u/foxgloveshadow

I am a BSN student, and during my nursing program I discovered a deep desire to go into medicine (psychiatry). I get so sick of people telling me to just go NP because it's easier, or "practically the same thing." I posted a rant on the post-bacc subreddit about having to delay my dreams because I recently had to take emergency custody of my 8 year old sister, and will need to work as an RN for a few years first. This was the only comment I got on the post 🙄

https://preview.redd.it/pdn6wprw51bh1.png?width=925&format=png&auto=webp&s=198c4a7480573876c7479704b50670195f9d5b07

I guess I just need to rant online to strangers -- and maybe I'll feel better? 😅 I'm a nontraditional student and veteran, graduating with my BSN next May at age 27. Although I initially entered into this program with the intention of a stable job, I discovered a genuine passion and interest in medicine -- specifically psychiatry. For the past year I've planned to apply this August to a local post-bacc program, and start directly after graduation. To make this financially feasible, I was going to forgo using my GI bill for this last year of nursing school -- since my nursing school is under 10k, and the post-bacc is over 40k.

Well, that doesn't look like it'll happen now. I just found out last week I needed to take custody of my 8 year old sister, to keep her from going into foster care. She was flown across the country and was here within 3 days. It looks like it will be a long-term situation. I can't afford to have her (I already have a 6 year old son) without the extra monthly GI bill income. Plus even if I could financially afford it, I don't know if I'd be able to start this process while also adjusting to supporting 2 children -- one with extra emotional and educational needs. So it looks like I will need to put off this dream and work as an RN for a year or two first (likely two).

I was really banking on starting the post-bacc at 28 and medical school at 29, someone please tell me starting medical school at 31 is not that big of a difference 😓 I mean, it could potentially mean this whole situation will cost close to half a million in lost earning potential -- but y'know, besides that.
(I know none of that was guaranteed, but I do feel like I have fantastic odds of linkage)

Also -- I just want to say that I love my sister. This is WAY harder for her, moving across the country to a family members house she barely knows and starting in her 4th new school this fall. I want to do everything I can to support her and make her feel loved. But I also am frustrated that our mother is so irresponsible and immature, and that it is impacting my life and goals too.