BSN to FNP Education Questions

SammieRN940 · Nov 19, 2017

I have been struggling for quite a while now trying to figure out where I want to go with my education. Our lives have revolved around my husband's career in the military. He has been in for 19 years. Now he is about to retire when he hits 20 years and settle in to a career where we don't have to move all around anymore. I am 31 years old. I have always wanted to be a doctor. I was wanting to pursue either OB/GYN or surgery for a long time. But then I met my husband and followed him around the country so medical school while moving every few years was not an option. I went to nursing school so I could at least get some sort of medically related experience. I graduated in 2012.

I recently had to quit my nursing job since we had to move again. Now we are here long term. I finally have the chance to finish my education and settle in to a career. However, we now have THREE children. Ages 9, 4, and 7 weeks (yes, we just started over!). Since I was so pregnant when we got here I didn't look for a job and we agreed I would stay home with baby for a year. BUT MY BRAIN HURTS! It needs to think! I love staying home with my kids but I seriously miss working and using my brain too. So I figure this is a good time to work on furthering my education.

This is where my questions all hit and I become overwhelmed with the decision making that goes in to this... Any thoughts, stories, personal experiences, and opinions are welcome and appreciated! Here are my questions:

1. I always wanted to be an OB/GYN or in a surgical specialty. But now that I am 31, I realize it would take so long for me to get accepted to medical school, finish school, residency, and finally find my place.

Would it be crazy at this point to jump right in?

If I did, would I ever see my husband and children?

2. I have also considered becoming an FNP and working in an OB/GYN office. Here are my questions regarding this option...

What type of duties and responsibilities go along with an NP in this position?

Do physicians generally work well with NPs or do they treat them badly? I have seen it both ways but I would love to hear from more people what their experiences have been.

What are some reputable online schools where I could finish my BSN that an FNP program would look at favorably?

3. If there is anyone else in this group who has been in a similar situation of wanting medical school for yourself but wondering if it is too much for your family, what did you decide and were you happy with your decision?