Classes Advice?

Hey everyone. When I was little I had a lot of problems and was in n' out of the Hospital. I decided that since I work so well with children that I want to help kids and become a nurse and help little kids like me. I am a Junior in High School and I was hoping I could get some advice for classes to take, what my major/ minor should be, College advice, or really anything you can give me. I really know nothing about the little details, I am interested in becoming an RN or if there is anything higher than that.

Heres a little I think you should know:

• I want to work with kids
  
  I want to make a decent amount of money
  
  I don't want to spend more than 8 years in school
  
  I don't have a lot of money

Thanks
Hmmm can you handle the yuckee parts of health care? I love being pediatrics nurse but there are some very rough days when I wish I was any where else and feel overwhelmed by responsibility. An Rn would be a good foot into the door and an associates degree in nursing is not that terribly expensive with grants. If you have the stomach for it and are in reasonable good shape the army will pay for 90% of your schooling if not more plus you will get a very unique experience. Good luck!!!!
It's great that you are focusing on a career direction already - especially Nursing. Strangely enough, I would also advise you to look into non-nursing careers in healthcare that would also allow you to focus on working with kids - like child life specialists, speech therapy, etc. It may turn out that nursing is not for you, so you need to realize that there are other alternatives available. First of all, there are some actions you can take now that will reduce your college tuition cost. Take as much science and math as you can while it is still free in HS. You don't want to have to take any of those (non credit) remediation courses when you begin college. If you have the opportunity to take any AP classes - jump on them. It may cut in to your social life but you'll be greatful later on.The most economical way to go about your education is to take your first 2 years at a community college. those costs are generally within the normal Pell grant limits - and you will probably qualify for this financial aid. Do some research to find out if there are any scholarships available to you - your HS guidance counselor should be able to help you. Begin to educate yourself about nursing schools in your area -what is the admission process? pre-requisite &/or admission criteria? application deadlines?Best of Luck to you! Keep us posted on your progress.
Quote from laughing weaselHmmm can you handle the yuckee parts of health care? I love being pediatrics nurse but there are some very rough days when I wish I was any where else and feel overwhelmed by responsibility. An Rn would be a good foot into the door and an associates degree in nursing is not that terribly expensive with grants. If you have the stomach for it and are in reasonable good shape the army will pay for 90% of your schooling if not more plus you will get a very unique experience. Good luck!!!!