debbieprobe

Hi! First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to read and answer my post! Background: I am 40 years old, and just now starting a family. I have a BA in Psych, and an MA in Forensic Psych, and I currently work in mental health research. However, for various reasons, I NEED TO GET OUT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND RESEARCH! I have always been interested in medicine and helping people, but as my parents get older and are increasingly expressing new health issues, I am thinking more and more "I wish I knew how to take care of them". Question 1: Should I go to school to become a nurse or a PA? Money is important, but more importantly is time. I am already in debt from my MA, and I am just starting a family, so I don't want to incur massive amounts of additional debt and not have time to see my future children. However, I am also used to making a decent salary and working a typical 9-5 schedule. Which career will be less costly (time and money) to get into, but will lead to decent pay without ridiculous work hours? Question 2: If I chose nursing, what would be the best educational path to take? (see aforementioned educational background) I believe to become a nurse, I could get an AA, BA, or MA (as long as I take the necessary prerequisites). Which degree would get me the most "bang for the buck"? Question 3: Will I get over my fear of needles and seeing exposed bones, organs, etc? I have no problem with feces, urine, vomit, deformities, scars, scabs, infections, etc, but I can't stand needles or seeing exposed bones, organs, etc. Can I get over this? Thank you again for any direction you can give me!