I can't even believe I'm posting this. Me: Miss Plans-Everything, Miss No-Surprises.

I am so scared to start my MSN program that I am fighting the urge every day to call and just tell them I'm not starting.

I'm older, so I really need to get this over with, but part of me is afraid that I'll get started into this, get deep in debt and then not be able to finish.

Anyone feel that way?

To those that are half-way through...did it feel like you were progressing at a pace that was manageable or did you get through your first month and thing, "What have I done?".

I don't have a choice but to work full-time while in the program.

Any advice...I'll take any and all!

Hi, don't be scared, it is difficult, but it can be done! I'm 45 and exactly 1/2 way through with my program in Adult/Geron primary NP. I work 2 12 hr shifts per week on an extremely busy floor. Ocassionally I work 3 shifts, but have found that leaves me a little exhausted and grumpy. If my job wasn't so taxing full time might be fine.

The first 2 semesters were the hardest (patho and pharm). The 4th semester is very manageable. I have sto study a lot, as in most of the day on my days off, but I feel it is worth it.

For the first 2 semesters I felt like I would never grasp and retain enough of the information to be able to practice. In the 4th semester I can see that concepts are repeated and expanded upon and that my knowledge is increasing and hopefully will continue to do so. I think if I wouldn't have put so much pressure on myself to "learn it all now," as I did in pharm and patho, things would've been less stressful. You will see things again.

It can be done, it is stressful, but it's also somewhat invigorating and challenging to accomplish all this.

The original poster stated she had to work full time and not 24 hrs. Those 12 hrs make a big difference every week. I would love to be NP for the elders. Good for you. I love our "old folks"'

I'm older, so I really need to get this over with, but part of me is afraid that I'll get started into this, get deep in debt and then not be able to finish.Anyone feel that way?

Oh gosh, these are my sentiments exactly. I'm older too and assembling all my stuff to begin the journey come January. I'll be working full-time as well. No solutions, but you are far from alone!

As long as you're committed to it, are willing to study hard and don't mind not having a life outside of work and school, you will be fine. I too have had to work full-time through my program. It isn't fun, but I'm so excited about being an NP I don't mind at all. The classes are a lot of work, but compared to the clinical portion, they are really easy. Once you start working 3 days a week and doing clinical 1-2 days a week, plus all of your studying, it gets rough. If you aren't 100% committed to finishing the program no matter what, then it might not be the right choice for you. I'm not trying to be negative, it is completely doable (school and work). But I know we had several people drop out of my class once we got to the clinical portion, because they just didn't want to put the effort in. Is this what you want to do more than anything else? Or are you scared because you know you really aren't that motived to put in the work? If you're just nervous about how much you have to learn, that's ok. If it is a good program, they will teach you what you need to know, that's their job! You just have to be a willing student:)

I too am 45, starting FNP/Nurse Educator Duel degree option this fall (2012). I will be working part-time thank goodness! I will also being doing the 3 year option instead of 2 years. I too am a little nervous, but excited also and do want this more than anything. I feel that working P/T and taking that additional year will cut me the slack that I feel I need to be successful since I'm not sure how high this mountain is going to be and I'm doing 2 degrees also. But I know one thing- WE can do this! It's a wonderful new adventure. I can't wait.

I am in my late 50's and yes it is difficult but it can be done. I work 3 12 hour shifts per week and have done so since I started the program. For me, I feel as though my life has been on hold especially this year as classes, clinical, working and studying consumes all of my time. I know how much I want to be an NP and that is what keeps me going. Stay focused. You can do it. Many have gone before us and finished successfully. That notion is what has kept me going. I will be starting my last semester the end of August and I can hardly believe it.

Hang in there and stay committed if this is what you really want.

That is awesome Cindylee! What an accomplishment! Thanks for the words of encouragement and congrats on being almost finished! Must be exciting to see the finish line just ahead of you!! :)

I know this is an old post, but I'm an RN I've been working 2.5 years, I worked in a cardiac care unit for awhile and now I'm on a med-surg unit. I wasn't one of those people who always knew I wanted to be an NP. Now, I do have this burning desire to go back to school and do this. I'm terrified though, I can so easily talk myself out of it and tell myself no I'll just stay where I am, but then I don't want to regret not doing it later in life. I'm afraid of getting into the program and not feeling smart enough to learn the information and then being able to remember it all. I found pharmacology in my BSN program a challenge let alone advanced pharmacology. I really have to work at it, it takes me awhile to catch on.

I'm just at the beginning phase, I'm researching programs in my area and what the applications entail. Any advice or words of encouragement from those that have been there? It would be much appreciated. :)