Working as a nurse gives you the opportunity to earn a higher salary than other careers. However, for you to get to that point, you’ll need to spend a lot as well.
The cost of going to nursing school is no joke as it can range anywhere between $40,000 and $100,000 every year- and that’s just for the tuition fee. You will also have to spend on books, uniforms, allowances, and transportation.
If you’re planning on pursuing a career in nursing, these things can easily scare you. But don’t worry, we have this list of really effective tips to help you save money.
Nursing Textbooks
Nursing textbooks are more costly when you buy them from your school bookstore. This is because of the inflated retail prices they put on the books.
Instead of buying them from the school bookstore, you can take your required course books’ ISBNs and search for them online. You’ll find them cheaper there.
Another tip is to get the digital versions of the book. They cost way less and you won’t have to carry your heavy books to and from class. Just make sure that you have a tablet or an eReader to access the books’ digital copies.
If you don’t want to spend anything on books, try borrowing old textbooks from registered nurses. Just remember to check if it’s the required version for your classes. Remember, nursing textbooks are often updated for information and techniques.
Nursing Uniforms
Nursing uniforms are very costly for nursing students. If you purchase them from the scrub shops your school has tied up with, it can get even more expensive.
So, instead of being part of that deal, try to look for the required styles of uniform online and compare the costs. And while you are doing your research, try to find shops that are known for making high-quality nursing scrubs.
Buying scrubs from reputable sites don’t always mean spending a fortune. There are sites like Medical Scrubs Collection that offer really good discounts to students.
Nursing Supply Kit
For you to be able to do your clinical, you’ll need a good nursing supply kit but. To save money, however, make sure you don’t purchase yours from your school’s bookstore.
Try to find everything you need on your own. Below are some of the things you’ll need in your nursing supply kit:
- Stethoscope
- Penlight
- Blood pressure cuff
- Bandage scissors
- Utility bag
- Writing essentials
- IV starters
You have the option to purchase them individually or you can search online for complete nursing kits. If you will be buying them online, make sure that you are purchasing from shops known for selling high-quality nursing essentials. You wouldn’t want to do your clinical with tools that aren’t accurate or prone to damages.
Now, if you really want to reduce the amount of money you’ll spend on your kit, try to borrow some of the tools from family and friends. If you know any registered nurses, you can ask them if they have spare stethoscopes and bandage scissors you can borrow.
Study Guides
As nursing students, one of your goals is to pass the NCLEX. And as part of studying and preparing for it, you’re probably planning on buying several study guides.
While that can help you achieve your goal, you don’t really need to get a lot of reviewers. Try to minimize the study guides you’ll buy by picking out just what you need.
Look for guides that cover test-taking strategies and include several practice questions. There are also some study guides online which you can download for free.
You also have the option to start a study group. It’s a good way to effectively review for the test since it prevents you from procrastinating and relying on old study techniques. And since it will involve several nursing students, you can borrow study guides from each other. You’ll have a variety of reviewers you can work with while you’re preparing for the exam.
See Also: 50 Mnemonics & Tricks Every Nurse Should Know
Food
While it’s a good idea to eat at the campus cafeteria or the hospital with fellow nursing students to bond or de-stress, the cost of eating out can easily break your budget. It can also take a toll on your health and physique, too.
Instead of eating out, make time for preparing your own food. It won’t just save you tons of money but it’ll keep your waistline down, too. It’s cheaper and healthier. Plus, you’ll be able to feed yourself with foods that will benefit your mind and body.
A word of caution:
While it’s nice that you’re trying to find ways to save money while in nursing school, you shouldn’t be too tight when it comes to food. Remember, your body needs a lot of vitamins and nutrients for all the hard work you’ll be doing as you work towards your goal.
Be cheap in preparing your meals but don’t sacrifice nutrients. There are so many recipes you can try that won’t cost a lot.
You can bring salads and bean dishes to school. Even the old-fashioned oats and yogurt can work for breakfast. They are packed with nutrients that can help you go through your day at school.
Transportation
As much as possible, do carpool. It’ll greatly reduce the cost of the commute.
Ask around your class if anyone lives near your area. If you do find one, ask if you can ride together. You can pinch in money for the gas.
Carpooling also reduces the wear and tear on cars, minimizing the cost of its overall maintenance. It’s a win-win situation for you and your classmate.
See Also: Top 10 Tips On How To Survive Nursing School
Conclusion
Going through nursing school can be expensive but you shouldn’t let that get in the way of your dreams. With small sacrifices, you’ll be able to complete your degree and still save money.
At the end of your journey, you will definitely find the positive job outlook for nurses and the stability it offers rewarding.