I know there are other threads regarding this topic, I've looked through some of them but didn't find any life changing answers. I'm just looking for some advice because I don't have many people in my circle who understand the healthcare field or who can really give me any educated advice.
First off, I was accepted into a BSN-DNP program 20 mins away from where I currently live. I'm so happy to have been accepted, but now I have some real life questions holding me back from moving forward. I Need to give my answer in 2 days.
First off, it is mostly on campus. I think there may be one or 2 classes online but as far as I know, 100% campus. I have to move about an hour or more away due to my husbands new job, which will be next year. in this program I probably won't be able to work after the first year or 2 so commuting only to school isn't a huge deal but still will be rough.
Also, I talk to coworkers here and there and it seems there is a big group of people that feel you can make more as an RN and there isn't a huge need to push into a higher level career. it isn't all about money for me, but I do want a career that is sustainable for my lifetime and in my mind as an NP, financially as well as career wise it seems that once you achieve the terminal degree you are set in terms of a solid career. I know some people who went back to school later in life and now are NP but don't even make what they are making as an RN so it's almost backwards.
The other thing is starting a family. I don't want to wait 4 years so I will end up with a child during the program. I have read some really uplifting stories of people making it work with children and school, and though no-one can tell me what I can handle, I just wanted to know if others have had this dilemma of when to start school vs when to start a family or doing both.
And finally, part of why I'm so torn is that this is a really good program and I work for the hospital that is attached to the school so I have very good reasons to pick this program. I'm afraid if I turn it down and then choose say an online school or something more convenient, I may be doing a disservice to my education. Are there really "good" and "bad" schools? Do they care when you finish NP school (I should specify, I'm going into an acute care NP Program), which one you went to? Some of us need cheaper options and I can't imagine every NP is going to the top schools or can afford to.
I appreciate any and all advice. Also, added info about me, I'm in the acute care float pool at a level 1 trauma hospital, starting a job in the trauma ICU this month to add to my experience.
It is hard work as a bedside RN, you are correct but we aren’t going to do this “who has it harder” argument because it’s not productive. Both roles are difficult and stressful.
AlwaysTiredNP, MSN, APRN, NP
40 Posts
It is hard work as a bedside RN, you are correct but we aren’t going to do this “who has it harder” argument because it’s not productive. Both roles are difficult and stressful.