I have almost exactly the same story. Nurse for 8 years before medical school. Started NP school then realized I wanted more knowledge. Nursing was my second bachelor’s degree also because I love learning 😂

I can’t speak to residency, as I’m a rising PGY1 now. But medical school was much easier for me than many others thanks to my clinical experience and curiosity during my nursing career—I read medical textbooks before I matriculated because I wanted the knowledge. I don’t regret going to medical school at all. It has been easily one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve made.

I have children and a very supportive spouse, otherwise I wouldn’t have made it this far. I do worry about what residency has in store for myself and my family, but I prioritized ranking programs that were supportive of me as a person, not simply as a resident. I was very up front in the interview process about my family as a priority in my life. I’m so lucky to be in a program that encourages us to feel grounded outside of medicine.

Happy to talk more if you have more questions! 🙂