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I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. I am a nursing student who is halfway through. I finished the first half and took a year off to work on my Masters in marriage and family therapy and to be present for all of the major life changes my family was going through (some health for me). Now that all of that is straightened out, I am ready to get back on the horse. I was drawn to nursing mainly for the stability of the job but also because I am my best in caring for others. A licensed family marriage therapist only makes about $30,000 a year and I would not be able to support my 8 children on that salary if anything ever happened to my husband (hard manual laborer). I am struggling badly at the moment to decide whether to continue pursuing my masters and seek self-employment in order to make good money, or if I should finish my RN? I am a bit scared that once I start working as an RN, I won't have time or the ambition to finish my masters. I love the mental health community and know that it is where I am meant to be. Hopefully you seasoned nurses could give me some input? I will take any advice at this point! Thanks so much. Amber

PS. I have looked into PMHNP education in NY and it is not offered online, so that is a no-go for me. Right now, I help run our plumbing company and am home with the kids.

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I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. I am a nursing student who is halfway through. I finished the first half and took a year off to work on my Masters in marriage and family therapy and to be present for all of the major life changes my family was going through (some health for me). Now that all of that is straightened out, I am ready to get back on the horse. I was drawn to nursing mainly for the stability of the job but also because I am my best in caring for others. A licensed family marriage therapist only makes about $30,000 a year and I would not be able to support my 8 children on that salary if anything ever happened to my husband (hard manual laborer). I am struggling badly at the moment to decide whether to continue pursuing my masters and seek self-employment in order to make good money, or if I should finish my RN? I am a bit scared that once I start working as an RN, I won't have time or the ambition to finish my masters. I love the mental health community and know that it is where I am meant to be. Hopefully you seasoned nurses could give me some input? I will take any advice at this point! Thanks so much. Amber

PS. I have looked into PMHNP education in NY and it is not offered online, so that is a no-go for me. Right now, I help run our plumbing company and am home with the kids.

When you say "halfway through", what do you mean, exactly? A year in a half "done" of an ADN program is pretty close to complete. A year and a half of prerequisites and no admission to an actual nursing program is much further out there.

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Thank you so much for replying! I was feeling hopeless about my post! To answer your question, all of prerequisites are done....I have only nursing 3 and 4 left to finish....two semesters to graduate with an ADN...what are your thoughts? Thanks again for answering!

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Thank you so much for replying! I was feeling hopeless about my post! To answer your question, all of prerequisites are done....I have only nursing 3 and 4 left to finish....two semesters to graduate with an ADN...what are your thoughts? Thanks again for answering!

Only two semesters to graduate? No question ...I would do it.

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Thank you for your input...I greatly appreciate it!

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With only 2-3 semesters left there's no question that I would go back and finish. It won't be easy with all of your other obligations but it will definitely be worth it.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

A lot of nursing jobs offer enough flexibility to finish your masters while making good money.

Definitely finish your nursing degree. Get some money in your pocket, some security for your family and then make a decision about lmft later.

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Tara..Thank you for your encouragement. I guess nursing school isn't easy for anyone, ever? Right?

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FolksBtrippin.....I appreciate your input....I agree...I think the RN offers so much stability...I have to figure out what sacrifices I am willing to make and where I am willing to make them. Nursing is an incredible vocation and I would truly be humbled to be one! You are amazing people!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

My eyeballs almost fell out at "8 children." I also read your name as "Amber Latte," so I probably need an eye exam, or coffee. :) I am just going to wish you luck and tell you that those two semesters will fly by, and will be worth it! Good luck!!

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Thank you for the well-wishes Pixie! Yes, having 8 children is a formidable task indeed! Haha. But totally worth every chaotic second. I am hoping if I decide to finish my RN, I will feel the same way about that one day too!

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Specializes in NICU.

Look , you have done it all and now it is time to decide and pick one thing and finish it. I do not know your birth control situation or your beliefs but you asked for an opinion.If your tubes are not tied then you get some really good birth control ,tackle nursing school for the next two years and nothing else,focus on school and your eight children .You graduate, take your boards,get hired,get experience....

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