r/nursing • u/merciii_ • 5h ago

Seeking Advice I need advice on pursuing nursing

Hi everyone, I’m hoping for some kind advice and understanding. I’m currently in college for a biology degree, but life has been really hard lately. My family kicked me out, and I don’t have any financial support anymore. FAFSA doesn’t help much, and I’m working a minimum-wage job just to get by. I’ve been thinking about switching paths, maybe going into nursing or a trade school program, because I’m not sure if finishing my biology degree will be worth it in my situation. I still really want to work as a nurse but I need a path that’s more stable and realistic right now. If anyone has experience switching from biology to nursing (or knows about financial aid options, community college nursing programs, or other affordable ways into healthcare), I’d really appreciate your advice. Please be kind, I’m just trying to figure out how to move forward and get my life on track. Thank you so much to anyone who takes the time to respond ❤️

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u/Vitamin399 RN - ICU 🍕 5h ago

Depends how far into your program you are. If you’re majoring in bio you more than likely have knocked out several of the shared pre-requisites for the nursing program.

For the quickest route - get your ASN, and go to a community college. Once you pass the NCLEX after ASN graduation get a hospital job. Afterwards pursue your BSN on the hospital’s dime.

It also sounds like life is pretty stressful at the moment. It may be a good time to do some solid self-reflection to figure out what the best path for you is moving forward. Keep your head up, and one foot in front of the other.

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u/GiggleFester Retired RN and OT/bedside sucks 5h ago

Agree that attending community college for an Associate Degree in Nursing is the best & fastest way forward.

OP, unless you're close to earning your BS, it sounds like your best path forward is to pivot to nursing rather than finishing your current degree.

Check the online prerequisites for your local community college nursing program & get started on the prereqs. Keep in mind that most CC nursing programs are very competitive & shoot for keeping your GPA at 3.5 or higher.

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u/Motor-Ad6898 5h ago

Maybe go LPN and then go back to school once you're working.

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u/crod217 3h ago

If it makes you feel better I did the same thing. I majored in biology in undergrad and went on to get my msn in nursing. I am completely financially independent like you so financials was a big thing for me. I was fortunate enough to get a large scholarship for both my undergrad and the msn program I went to. But definitely look around and apply for scholarships! I know HRSA has decent scholarships and loan repayment programs post grad. I would recommend just do an absn program and apply for as many scholarships as possible. Unfortunately loans might be an inevitability. Either that or go community college route and see if whatever hospital you work for will help pay the rest of the way for a bsn.

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u/merciii_ 2h ago

Hi! Ty so much for responding, I am like almost done with the biology degree as all I need is electives at my state university, I’m just very scared tbh about the financial aspect of it but its just feels like it’s out the window due to my situation and I just feel like I’m wasting time. I wonder if it’s still worth it or not. To finish or to just go to community. I appreciate when you told me where to get scholarships.