Nurse Noelle

If you have seen my life events on Facebook, you know that I have quit my job of 10 years at The Salvation Army, which is one of the hardest things in my life I have had to do. I am deeply grieved at leaving the kids I've worked with over the years, but it is time for me to move on.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I have been on the path to complete my role as a Nurse forever (since High School...literally) and if I don't do this now, it is just not going to happen. My heart is to help those who need help the most...the least of these.

I took a chance and enrolled with Beth El's College of Nursing at UCCS here in the Springs, and against all odds got accepted to the 2015-2016 Accelerated Program.

This is AWESOME! However, I do not have the money necessary to pay for all of my schooling. I used my Financial Aid to pay for a degree in Child Psychology to work with my children at The Salvation Army, and because they could not pay for my education, I assumed this debt on my own.

This is where it gets uncomfortable for me. If you know me, you know I am highly independent and HATE asking for help, especially for money. My husband and I both work for non-profits (I worked for The Salvation Army here and he works for the Springs Rescue Mission), we have four kids and we are able to make it month to month. However, in order to go to Nursing School, I had to give up my job and attend school full time (to get my clinicals done as well). We believe in what I am doing and are willing to take the struggle that comes along with it. I am spending my days applying for scholarships and praying my butt off until school begins May 18th. This is the absolutely scariest thing I have ever done and I am placing everything I have in God's hands...truly. I am sitting here, crying and trying to hold myself together as I look to gain some help from anyone that can.

My idea is to list the items I need and their prices....kind of like a bridal registry and I figure I can edit my post to take things off if I receive money to pay for them. This is soooo embarrassing. I can not offer to pay anyone back at this point, I also cannot commit to any work (I have bartered my labor for help in the past, but this is not an option as I will be in class 12 hours a day for 6 days a week for the next year). If you can help, please contact me via email, messenger, or call me, and if you can't, at least just pray for myself and my family. I'm totally scared, and Mom and Dad, in advance, I hope this doesn't embarrass you...I hate being a burden emotionally or otherwise. But here goes.

Tuition this semester is $8,000 (Have $4,000 in Finacial Aid through the Fed)
1 Reference Book $44.00
Software for Clinicals $210.00
Uniforms $30.00 each
White Shoes $30.00
Supplies for Nursing Fundamentals Lab $60.00
Khaki Pants $30.00
Books - unknown until May 1st - will update - I think we have this covered with the money that has been given from your generous hearts!

Thanks in advance. I plan on keeping detailed financial records and can give anyone proof of enrollment and grades if need be. Again, prayers are free and more than welcome as I embark on this struggle.

Also, if anyone can help with taking Zion for a week or so this summer, it would be more than appreciated. Her dad will still be working full time and I'll be in school. I don't have money to pay for Child Care for her and am still trying to connect with people at church who may be able to help. Shannon (my husband) will be able to pay all of our bills, but we'll need help with food and clothing for a little while. If anyone can offer (who lives locally) to help my family with picking Zion up from school, or watching her during the day, or giving Shannon some relief as he enters single-dad-hood, it would be much appreciated. Share with whomever you wish! Love you all.

Noelle