Old nurse, ? MSN pros & cons

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  1. by Nov 24, '11
    I've been trying to justify finishing my MSN degree at the ripe old age of 60...had to stop due to family and financial obligations. I just can't get it out of my mind - like it's calling me to do this. But I can too easily come up with many reasons that it would not be a good idea - (mostly financial)
    Any other oldies doing this? I'm looking for pros and cons just to see if I'm truly insane...(ha ha) I just cannot make up my mind once and for all...
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  3. 6 Comments so far...

  4. Nov 26, '11 by
    Well, I am in the same boat, I am 59 and working on my MSN from an online degree program. Financially, I am paying for this myself and am almost half way there. I will probably be taking a break after this class and then in 12 weeks take another class with my goal being that till I turne 60 I will be just a class away or rather a practicum away. I am finding the whole process overwhelming but keep telling myself that I do not have the option of retirement, who knows where social security is headed and I will need health insurnce so I just keep plugging away. But I know how you feel.
  5. Nov 27, '11 by
    Suni,
    Thanks for your reply. It helps to know that we may be crazy - but at least we're not alone!
  6. Asst. Admin
    Nov 27, '11 by
    There are people in their 60s in my online MSN program. It's never too late, especially if it's calling you! Don't let not doing it be something you regret later. Good luck!
  7. Admin
    Nov 27, '11 by
    I finished my MSN at age 48, then did two additional post-MSN certificates, finishing the last one in 2009.

    Agree, that the MSN is the key to longevity for nurses.

    We will have to redesign our own retirement and with further education, we will have more options.
    GrnTea likes this.
  8. Nov 29, '11 by
    Ok first off I tip my hat to you. I can't get my mom to get dressed some days so give yourself credit. I was contemplating being in my 40's when I finished my MSN and now I just feel silly. I decided that I'll be __yrs old either way so might as well be a __ year old NP. Hang in there
    GrnTea likes this.
  9. Nov 29, '11 by
    I worked a number of years ago for a boss (ADN-prepared) who was v. close to retirement age but taking classes (at a local B&M school) to complete a BSN. There was no way she was going to be finished in time for it to make any difference whatsoever in her career -- she was doing it strictly for the personal satisfaction. Although I disagreed with her about many things, and didn't much care for her performance as a boss, I did respect that about her.

    It's never too late to further your education! Best wishes for your journey --
    GrnTea likes this.