Why Going To Get My Registered Nursing Degree Was A HUGE Mistake! 

I got my BSN while being pregnant and working full time. I also went to school full time. Knocked it out in 2 years. Many sleepless nights but I don't regret it. My 6 figure salary has given me a good life.

I went to RN school while working full time and it was tough. I was so stressed out that I developed high blood pressure and alopecia. On top of all of that, my ex-husband filed for divorce- the man left me while I was in school. Those days were the deepest and darkest days, but it was worth it. Nursing has been good to me. LPN 7 years; RN, BSN 7 years. ❤ I Love Nursing.

Man I completely get it. I didn’t work through nursing school. My father practically demanded me not to work so I took him up on his offer. I lived at home for 2 years, used my tax money to pay for things like meals and transportation. I wore the same clothes for 2 years. I had a phone that was about 4 years old. I did not care! I brought only the things that I needed and that was all. I graduated with a bachelor’s in nursing and paid off about $45,000 in student loans in about 3 years. If you are willing to sacrifice momentarily for a better future why not just to it! I did not take advice from no one that wasn’t in nursing school. They will never get it.

And I was crazy enough to do accelerated Nursing😂. When I tell you I clipped EVERYONE, including the kids. I was locked in my room all the time studying. Now I am done, passed the Nclex. It was worth it though.

Listen school ain’t going NOWHERE and timing is everything.. I paid for LPN school in cash and didn’t work and I also plan to do the same for RN school..so I’m the meantime I’m gonna make this paper and when the time is right….it will happen!

Dude! I almost dropped out of nursing school three times! I was in my last semester, taking my last class, when I was ready to give it all up because I had no idea what the hell I was getting myself into. Only 1/3 of the students I started with made it as far as graduation. But after making it, getting my license, and becoming an RN I realized why it was so hard. Getting a job as an RN is eaaaasy. And we have so many options that you don't ever have to provide bedside care if you don't want to and still make a crap load of money. You made the right decision by leaving though because you need to put all of your attention and have to be determined to give it your all. Otherwise, you will just end up flunking out anyway. You've got this dude!

I graduate next month with my LPN! This program was ALOT! I suffered so much hair loss, anxiety, and lots of sadness here and there. BUT I have a beautiful toddler and an amazing supportive partner. I’ve been working part-time and even that is alot. I do plan on working towards my ADN-RN. I feel like if I can get through LPN school I can get through RN. Stay blessed!!

Your video was dope. We all have different situations for instance: I was initially going for PA school but right before I started my husband was murdered and I was left with 4 kids. I stopped everything bc many days I could barely breathe. Last year I started an RN program at a CC, and work full time while having my children. I graduate next December; God willing. If I can do it, anyone can. Believe, pray and don’t listen to anyone else who isn’t on your team. You can do anything you put your mind to. ❤

I don’t know why LPNs feel like they have to become a RN. I made the same mistake. I got my diploma as a LPN and years later attempted to get my RN degree. My grades were great, but I couldn’t pass the then, TEAS test. Now I only do contracts and make just as much or more than RNs. I have less responsibility also, so less stress. The key is to find out what God’s plan is for YOU! Stop following everyone else’s blueprint.❤

I am a nursing professor and a clinical instructor. I preach this to any and everyone who will listen. Thank you for your honesty and transparency!!!

As a RN (registered nurse) I'm not afraid of loosing my job or quitting my job because I learnt how to save to invest putting my money back to work to make more money. I'm not just after the money but the freedom to live on my terms

LPN to ADN. ADN to BSN. BSN to MSN dual track (Health Care Administration and Executive Leadership). All while raising kids and working 2 jobs. All I’m saying is: 1. Be ready to put in the work!! 2. We need MORE Black male nurses!! Nursing has nothing to do with gender or sexual orientation. 3. Men are “nurtures” too and we are STILL hell a masculine!! 4. Why consider nursing? It’s an economy proof career (there are others…). But this is why I got in; it’s been 17 years!! Thank you for your video. Well done!!

You’re on point. I graduate from nursing school in a few weeks. I saved for 2 years before entering the actual RN program to make sure I could pay for school in cash and I was relatively debt free so that I could work the bare minimum and still survive. That allowed me to focus on school instead of bills. Another tip- stay as far ahead on assignments as possible. That gives me breathing room and time to spend with friends and family. Once you get behind, it’s hard as hell to catch up. Good luck on your journey!!!

Guy I worked for years ago owned a multi million dollar BBQ chain, dropped out of 10th grade to get a job to support his family, and once told me, "Before I start this.... how much am I willing to lose? Money that i will never see again.. $30K." Ever since I heard that, I put that into everything I do. Especially nursing school. Keep up the videos man! I listen to them multiple times a week, still on my nursing school grind!

I saved up 20k then went to RN while working part time. In the ER as a tech/emt. Just don’t fall in love during nursing school, that’s another pitfall. I’m on year 16 now-best professional condition I ever made.

I’m finishing up my Pre Requisite now and applied to start the program in January. And I plan on not working. Thankfully my kids dad is a big supporter for this and will support us fully financially. This will be a blessing

Been a RN for 13 years..Been a traveler 3 years...no complaints here...still love my job❤

I totally agree with you , I am currently in Nursing school and this is the story of my life , I sacrificed so much for this program. I graduated May 5, 2023 and I can't wait to have a normal life again.

35 years later post my BSN RN, I feel you… The BSN program was a BEAST!!! Keep striving and don’t stop until you WIN!!! Sending you prayers and positive vibes… 💯👍🏾💯

This is what my fellow classmates are dealing with now. Stressed out, working full time and being a full time student. No sir! I'm currently doing it part time, one nursing class a time.

FIRST THANK YOU FOR SHARING! I finished my LPN program July 25, 2022. Passed my NCLEX August 9, 2022. Started The ADN program August 15, 2022. Had mental break down and dropped out after two weeks. I no longer wanted to be there or study! My Husband held me and our Son down while I went to school. I was so BLESSED that I didn't have to worry about bills or work, all I had to do was focus on school! I never thought that I would be a nurse. I was working as a dialysis Technician for 8 years and I also had got my associate degree in criminal justice in 2012 (which I never was able to get a job with). I had all the odds against me: I have dyslexia (VERY SLOW READER, TOTAL DEAF IN MY RIGHT EAR, AND DIABETES). My Husband had overcome cancer and a hip replacement two years before I got into nursing school. My Husband was sooooo supportive and wanted me to stay in the ADN program! Even though he was saying stay in school, I knew he was drowning, but was going to do any and everything for me to stay in school! I was so stressed out I begin to have noise bleeds in class, my AC1 was 11, and my hearing was getting worse which meant that I needed to invest in more expensive hearing aids. Right now, in my life I want to work on my health and find a job that will allow me to have a work and family life. Thank you for this video!

He said my lady aint no trouble lol! 🤣 I did a 16 month BSN program. I also saved up and quit my job 1 week before nursing school started. Lived on a tight budget, but I got it done. It was a huge motivation to not repeat any semester. I had to make sure my sacrifice wasn't in vain.

Im glad you said this. Im an LPN and worked with a fellow LPN and did the RN program while working 32 hours. She had a nervous breakdown and failed the 1st semester.

This video is reassurance that I’m doing the right thing. I’m 26 been a trucker for 5 years and have decided to enroll in school to get my RN. I am so serious about this tha I gave up my apartment and motorcycle and moved with my uncle. With the hopes of saving 30k to live off of, and go part time when I get into a nursing program. I was gonna try working 40 hours a week while doing nursing school. But I wanted to do this with the least amount of stress so I cut some expenses and made some sacrifices.I don’t want to be overwhelmed I want this career transition to be smooth and I wanna be as focused as possible.

Wheww! This is everything! I won’t lie, the LPN program i attended, was so much HARDER to manage than the RN program. I went to a CC for my RN, idk if it would’ve been harder than a BSN program, but I was not able to work much in the LPN program. I worked FT during my RN program, but I had no other choice. It’s doable!

I have been an LVN for 14 years and will be starting the RN bridge program at a community college at the end of May. Even though I have been a nurse this long I wasn’t sure this is what I wanted to do. Last year I took a break from nursing and took a job at an elementary school which I love but started to really miss nursing after 6 months away. I am finishing out the school year with my current job but have been picking up nursing shifts when I can. I have an associates degree in science so I really only need the nursing courses. The school I am attending now has a nursing BSN program so that is my end goal. My husband, who is also and LVN, has started working extra to squirrel away money so that I don’t have to work during nursing school. Honestly I think I wasn’t motivated before because we were comfortable and enjoyed where we were working. Two years ago we moved and have really settled in over the last year. Also, this year my oldest son is graduating high school and my youngest son will be starting kinder next year and I think this life change has motivated me to go back and do something for myself. I am a little nervous going back to school but excited at the same time. I agree with not working during nursing school, if possible, but I know not everyone is able to do that. Thanks for sharing.

My goal is to have $15,000 by the time I start my program 💪🏾 I plan to work only on the weekends.

Yes this is big! 20k is a good goal & i already work n the hospital.. unlimited overtime. I needed a lil guidance bc i learned the hard way the first time just like you! This was well needed.

You sir are wise beyond your years. Everything you said makes so much sense. RN program ain’t no joke. I did it while working 24 hrs a week and I was a whole RT for 16 hrs prior to and that ish was STILL hard. You’re going places!!!

I hear you exactly. U can focus and get the most out of school not worried about money. No loans if u can do it. After 30 years of being RN. I just finished psychiatric nurse practitioner school at 57 working 1.5 jobs by the grace of GOD. I don’t advise it. Nursing school ain’t no joke Thank u for encouragement about keeping trying. I have to sit for certification very soon.

I didn’t go to RN school but, I went to grad school for counseling in my early 30’s …while being a single mother of two children, buying a home, supervisor working full time and completed a practicum and intern. It was HELL and I’m not sure how I got through it then I had to get 3000 hours and pass the counselor exam. I did it! But it was redemption for me because, I dropped out of grad school following me getting pregnant. Financial aid did help with refunds for some emergencies but I would have loved the opportunity for free! My educational fees is over $100,000 so I would’ve been studying in my sleep. 😂 That time will come and go wether you use it or not You can do it, even if it’s differently!!

by thebgrace of God I was able to save some money before going back for my RN. I only work one day a week now

Hi CJ, thanks for your videos. I know RN school is murder ! I am currently in a state college taking the bridge accelerated program from LPN. My program is 15 months long I graduate in August 2023 God willingly. I had to quit my LPN job at an ALF during second semester, I would’ve never been able to get through the program had I kept working and it was only a part time position!! Fortunately for me, I have a good support system right now and live rent free with my boyfriend and I’m so grateful for that because if I had to work to support myself financially I would’ve never been able to get through RN school. You sound like u have a good plan keep making these videos I love to hear your experiences as an LPN. Much love 🙏🏼

Thank you so much for this🎉😊 because THIS is what I needed to hear. I have been struggling with "which path to take "as of the LPN or RN route but, I can’t afford to just jump into an RN program at the moment. 💯 When you started talking about saving up, then going for your RN and the benefits that came with it such as being more focused and less stressed, being able to save before RN school to not worry about outside accommodations while in school and the mini vacations… etc. My mind instantly clicked into (LPN - RN ) mode. Again thank you so much for making this video. Keep working hard and being a good inspiration 😇

I totally agree with you,. I went to lpn school working night and day because I had those bills to ,it was the most stressful time of my life and I promised myself after I graduate I'm going to be taking it slow and enjoy my life..I would never go back to RN school grinding the way I did in lpn school.

I start my RN program in the fall and won't be working at all. I will be living and breathing nursing school as my only focus.

That's what's appreciative about degrees that require individuals to sacrifice (not just sacrifice money through loans, but also forcing students not to work due to rigor, postponing life basically, etc). If every other degree had this type of rigor to them then all other non-nursing degrees would be well respected. Best wishes in your endeavors brother!

I graduated with a BSN at the ripe old age of 20 lol. Thank you Lord I also went to school completely free and secured my seat in nursing school through a program I applied to as a high school senior (I was selected based on academic performance and standardized test scores). If you know early on that you want to go into nursing, there are some options out there to get it done before life really hits you. I got pregnant with twins three months into my first nursing job and I have no clue how I would have managed being a new mom of two if I didn’t have the stability, flexibility, and income from nursing. Best of luck to everyone!

RN school is something else. Definitely study while your on your break.practice NCLEX questions every day (@least 50). Also apply for scholarships to supplement your savings. Get a job/ volunteer in the field (cook/ STNA/ patient transport). Reach out to ppl the field. & PLEASE stay humble once you make it. Your a very wise man for choosing to save before school. Try looking into other professions in the field like rad tech, respiratory therapist, etc. If RN is really your dead set goal it may be cool to climb the ladder ( STNA, LPN, then RN) its slower but you'll get more understanding & get paid $$$ sooner, & some jobs may pay for you to comtinue your education. So many options! Much love & good luck ❤🙏👍

I truly appreciate this video. ❤ Ive tried to go to Nursing school 3 times. Im so embarrassed about it and I feel like a failure. The last time I ran out during the first test. It was all gibberish. Through this video Ive learned that I do better starting from the bottom, and that's ok. Idk how Im going to pay for any of this, but Im trusting in the Lord. Because of you CJ, I start CNA classes on Monday. Im going to do this the right way this time.God Bless you, keep it up! You are nevessary 😊

Agree with you I had to work so hard during LPN school. I do not have a lot of money for tuition.

i graduated rn school in may 2016. i just passed my nclex in jan 2024. life happens. after 4 failed attempts. i gave up after my son was born few months after i graduated to raise him as my wife worked more. i continuted to work as an er tech and ekg tech PRN to help out anyway i can. i fell into a dark place mentally. 1 day became 1 year. 1 year became 7 years. time just flew. i made every excuse to not re take it. i kind of shut everyone out that asked me if i was going to retake it etc. but i knew it wasnt sustainable. i guess it wasnt my time. but november 2023, i met someone who was exactly in my position and we both motivated one another to retake the nclex in a diff state (FL only allows 3 attempts). we both took a diff state test in the same testing center where we continued to fail back in 2016-17. we both ended up passing in january. he moved back to his home town in nc and works as a RN obviously and i got hired in march on a open heart step down unit. i love it there. i'm going to transition to the cvicu in a year or two. im so grateful to have had one more chance to take the boards. you can do it man!!! keep that perspective. we all have our own story.

My advice would be to do everything you can to get into a nursing program at a community college as opposed to a private school.. at the CC I not only attended for free, but actually made money through grants and financial aid. Versus, going to a private college could cost 50-100 thousand dollars..

I can NOT relate. Becoming a registered nurse is one of the best career decisions I ever made. I’ll be a nurse 3 years this year!

You’re right bro! I’m in my last semester of Nursing School (2yr assoc - RN) and it has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.

High school drop out, always felt like I couldn’t do it. Made it to lvn/lpn and felt like that was the hardest thing I could do. Didn’t feel smart enough to continue tbh, lvn school hazed me I developed anxiety from the test taking etc. fast forward I worked as an lvn and continued onto rn taking prerequisites and general Ed’s. And I graduated as an RN. Is it worth it? Absolutely I was doing the same work for 10-15 dollars and hour less so yes it was worth it for me.

I'm on a similar plan. 5 figures savings! Even before I enter my next serious relationship! Life is hitting different too!

I totally understand. I in my final semester full time 5 days week and work 40 hrs full time on the weekends. I’m always tired, exhausted and high anxiety

It is too hard . Working & going to school. You really do need to stay focus just on school . I know I been there

You are smart to make sure it's the right time for you. Best of luck to you.

I went through the worse, was in a fire escaped the fire…. And my school still gave me hell. They don’t want me to win. But I will!

I respect this transparency. Peace brother.

School is sooooo expensive. Since I have my BA, I don’t qualify for any financial aid 😢even thought they didn’t pay a dime towards that degree. I’m cash flowing all my classes now and plan to stop working when I get into the RN program. I’m also paying cash and saving up to do it. That’s the best and only way for me to do it!

That’s the thing you have to be willing to sacrifice your lifestyle

Well said…. Also never work full time on a temp license.Wait until you pass your NCLEX before pulling all that OVERTIME even though it’s very tempting 💵💰

There's no mistakes in life Earth is a school and school has tests If you pass one test, there's another one down the road. Thanks for sharing your lesson with the rest of us, you gotta love the internet.

Never was an LPN, only an RN. Went back to school in my mid 20’s while having a 10 month old and being pregnant again. Worked part time. My father was also very sick and died during my time in Nursing school. It was very hard, but i worked harder. I managed to do very well in school even though I was not always able to read or study everything - especially when i eventually had 2 babies. Studied for “The Boards” for a few weeks only because i wanted to take them ASAP after graduating (everything is still fresh in your head). Passed The Boards easily. Been a nurse almost 30 years.

I’m currently a Cdl driver about to start the LPN program

I start LVN May 12th. You saved me. People act so confused and disappointed when I say I want to be an LVN but it's all I want to do. What it wrong with that? I'm currently a CCMA and love it. The pay is just not enough.

Respect your saying, "you don't believe in struggling" ought been met you and appreciate & kept tighter relationships between those who are or were

This is what I may need to do obtain my LPN. I’m not that smart to grind at work and do such a challenging program. If I’m not working and use my savings for bills for a year then I can take a loan to pay for college itself. That’s the only downside because right now my job will pay for school but I know I’m not going to be able to manage both and being a mom.

I am working towards that direction slowly, slow progress is better than no progress. I actually make good money in my current field right now, but I decided to slowly head towards nursing. I enjoyed your video.

I am encouraged by this video I feel like as a young person I rush because I fear it taking too long I've dropped out twice due to personal reasons but all I want is the motivation to focus not be extremely stressed and not worry too much about the future I just wanna finally be a nurse

Pro tip: Take some of the prerequisite at a community college. Transfer the credits to the school you desire. You’ll save thousands and can still work towards your goals at your own pace

I’m about to graduate may 2 and preparing for nclex. It’s been a long hard journey but it was all worth it in the end. Could not see myself doing anything else. I had no life at all. I’m lucky to have a supportive husband that worked while I focused on nursing school. It’s time consuming amd no u can’t work full time in nursing school. I only worked one day a week

hell im in rn school now with zero job and its still hard!!!

Same. I saved now i can go to Nursing school and not work for 3 years. I also moved back home.

Hi came across your channel n loved your video. Interested in going to nursing school again and was interested in the school that you mentioned and the program wanted to look up on it thanks a lot. I appreciate your honesty.

Definitely need to change the title to this video!

if you have the desire to do it. I lost my granny in my rn program. and my mom was intubated. i have no support, i worked as a lpn. it is by far the hardest sacrifice i had to make but its done. i grad 5/31.

I thought I wanted to be a nurse till I went to get my blood drawn and that was a big nope for me lol. Now I know for sure I want to be a dental hygienist instead plus they pay more and I LOVE doing it!

Good luck my man! We have a few LVN transfer to our cohort (3rd semester) and half of them didn’t make it through. Most of them had full time jobs and thought they can do both. Luckily our program allows for one repeat semester and last I checked up on them, they dropped to per Diem or have quit.

Thanks for sharing, been seriously and excitedly considering to do this, my hubby been telling me it’s not gonna be easy, he is not a nurse but has some nursing experience. Thank you for the video, helps me to put my thoughts together and make a decision.

Your judgement is very good. You will be a great RN 👍🏾.

I am a lpn, been one since 1998. I retired from the Army reserve as a LPN (E7). 22 yrs total with 2 tours and 4 yrs AD. I got excepted into Jonesboro AR RN program while in Iraq. The nursing instructors knew I was in Iraq and not working as a nurses. I was shooting at the enemy or them shooting at me and kicking doors looking for the bombers. Anyway after I got back from Iraq and left active duty early to go to RN school, yes I had a bad back and knee, but I wanted to go to RN school, I couldn’t easy hit a medical retirement, but no RN license was my goal. Anyway them racist instructor alway give me a 78 % on everything, I even use other white women homework that had a 100% and put my name on it. Again 78%, so anyway I fail a test and made a 68 on the test, while my overall score was 78%, pasting was 75%, them bitc… told me to go get a job at the hospital and retake that coarse after a yr. I went a hospital job waited the yr and went to retake that class,but that same racist ass instructor was my instructor again. I just drop the coarse, I didn’t won’t to deal with that lady again after serving 18 month in Iraq and now I am back in the USA free again. That racist instructor would have made me curse her out because my PTSD was serious, I went to the VA doctor for a checkup, my doctor there said you need to see a mental health doctor bad and referred me to one. Anyway I lose money not get the medical retirement.

I had to withdraw as well! Thanks for the honesty!

Love yo story bro. Good spirit that's gonna get you far. U gained a brother in me. Wish u the best. May God be with you on your journey. I believe in you. I'm a last semester RN student, and this was hard. As of now I'm trynna come up with money jist to finish up.

I think changing the title to “can you work and go to nursing school” or making another video with that title or similar would bang

😮 well I guess this is why we have a shortage of nurses .. Sounds terrible and looking at the comments too .. State of America and its healthcare system is steady going downhill

I'm not a nurse but I play one on TV and I approve this message. 😶

When you get on that nurse floor you can’t give up and quick the next day remember that it isn’t what it seems till you get there!!

My friend hates nursing now because she is being forced to poke herself with the rushed juice. Too many people collapsing. God help us!!

Sounds like you learned the hard way, but now you know! RN programs are like medical schools..... wish you the best!

Thank you for this transparency

I'm an RN now it was not a smooth part. Safe like 10000$ be4 started my program and in between breaks from school was working double at the end it worth it.

LPN school should of taught you how hard it was going to be. Either you hit the books or the street you can't do both. I worked full time and went to school, find a job that has alot of down time and work at night.

It just depends on what type of job you have

I'm just a medical.assistant who wanted to be a nurse but after seeing the back stabbing bullying and harassment in the medical field I changed my mind

Yesss nursing school is rigorous .. not that I know from experience lol

Basically proper planning and research on the institution you will be attending will save you so much more time on the back end.

I needed to hear this thank you ❤

I just made a study plan and realized that I would need to study everyday for 3 hours at the minimum to be successful in class.. I have a full time job and a newborn idk if I’m ready but this is my last stop I don’t have an option to start over my job is chill I did take a small pay cut and my bills are high but I don’t mind struggling for two years and cutting out stuff like getting my hair and nails done so I can get this done I have a job where if I don’t have a baby sitter I can bring my kids to work I bring my newborn every night and I spend. My first 4 hours of the shift doing my job the studying then. I take a nap until an hour before I get off soo I’m kind of ok but it’s still hard

Your idea is perfect 👌

Finishing up Med surge 1 and Mental health next week and going into Medsurge 2 and OB’a and pediatric. I did the bare minimum for work, only to focus on school.

Black women are my motivation if most can do it as single mothers no support or family to help them yet they still succeed and show up. I love Black women determination❤ I really have no excuse

Love these videos bro very motivating

Get yourself groomed and take your women out.... live your best life now

You got time. Most important stack the money and that way it's your only focus. I know lpn that are millionaires just off that alone. It's so many ways.

Sh1t..... well im glad you were real about this. Good video

Do what works for you. If you really want it you will find a way.