Thinking of NP

[Grande_latte04]

I am thinking about NP school. Specifically, PMHNP. I have been a nurse for a year- I've worked in long term care (rehab and memory care) and am currently working in outpatient pediatrics. I am currently not crazy about my job- it's okay, no major issues. I'm just bored. I really enjoy the population- mostly low income families without insurance/ we mostly do well patient visits. But I have in the past couple weeks been looking  elsewhere. I have interviewed at inpatient psych and corrections and think I will probably transition into inpatient psych (won't be my first go at a psych type job- I use to be a teacher in a psychiatric facility). I just need something that is a little more hands on and slightly faster paced. So I have also been thinking about a master's degree. And a psych NP has crossed my mind more than once. I like the idea of having more autonomy over my career and more leadership abilities when it comes to patient care. I know I can do it- I'm decently smart and a pretty good student (completed an accelerated BSN with a 3.8, passed my NCLEX on first go). I'm getting excited about school, but I just don't know if a PMHNP is right for me- or maybe a FNP. The cost of NP school is also killer as well. I have one small child and one on the way, a spouse who works part time, and we live in a city that is probably one of the most expensive in the country. Does anyone know of online programs that are affordable and good quality. I would need to do online as I can not uproot my family. I imagine my ideal job would be in pediatric psych. I do enjoy working with kids. I just am so uncertain if this is the right step for me.