Going to school for NP at 52 yrs old-am I crazy?

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Hi,

I am new to this site. I am currently in the process of starting my RN-MSN (just finishing up pre-req's this fall and will start Core class in Spr 2011 term).

My question is - I will graduate with NP degree (master's) in 2014. I will be 57 then. I know I will still be 57 if I don't go to school, but just am weighing the expense, etc of continuing or not. I plan to retire between 65 & 70 - I really don't have lots of $ to retire on so am also planning on having everything paid off before retirement.

I would like to be a NP and perhaps teach as well. I also checked into some of the government sites (Indian health, and National Health sites) for loan forgiveness and may go that route if possible to get loans paid off (they say in two years). It would be great if that were the case.

Any opinions are appreicated. Most of my NP friends highly suggest this route as feel it is the way to go with health care reform and to get away from the physically heavy work of bedside nursing. I am currently an oncology nurse (inpatient) - have been a nurse since 1991.

Also - what type of pay do NP's make? I currently make approx $65,000 year (without any overtime, etc)- I am in Indianapolis.

Thanks!

Lynn

Specializes in Primary Care.

Go for it. And do not doubt yourself. Age has nothing to do with it. It is your dream now go for it. Ten years from now you will thank yourself for it. God Bless You on your endeavor.

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I just finished school at age 57 and starting my job as a NP next week. It's very exciting and I am glad I took the leap... Just think of it this way- what would you be doing at 57 if you DIDN'T go for it. You might be living with regrets. I feel my years of experience as an RN and having raised a family will serve me well as a primary care provider. You have so much more to offer your patients. Good luck and enjoy the ride!!

Brown eyes

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Not at all!! I do think the handful of people just starting med school at 50-52 is pretty crazy though and yes there are a few!! You only get one chance in life go for it!!

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Specializes in medical surgical.

Hi lynn,

I am right there with you. I lived in Fishers/Carmel area before moving to the southeast. My first degree was in business from Ball State. I have just started my NP degree. Taking research right now which is kicking my b___. The only thing about being older is my dream was to go to Vanderbilt, but I am going to a cheaper in state school Problem is I do not feel that I am getting the education that I would have at . Anyway, go to the school you want and get the education you desire! Good luck!

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Wow! Reading all the responses is so inspiring! I am considering starting on my masters this year but was worried about the time commitment. Thanks to all of you who wrote such uplifting words. There are many of us out here, working as RNs, who seek the type of encouragement and practical advice you have all offered. It is a cool drink of water. Thanks again, think I'll send my application in tonight!

B.

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Specializes in Tele, Cardiac Post Op, ER.

Miss Doodaw,

As far as personality is concerned, what do you mean by that? I mean I understand the warm bedside manner and everything, but what kind of personality traits are needed in the FNP world? Also what kind of experience do you need going into FNP?

Thanks in advance!

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If you are crazy, so am I. I am 63 years old, work 5 days/week, and am in my final semester of a psych NP program. I'm the oldest in my class, but not by much. I plan to retire at 66, and then see patients privately. I can be selective in my patient choices, and work as much or as little as I want. This is for ME, and not about the money. Go for it, and specialize in what you love best.

Lin :nurse:

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If you are crazy, so am I. I am 63 years old, work 5 days/week, and am in my final semester of a psych NP program. I'm the oldest in my class, but not by much. I plan to retire at 66, and then see patients privately. I can be selective in my patient choices, and work as much or as little as I want. This is for ME, and not about the money. Go for it, and specialize in what you love best.

Lin :nurse:

You are AWESOME! thank you so much for the inspiration! Go for it and keep us posted, I sooo like your idea about autonomy! I think education gives you autonomy!

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Greetings;

Hello to all fellow nurses who shares/exchanges information at this site. I have joined today 11-25-2010 in this info. sharing nursing community. I am looking forward to get help and help others.

Thank you

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Great thread!! I am older to and have nnt finished my NP yet. Will be over 60 when I do but I want it. I would be really interested in knowing which school LINURZ is in and other schools too that have admitted students in our age bracket. The applications ask birthdate, so I always wonder if it matters to them. I am only looking at online programs. Barinbass.

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What a great idea!

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Well after considerable research (over 2 years) I finally made a decision about going to Acute Care NP school. I was advised by my career center at my hospital that AC would fit my personality well, the future is bright, and with my

leadership and management skills and MBA in international business I can virtually do anything at the hospital and advance quickly! HR is going to shuffle me into ICU after March 2011, I currently work in an Intermediate Cardiac Floor. This is my second career so I very excited about my future prospects! Additionally, I will be also obtaining the DNP that goes along with the NP in the future. My name is already mentioned in an international business text book and I have a flair for writing and analysis so I think research will be in my future as well!

Good luck to all that are undergoing advanced nursing education at an older age. Age is very irrelevant, as long as you can do the job and have the passion! In many ways, we make better practitioners b/c of our life experiences and ability to relate to our patients. Plus, my patients tell me I don't look a day over late 30's or 40's and they were full alert when they said this to me! lol

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