Lost

FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP · 2026-01-06T01:49:54Z

As they say in weight-lifting: no pain, no gain. It takes some sacrifice to advance in life. And the more work required, generally the greater the reward, like earning an M.D. or J.D.

If you truly want to be a provider, then you must complete your MSN. There is no way around that.

However, I do not understand why you feel this program is causing you to spend too much time away from your family. Many NP programs are online for didactics (lectures) and that part can be done from home. Of course, you must complete your clinicals in-person. Didn't you have to go to work as an RN? Are you working FT as an RN and also going to school? If so, consider decreasing your work hours until you complete the NP Program. Most FNP programs are only 18 to 24 months, which is not very long for an important career prep program.

Frankly, I don't understand why your husband does not like having your daughters "all the time." Doesn't he love them? What kind of father views this as such a horrible burden? He doesn't seem very supportive of you.

As far as advancing your career, NP is not the only way to do this. Please make sure you are aware of what a new grad NP makes in your geographic area versus what you would make as an experienced RN. It is common for a new grad NP to make less than an experienced RN. This difference usually goes away with time and most NPs make more than most RNs, but that is with experience.

There are other advancement paths for an RN besides NP:

management, even executive management
teaching
case management
public health and policy
specializing as an RN (specialties can make more money)
traveling RNs can make great money

So decide if you really, really want to be a provider. It is a completely different role than being an RN, and I've just read too many posts here from new grad NPs who regret spending the time and money to earn an MSN or DNP, only to freak out when they take an initial pay cut or they decide they just don't like the provider role.

LoveEducation · 2026-01-06T18:56:23Z

Thanks for your response.

The time away is spent studying and completing the courses online. I work as needed but end up with 24-32 hours a week. Yes, I worked in nursing school, full-time, raising a child with my husband (our first) and doing all the things. That is why my fear of missing out on my two littles, as I did with my oldest, is still real.

My husband states he wants me to do whatever makes me happy, and he will do what is needed. Yes, I feel the responses and body language could be a lot more supportive. I think that is part of my problem; I do not want him to be miserable.

He loves his children; we are just older parents, and having the patience for long periods by himself is hard for him. I know that if roles were reversed, I would be excited for him. We are VERY different.

I do know that there are other routes to changing my path in nursing, I just am lost, hence the title of this post.

I do worry about the money aspect, as I am already specialized in critical care and cardiovascular critical care and make decent money. These hours are just not fitting for my family anymore. I do not wish to miss so many things d/t working late or weekends.

I really do appreciate your honesty, thank you.

FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP · 2026-01-06T22:54:52Z

I am sorry, but if you want to work or go to school, that means you are not going to spend FT with your family.

If spending time with your children is your top priority, perhaps you should consider not working and becoming a FT stay-at-home mom or just working PT until your children are older.

Your husband - I really don't understand what is going on with him. You should sit down and talk to him about this. I don't understand how a grown man "having the patience for long periods by himself is hard for him." That is how a small child acts. If he can't bear being by himself, how does he cope when you are working? And what body language are you talking about? Perhaps he is OK and you are reading too much into his body language.

Personally, I don't think you are ready to complete an MSN and then to take on a completely different role. You appear to lack the required commitment at this time in your life and have different priorities.

JohnHood, BSN · 2026-01-07T19:08:14Z

You don't say what you are doing now. Are you currently working as a RN? My thoughts are that you need floor experience, especially if you are thinking of moving into a leadership role.