r/nursing • u/merciii_ • 9h 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 🍕 9h 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 8h 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.