[AFNurse]

Getting ready to return to school....take some Graduate work so that MAYBE, I will stand a chance at the next round of promotions sometime around 2010ish.... My wife returned to school this year and I knew she had some headaches with applying for student financial aid and such... now I am finding out how BIG a PAIN IN THE A$$ this is!!! Been working online for 2 hours, on the phone 3 times, STILL don't have 1/2 the info I need to continue.....am waiting for someone to call me back that won't be in until something like 12 or 1pm my time..... And to top it off, I start working NIGHT shift tonite....1900-0700 plus change into scrubs time, plus report time....so actually looking at 1830-0800. What a DAY!!!

[bikerjim1]

Good go AFNurse. Keep us posted as to the developments!

[AFNurse]

well, FINALLY got my pin number for the federal student aid, THEN went online to the AF for Tuition Assistance (TA, tho like the old version of T&A better! ) THINK I am golden for first class, tho may end up paying full out of pocket...not sure yet....and think I have student loans pending if needed?? Anyone want to donate to my education??!! Just kidding.....I WILL get by....NOW I need to talk with my wife, as she started back to college this last fall and see what is out there for GRANTS (aka free educational money!). may have to write a few papers and fill out a few forms, but if selected, will help! Baring complications, will MAYBE be done with this program in just under 2 years??!! We'll see! Maybe the AF has a different thought...but worth trying for!

[chucktx]

i am really surpised that the military wont step up to the plate....i did some schooling after i got out...1971....and they did the whole tuition....but from what i hear the govt. has changed a bit...good luck to you
chuck

[AFNurse]

Chuck, the military really DOES step up for the most part. Some of the educational benifits that they offer is the Tuition Assistance....they pay up to $250 per credit hour...undergrad OR graduate/professional. TA is offered when you are STILL ACTIVE DUTY. They also have the GI BILL that can be used either while on Active Duty OR within 10 years of seperating out of the Active Duty. This is a program that you put in 100$ for 12 months, THEN when you decide to use it, pays out something on the order of 25-35K over 3-4 years that you are ENROLLED in school (must provide proof that you are still actively taking and passing classes). I actually used the GI BILL to get through Nursing school in the early/mid 90's, so do not have that available now. I CHOOSE to attend U of Phoenix and with a military discount of 20% on their tuition, they charge 388$ per credit hour.....the 250 paid by TA covers over 1/2. There ARE schools that charge less then the 250, in which case, TA covers fully. U of P had the program that I wanted, so I get to pay some out of pocket. You are right tho, they have changed through the years...not all changes are fully good, but think they are still within reason!

[Killer-B]

Yep, nothing wrong with the military/VA, as they are big on education. I’ve been goofing around in school for the last few years, all on their dime. Now don’t go figuring I’m milking the government though, It’s a payback for the 17.1 years of B.S. and a battered body.
Keep on trucking AFNurse.

[SK]

I went into the Army at the wrong time I guess..1978. All they had was a 2 for 1 deal where I got $2 for every $1 I put in..which maxed out at $8100 ($2700 mine and $5400 from the govt). It ran out during my third year at the university going for my BS in computer science 20 years ago. Not long after I went in they started giving bonuses based on your MOS (job category). I had a friend in college get a $20k bonus for $28k total..made me jealous as my $8100 was something like $283 a month for about 3 years..I paid my tuition out of that..so ended up in debt when I graduated and really couldn't live off what I got while I had it.

I'm paying my own tuition now, but I itemize my deductions with my investment and part-time job and pay no taxes right now as tuition is a direct right-off. Thank God Congress just continued that tax break this past week.

AFNurse..I'm still doing the NICU thing..love it! I might try labor & delivery during my last semester this Spring, but I have to get past the screaming pregnant women in the delivery room.

[TAZZ]

SK, I don't know about labor and deliver. On one hand that could be rewarding and on the other it could be more than a guy could handle.

[AFNurse]

SK, Glad you are enjoying the NICU thing!! I know I am!!! In fact, working on a custom paint job for my gas tank that revolves around the Air Force and NICU......have to see if I can afford it before I can get it done!!! HOpe to hear on it in the next week or so. I can tell you that OB or LDRP is NOT for me....I'll take care of the babies, but want NOTHING to do with Mom....ESPECIALLY when actively laboring......post partum would be worse...."here, let me massage your fundus".....NO THANKS !!! not to mention the post partum hormone dump......I myself will stick to kids!!! Good luck in your coursework! Congrats are in order...especially in about 6 months?? (arn't you graduating in may or something??) Let me know if you need anything!
Nurse