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