Can you do a NP program 1 class at a time with minimal stress?

I have not personally heard of this anywhere. Much like nursing school, NP school is structured in that theory moves with clinical. So you have a class or two week (many online so you don't actually attend class most of the time) and then a clinical day or two depending on how many hours are required for that area of practice. You would be hard pressed to find a one day a week NP program anyway just based on the clinical requirement.

Most programs have a maximum time to completion. For example, if the program is about 3 years full time, you can take no more than five years to complete it. The best idea would be to cold call the admission departments of some programs you are interested and ask them personally. It's usually set in stone”.

I'm concerned that you say you are sick of the floor, so want to become an NP. Is that your only reason for being an NP? Have you spent time shadowing an NP? You really need to want to be an NP because you love NP work. It is understandable that you want to advance your career or make a change, but NP is not your only option. There have been a lot of posts here from RNs who became an NP for similar reasons who end up being very disappointed.

I'm enrolled part-time and is taking 6-7 credits per semester. I have a 10 weeks old and a three year old and works full time. I find it very manageable with theory classes only, not sure about clinical though. I guess it depends on your support system.

It would be a easier thing to just change to a different field of nursing rather than go back to school. Have you considered outside-the-box options like working away from the bedside?

I respect that you are realistic about the amount of energy and time you want to devote to school at this time. The end result is that you need to be ready to function as a provider with that knowledge base, and as much as the fast-track or trade-school promotion of ease, there is really no way around getting this much information in your head. I am in my 5th semester, and if I had taken my core courses years ago I would be at a great disadvantage during clinical. If you get the kind of training and clinical experience which you need to be competitive when interacting in the real world, it is going to be brutal. I think you are wise to set yourself up for success and be ready if you want to be a NP. My two cents, and forgive me if I sound mean, but getting out of a nursing position is not a good reason to go to NP school. I would look into a new job and consider if you want to be a NP separate from your current job experience.

I am not aware of any NP school that you can get away with only doing work 1 day a week. Most online schools require you to do posts on 3 different days a week. Also have essays that require research, tons of reading, tests. And to make matters worse..if it's a "find your own preceptor" school...that takes time and effort on top of the school work. Then you will have clinicals...which many schools require a certain amount of hours...but keep in mind the school work doesn't stop just because you are in clinicals. My school requires 144 hours that has to be done over 10 weeks/semester So I would definitely say no to the 1 day/wk thing! Some other degrees in nursing don't require as much clinical time but it's all about what you want to do.