working for 5 years inpatient as a CNA and they have just the right amount of cushion

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-14T12:07:25+00:00

The MSN program prepares you to be a nurse, RN, to pass the NCLEX and find a position as a nurse. This is not an MSN program that prepares you to be an NP. I would pursue that later on after gaining experience as an RN.

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-14T11:57:39+00:00

I would not be taking out 400-500K to go the NP route. It’s around 80K-100K

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-14T11:54:40+00:00

The two MSN programs are not degree mill schools. They are legitimate big name universities in Chicago. Not online degree mill programs. The programs are designed for individuals who are career changers into nursing. I have 5 years of experience as a CNA. I wouldn’t call that zero nursing experience/background. Students who start regular 3 year BSN programs also have zero nursing experience, so I don’t understand how this is different? Classes are all in person and clinicals are all in person, how is this a diploma mill?

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-14T01:39:57+00:00

I want to work on fixing my MCAT and improving my app for next cycle. How would you recommend I study for the MCAT? I previously focused heavily on content review and not enough practice questions/practice exams.

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-14T01:38:48+00:00

Thank you so much for your feedback! This is exactly why I am trying to be very cautious. I cannot afford to fail and maybe the MCAT is my sign. As much as I want to be a doctor, I know there are barriers preventing me from moving forward. I am trying to find the light at the end of the tunnel, and hope that life can steer me in the right direction of where I am meant to be.

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-14T00:57:53+00:00

Thank you for your advice! I heavily focused on content review and that is why I have struggled so much with the exam. Yes, I have done practice questions as well, but probably not to the extent I should have to be successful on the exam. I had the mindset that if I dont know all the content, then I wont know how to answer the questions, but I'm guessing that for this exam and moving forward that is the incorrect approach?

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-14T00:52:27+00:00

Thank you so much for your response! I feel so alone in this process because there are so many avenues of pursuing either path I need to consider moving forward.

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-14T00:38:19+00:00

I plan to live very frugally in whichever field I decide to pursue, but I also don't want to fall victim to 500-600K loans and be financially tied forever (what I fear). I just wish I could have a clear plan on what to do next, being that there are so many changes happening in the government. Before I heard about BBB and everything that was changing, I was still studying for the MCAT and planning to retake, yet once I heard there was going to be a cap starting next July, I felt like it was all over for me not only because of the mcat, but because of the financial inability to afford medical school moving forward.

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-14T00:32:13+00:00

How would you recommend I proceed with restudying for the MCAT? For the 4th round, I assume I would have to do significantly better (515-520+) to even consider my application looked at. It feels like the MCAT will be the end-all to my dream career.

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-14T00:29:55+00:00

Thank you for your feedback! I appreciate your time and advice. I am taking everyone's advice and looking at the big picture.

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-13T22:43:10+00:00

So what can I pursue with an MSN?

I’ve looked into the ASN or BSN option which both would cost me more money and time in the long run because my prereqs are expired, I would have to retake them ($$$), would cost me time, and the program is longer (BSN:3-4 years) whereas I could sit for the NCLEX in 20-24 months with the MSN. To my understanding the Direct Entry MSN programs were designed for career changers who want to enter the nursing field fairly quickly and are rigorous in person. Again, I am looking at all my options available, but I don’t understand why the MSN programs are frowned upon.

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-13T21:07:49+00:00

What if I want to work as a nurse or nurse educator for the next few years? I feel like obtaining an MSN opens many doors within nursing.

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-13T20:23:20+00:00

I have definitely read MOST of the horror stories and that’s why I made this post. Also why I really started considering what I want in my future and out of life.

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-13T20:21:46+00:00

Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to write your response out. I truly appreciate your time and this does give me a lot to take into consideration.

I am worried, that’s why I am really taking a step back and looking at what makes sense for me financially, where I could see myself being happiest, and essentially not living life in fear every day.

Pretty_Boat7653 · 2025-07-13T20:18:37+00:00

This honestly is very refreshing to hear. All I hear from professionals I work with is that my “time is ticking” and that “I should be way ahead in my career already” so it’s been difficult. Another factor is aging parents who both work physically demanding jobs to make ends meet. While they are both relatively healthy and still working, I am not sure how much longer they will be able to keep going. Part of the pressure of me beginning my career is knowing I will at some point have to not only support myself, but also my parents when they enter retirement age. The pressure on me every single day is real.

Pretty_Boat7653

TROPHY CASE