Is it worth it to get my NP?

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I graduated from college with BSN in May 2013. I am 45 years old and decided to become a nurse as a second career. I have been toying with the idea of becoming an NP, but want to look at all the pros and cons.

I am scared to get even further into debt for another degree when I am finding this one hasn't opened as many doors as I had hoped. I can always get "work", but I don't want it to be about that. I want to love my job and help people. Since I am 45, I feel like the clock is ticking and that I don't have the luxury to wait and see if it's something I want to. I feel I have limited time as it is and also don't want to be out of the school mode for too long, knowing it would be even harder to get back in.

I would need to have an online program and not sure if I could handle a full credit load every semester while working. I know academically I could do the work, I guess I am afraid to make that commitment not knowing how much of a ROI I would get.

Also, I want to do gero, but wonder if that would limit my job opportunities and should I go for ACNP instead?

Any suggestions, help on schools, or tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Ruby Vee, BSN

17 Articles; 14,030 Posts

Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

I'm not a nurse practitioner, so I hesitate to answer. Debt, however, is something that I do understand and I'd hesitate to take more on unless I was CONVINCED that I was doing what I wanted to do. You've only had one year of experience; my advice would be to give it another year during which you save some money for school. See how you feel then. It could be that with a little more experience, you'll fall in love with bedside nursing and never want to leave. Or you'll be absolutely certain that NP is the way you want to go. Or perhaps you'll be working toward a long-cherished retirement goal and saving money for that. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

allnurses Guide

BostonFNP, APRN

2 Articles; 5,581 Posts

Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

We can't tell you if it is worth it for you, only you can do that. Shadow some NPs and see if the advanced practice role is something that calls to you. Your ROI will have more to do with your satisfaction in your job rather than in the financial return; in nearly every case you will make significantly more as a novice NP compared to a novice RN. But don't do it for the money or you will risk being stuck paying off something you don't like.

You likely won't be able to work full time and do NP school full time, online or brick and mortar.

allnurses Guide

BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP

1,678 Posts

Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

I went into nursing in my mid 40s and did go the NP route. I went to school full time (brick and mortar) and worked 14 hours a week on weekends. It was the right decision for me. I love being an NP (I'm an FNP), love the fact that I work set hours with no nights, holidays and weekends, and make a good salary. I came out of school with significant debt, but I was accepted for loan forgiveness through the National Health Service Corp. I worked in an area of high need in return for a significant sum of $ towards paying off my loans. That may be something you can look into, especially if you have the flexibility to re locate for a job. I would also look to see if any state universities in your area have NP programs. That could save you significant money over a private school.

Best of luck to you.

guest538567

171 Posts

I am an ANP/GNP as are many of my colleagues in my community and do not feel limited by job availability. However this is likely regionally variable. Regarding the debt - I know NPs that essentially have their student loan debt reimbursed by HRSA tuition repayment program which is a great option if you are ok with rural health. There are other programs however that can help minimize the long-term debt of becoming an NP. Good luck.

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