Part time BSN to FNP advice needed.

[Lillian11]

Very interested in pursuing an FNP degree, but have lots of questions. I have been a nurse for just one year, and definitely plan to continue working full time. I work 3 to 4 12s per week. I have a 2-year-old little boy and a hubby too, so my free time is limited until 7pm each evening on any given day. I am currently in debt from my BSN degree about 50K. On a repayment plan, in 9 more years it will be forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Given all of this, here are my questions:

• Does a part time 3-year online program sound feasible given my situation?
  
• Is the workload for a part time program heavy? Any insight on the amount of time necessary to complete a part-time program?
  
• Any recommendations on affordable schools/programs?
  

I am interested in beginning sometime in the next year, hopefully becoming an FNP around the same time that my son begins Kindergarten.

Thanks!

[Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP]

The question you should be asking yourself is not "can I do it" but "do I want to do it". If you want to do something then you will. It's not easy but it can be done. People will tell you that you have too much debt already and blah, blah, blah, but honestly I see it as an investment. While your child is young get it done. When your child is old enough to be going to sports and after school activities you'll have graduated, got yourself a better job, and maybe even working office hours so you can enjoy those after school activities, instead of working 12 hour shifts and spending every holiday away from you child. Just food for thought.

The workload is not to be taken lightly but remember you get summers and holidays off. I'm currently on a 3 month summer break from my ACNP program and loving it! Once September comes around I'll be back in my office after work and spending all my weekends locked up in front of a computer. However, the sacrifice is finite and will end, and eventually reap benefits. Do what you feel is right, and make it work. Yes, there's a price to pay but it will be a big investment and change for you once you graduate.

As far as school choices go....go for the one that has an actual physical building and reputation, is accredited and provides you with clinical placements. Don't go for the cheaper option. I go to my state university, one of the top programs in the country, and it turned out cheaper than a lot of the online options. Not only that but my first year was online anyway, and some of my next semester also. Good luck!