[marine_mom]

Hi, I'm new to this. I'm a 49 yr old RN, BSN. I'm currently working at a BORING job, doing utilization review-type work in a large hospital. However, most of my nursing experience has been in long term care and community health. I've thought about going back to school to become a geriatrics NP. I should have done it years ago, but I was busy raising children, then getting divorced and trying to start a new life on my own. Now I'm wondering if it's too late. Am I too old to go back to school? How difficult are the nurse practitioner programs? and is it possible to do it while still working full time?
Thanks for your input.

[gauge14iv]

I and MANY of my fellow NP students are in our 40's and 50's - its never too late. You will still be just as old if you DON"T go! We didn't do it earlier for the same reasons you cite.

I have 1.5 more semesters to go, but so far I am LOVING it! Yes, it's been hard, there have beent ears, and things that just seemed impossible but I think it will be worth it.

Talk to some NP's and find out how they like it, see if you can shadow someone for a day so you can see if you really would like the work.

[gauge14iv]

As for working fulltime - there are people who do it, but I woudnt recommend it unless you are going to school very part time. As a grad student there is a LOT more financial aid available.

[traumaRUs]

Go for it! I too work in a borrrinnnggg job (case management and part of it is utilization review). Could there be a more mind-numbing job?? lol Anyway, I'm doing a clinical nurse specialist now and I'm 47 - you can do it!