MSW to PMHNP?? AT A CROSSROAD AT AGE 41

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Hello,

I'm at a crossroad in my life. I'm 41, I will graduate in 1 year (May 2019) from a MSW program in school social work. I am considering going to nursing school. I am leaning towards a Direct entry MSN program where I will get a RN and a Masters in Nursing. I also have been accepted at a university to do the prerequisites but I have not been accepted directly into their nursing program yet, so there is the option of getting a BSN. I will still have to apply to their nursing program after I finish the prerequisites.

I would really like to be a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), however, It will take at least 6 years to finish the BSN or Direct entry MSN & DNP program here in Illinois. I've always wanted to be a nurse and I've always had the desire to help people with mental health issues. I know that the PMHNP pays a lot better than a school social worker but is the time that I invest into a PMHNP program worth losing 6 years of School Social Work pay at this age? I wonder if it is worth going for the PMHNP or should I just work in the schools as a social worker. I believe I can do either and be happy but I'm just not sure which route to take.

I am praying about it but would love your advice as well.

Thanks for your responses.

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