A few years ago I returned to school, again. It was my fourth attempt to get an advanced degree since graduating from nursing school in 1995. The first time was just as I started my first nursing job, in the float pool on the night shift, in a new city-I had just relocated to Miami from New York for the job. There was a lot to take in, and after a year it was too much. I dropped out.

A few years later, after returning to New York, I tried again, this time with a distance-learning NP program in psychiatric nursing. A distance-learning program appealed to me because I could create my own school schedule. But after one semester I realized it wasn't for me. It was hard to motivate myself without a classroom structure. I found that some things are better learned in person than by watching a video, such as how to do a physical assessment. So I enrolled in the on-campus version of the same program; that way, I wouldn't lose the credits I had earned. The problem was that I had to catch a 4:30 am train to make a 9 am class. I lasted one day.

So I wanted to be sure that the fourth time was going to be the last. Three years later I am the proud bearer of a master's degree in nursing education. I'd finally found the specialty that truly appealed to me-I didn't really want to be an NP, I learned-and grown enough personally and professionally to keep my expectations realistic. Perhaps if I'd asked myself the right questions before I applied I could have saved myself a lot of time and frustration.

HOW TO DO IT

When deciding to return to school there are several things to consider: what type of degree to pursue, which schools to apply to, full-time or part-time, traditional or distance learning, and how to pay for it. The decisions can seem daunting, but there are many options. The following are some points to consider.

Full-time versus part-time. Think this through carefully. Some people are able to attend school full-time while also working full-time, but it's hard. Finishing school quickly may be tempting, but it might not be worth it if you're burned out and dread going to both your job and classes, with no time left for a personal life. If you can work part-time or stop altogether, then going to school full-time may be a viable option. Typically, though, people take one or two classes per semester and continue working full-time to keep their benefits and seniority.

Traditional versus distance learning. Attending classes online can make returning to school very convenient. Several schools offer this option, and many accredited programs are available. This type of program is well suited to people who don't live near a school they would like to attend, have an unpredictable schedule, or travel frequently. However, this isn't for everybody. Are you disciplined enough to do the work without the structure of a traditional class? Do you like to have direct contact with your instructor or is e-mail communication enough?

Time management. Besides attending classes two to three hours per week per class, course work can consume two hours per credit weekly. Having a schedule in place at the beginning of the semester will save a lot of energy and frustration.

HOW TO Pay for IT

There are many resources to help pay for your education-all it takes is some detective work and organization.

Tuition reimbursement. Many employers cover some education costs. With tuition reimbursement, employees pay for school up front; they're reimbursed when they complete the course and turn in the appropriate paperwork. Yet this valuable benefit often goes unused, which is like throwing away free money.

Check with your human resources department to see if and when you are eligible for tuition reimbursement. Employers often require a minimum amount of time on the job, usually six months to a year, before these benefits are available. There may be a cap on reimbursement-a monetary limit per year or a certain number of credits per semester. If you're lucky, there will be no limits and your employer will pay for your entire education (minus registration fees, laboratory fees, and the cost of books).

Remember that these benefits are considered income and you may have to pay taxes on them. Luckily, the federal government also supports your decision to return to school: the first $5,250 per year is not taxed. Check with an accountant to see if other school-related expenses, such as books, are tax deductible. Be aware that employers usually require a minimum grade for reimbursement, often at least a C+, which is lower than what is required to remain in most programs, anyway. So choose your course load wisely. You'll have to submit a copy of your transcript each semester to demonstrate that you achieved the minimum grade. Keep copies of all paperwork that you submit to your employer. Finally, be prepared to wait. Reimbursement usually takes a few pay periods. Look at these funds as a long-term investment.

Scholarships. Don't stop with tuition reimbursement-many scholarships go to waste because people either don't know about them or don't apply for them, even though the application requires minimal effort, usually writing a short essay.

Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). (See http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.) This form is often required for eligibility for many types of financial aid. Furthermore, regardless of your household income, fill out a financial aid application at your school. This will help the school put together your financial aid package.

Financial need is just one component of scholarship eligibility. Scholarships are available from a variety of sources, based on a variety of factors. Some of these include ethnic background, nursing specialty, and membership in professional organizations. The Internet has a wealth of information regarding these opportunities. (See Scholarship Resources, at right.) Also look at specialty nursing organizations' Web sites for scholarships. Membership is often required, so if you're planning to attend school, join an organization soon so you can be eligible for scholarships when the time comes.

Graduate assistantships. A graduate assistantship is a great opportunity to work closely with a mentor while receiving free tuition. Usually graduate assistants are assigned to work a set number of hours for a professor, helping with research or classes. This can be an education in itself. Typical duties include grading papers or tests for an undergraduate course, coteaching a particular lesson, even guest lecturing. Assisting with research can include doing literature searches, helping to write parts of papers such as literature reviews, or administering the research tool to subjects. Ask at the school's human resources department and scholarship office about graduate assistantships. Spread the word that you're interested in this type of position: tell everyone you talk with that you're available.

Student loans. Student loans are considered "good debt." Usually the interest rate is low compared to other types of credit. You can also defer payment until you graduate. This is a great option to help pay tuition fees up front while you are waiting for reimbursement. Student loans are available from the federal government and private lenders. You can find out more about the different types of loans when filling out the FAFSA.

However and wherever you decide to pursue an advanced degree, going back to school is an investment in yourself and in your career. The time and money spent on your education will be more than repaid by the opportunities an advanced degree affords.

Scholarship Resources

American Nurses Association

http://www.nursingworld.org (search "scholarships" on the main page)

DiscoverNursing

http://www.discovernursing.com/nursing-scholarship-search

Foundation for Nursing Education

http://www.nlnfoundation.org/funding_opportunities.cfm

American Association of Colleges of Nursing

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education/financialaid.htm

National Student Nurses' Association

http://www.nsna.org/foundation

CampusRN

http://www.scholarships.campusrn.com/scholarships/scholarships.asp

U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration

http://www.bhpr.hrsa.gov/nursing/scholarship

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc.

http://www.n-e-f.org