Too Old?

elkpark · Feb 19, 2006

I am a CNS, not an NP, but I was 36 when I finished my MSN. And I had several classmates older than me. You are definitely not "too old."

Papadoc · Feb 20, 2006

On the other side of the coin, how old were most of you when you became NPs? I am 30 right now, will be 32 when I get my RN, and then a school in my state offers an RN-MSN program. I'd be about 36 by the time I graduated as an NP. I know that's not "old" really, just wondered what the average age around here is?

I had several classmates in their 50s at my medical school (at least 7 yrs deal with residency:eek: ). Definitely go for it!. You're just as old or as young as you are letting yourself to believe. You are going to be 36 either way NP or not NP. You might as well get what you want.

Good Luck

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Feb 20, 2006

Question: How old will you be in six years if you DON'T go for NP??

I was 36 when I started my ADN program. The oldest member of our class was the age I am now. You are only limited by your own fears.......there is no such thing as too old unless you think there is. :nurse:

rhapsodyRN · Feb 20, 2006

Question: How old will you be in six years if you DON'T go for NP??
I was 36 when I started my ADN program. The oldest member of our class was the age I am now. You are only limited by your own fears.......there is no such thing as too old unless you think there is.

Oh, I totally agree. I'm not doubting my ability or my age (guess I could have probably picked a better title..hehe), just wondered how many NPs started later in life. :) I figure I might as well go for it regardless. Nothing to lose but my sanity. :roll

AMV · Feb 20, 2006

I have to admit, this is one of the biggest things that bothers me! I am 40 now, I am in an RN to MS program for FNP. I work full-time and go to school "almost" full-time. At the rate I am going, I will be 43 or 44 by the time that I finish. Lately, I have really begun to wonder if it is worth it?? My last pay check for the end of 2005 showed that I made a little over 70K ( I work in a cardiac cath lab - so just a little bit of a diff for that). This is really tough and I feel that I have so much on my plate - and tough for my husband and children too!

Anyone else ever feel this way while going through the program?

zenman · Feb 20, 2006

I have to admit, this is one of the biggest things that bothers me! I am 40 now, I am in an RN to MS program for FNP. I work full-time and go to school "almost" full-time. At the rate I am going, I will be 43 or 44 by the time that I finish. Lately, I have really begun to wonder if it is worth it?? My last pay check for the end of 2005 showed that I made a little over 70K ( I work in a cardiac cath lab - so just a little bit of a diff for that). This is really tough and I feel that I have so much on my plate - and tough for my husband and children too!
Anyone else ever feel this way while going through the program?

I'm 55 and working on my post masters FNP. Have been a nurse for 31 years and probably will not retire so figured that I'd rather keel over dead as an NP!

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Feb 20, 2006

Oh, I totally agree. I'm not doubting my ability or my age (guess I could have probably picked a better title..hehe), just wondered how many NPs started later in life. :) I figure I might as well go for it regardless. Nothing to lose but my sanity. :roll

THIRTY-SIX??? That's not late in life! Hell, I'm 32 and feel like I'm finally focused enough to START my life!! :clown:

I start my ABSN program in August. I'll graduate in December of 2007. I figure I'll be ready to go BACK to school by 2009 to start on my NP. I'll be 36! We want kids, too...but I watched my father go back to school to START his degree with a three year old (me!!) at home, and if he can do it, so can I!

My father died last year. He used to tell me that the only time you're ever too old is when they pull the lid down over your head.

Good Lord, my friend, what in the world are you waiting for?

christvs, DNP, RN, NP · Feb 20, 2006

I became an RN at 28 years old (will be 29 in 3 days!!!) & I'll be starting NP school this summer. When I graduate I'll be 32 years old. I don't think anyone is too old to do anything unless they convince themselves otherwise. :) Best wishes to you.

-Christine

lalaxton · Feb 20, 2006

I didn't get my BSN until I was 40, then went on to do my MSN/NP full time and work full time as well. Easy? NO! Worth it? Absolutely! I'm now 48 and don't regret one minute of going back to school. It's not just about the money, but the schedule and the opportunities to do something different.

athena55, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2006

Hello Everyone! The initial question made me giggle (just a wee bit) only because:

* I have been a RN for over thirty years

* Became a commissioned officer in the Army Nurse Corps late in life

* Started - and interrupted, my studies in a FNP program r/t my oldest child being wounded downrange (Iraq)

* And now, at the ripe old age of Fifty(?) smile I am returning to the NP program and hopefully will be able to finally finish (my program is an on line program so being deployed hopefully won't hinder my studies....much!)

Who was it that said "Age is just a number"? Yeah oftentimes I feel every one of those fifty years (smile) but I self medicate with extra strength Tylenol, slather on the Tiger Balm, and take an extra minute or two to thank the goddess that I am able to wake up for another day. I KNOW I make a difference to those members of our Armed Forces that I administer nursing care to, for they empower me!

Best luck to you. Let us know what you have decided (fingers crossed that you "go for it". "Things change and we must change with them" -- I think it was some ancient Greek person who said that:mad: )

opalmRN · Feb 22, 2006

On the other side of the coin, how old were most of you when you became NPs? I am 30 right now, will be 32 when I get my RN, and then a school in my state offers an RN-MSN program. I'd be about 36 by the time I graduated as an NP. I know that's not "old" really, just wondered what the average age around here is?

So this time next year you will be another year older one less year to work on your goals. I say, go for it! For the record I will be 50something when I finish my NP education. :eek: