I just received my acceptance letter to Drexel's FNP program. Great news. However I am a little conflicted if I want to pursue my MSN due to my unique circumstances. Let me explain in hopes of hearing your thoughts...
I work full time as a paid firefighter. The second highest department in the state. We work 24/off/24/5 days off. A great schedule. I work 2 12's a week as a PRN staff RN in a an ED. PRN pay puts me >$35. Combined with the fire department I make in excess of $100k/year working literally 50% of the days in a year. Regardless of my choice about an MSN I will not leave the fire department as I can retire in 18 more years at 49 years old with a 70% pension. Plus it is a fun job I enjoy.
The VA would pay 100% of an MSN. However as much as I would enjoy the work I am unsure if I want to commit 3 more years of school to make a negligible amount more money. Currently I am outside of Philadelphia but know I could make even more (50ish) if I went in the city. Plus, my wife begins grad school this summer.
I know there are many reasons to continue your education with money being only one. However I know I am already in a very fortunate position financially and because I do not work full time as a staff RN I feel as though I do not burn out the way some bedside nurses do. I question whether the work and sacrifice would be worth it in the end. I have 45 days to decide and change my mind every other day.
