Am I too old to become an NP?

Specialties NP

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I just graduated two years ago, at the age of 44. I'm 46 now, and probably would not be done w/ my NP program until I was 48 or almost 50 even if I take my time.

That MIGHT give me 10-15 years in the profession, but i also assume it will take a few years to ramp up to being "experienced."

How long do some NP's work? Do any go into their 60's?

I know, I know . . . I'll turn 50 anyway if I don't go to grad school, so I might as well go -- but I guess I'm afraid of starting older and also without a TON of years behind me as a nurse.

Always these fears . . . but one has to be realistic also.

Wonderful replies, everyone. Thanks for all the encouragement! (And, why I love allnurses.com so much!).

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Nice to hear that there are options open to those of us who are second career nurses. I finished my BSN last year, and am closing in on my first anniversary on a med-surg floor. Looking around for the next step in my career path, and thinking that an APN in Geri-Psych might be the way to go.

Nice to see such supportive colleagues in this profession:)

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if you want to do it, you can do it!! just get started, thats the hardest part!

I'm graduating this month at 53. I wont tell you it was easy, it was hard as heck, and I had to deal with a drug addicted son in and out of rehab and jail the whole time. there will be obstacles but God will get u through them, he really will.

plus, you probably dont have any little kids running around distracting you by this time in your life. and if you do, you will get through that too.

what else are you going to be doing, sitting around on the couch bored, wishing you had something worthwhile to do. there ya go!

well, there's my pep talk, for what it's worth, I say go for it!!!;)

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Thanks, Dixie! That was encouraging. Well, no LITTLE kids, but two older ones at home. One is 18 and directionless -- and the youngest one has special needs. I have an older child also leaving home -- doing great, but leaving home and I'm feeling the empty nest thing. Kids will always be around, but I feel I want to show them a good example by furthering my education and NEVER giving up!

Sorry to hear about your son. I have a son who is so ADD he just can't get it together. I will probably face issues w/ him in the future, as well as with my younger one. All the more reason to have a good way to make a living and good connections to get them help if they need it. Being in school and working also gives me a break from the constant demands of motherhood. Sitting on the couch I'd be -- fretting and worrying and making myself insane and depressed. I've been there done that -- don't want to do it again! The timing now is perfect for me -- so I'll do it.

I just feel blessed to live in a country w/ such freedom and opportunity to do whatever we want, even into our older years. :)

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Specializes in ED, psych, burn ICU, hospice.
Nursing is my second career. I worked for 20+ years in another area of healthcare, got my MBA and did a lot of management work, but every year I seemed to get further and further away from the reason I got into health care-the patients. I wanted to do direct patient care and nursing fit best with my mindset. I investigated several different types of programs and decided that being an NP would best fulfill me. I did an accelerated RN-MSN program. I tried to get a part time or per-diem job as an RN when I passed NCLEX, but no one was hiring, so I did my entire program full time. I had 3 job offers as an FNP before I even graduated! For the most part, my degree has been well received with some exceptions ( and to be honest, the biggest naysayers have been other nurses, I'm sorry to say-but everyone is entitled to their opinion). I work in the urgent care department of an urban community health center and I love it! Every day is a tremendous learning experience and I'm so glad I made the career switch.

:up::up:RIGHT ON!! VERY INTERESTING. I APPRECIATE YOUR STORY!

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I just wanted to encourage you to go for it.:) From reading alot of threads you are not too old at all. I was thinking Im too old and I am 38 but just at the very beginning of the process of fulfilling my dream of becoming a nurse.

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There was a time when I thought I was too old too. I think we all think that any time after 30. I was in the early 30s when I started this process and just finished with my ANP/CNS so we are never too old to go back to school. There were many people in my classes who were in their 40s and 50s. One lady I went to school with was I believe in her mid 50s. She just finished the semester before me and now we are working side by side in the same clinic. How sweet it is! May your journey bring you many educational blessings that will enrich you for your lifetime!

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Specializes in ED, psych, burn ICU, hospice.
There was a time when I thought I was too old too. I think we all think that any time after 30. I was in the early 30s when I started this process and just finished with my ANP/CNS so we are never too old to go back to school. There were many people in my classes who were in their 40s and 50s. One lady I went to school with was I believe in her mid 50s. She just finished the semester before me and now we are working side by side in the same clinic. How sweet it is! May your journey bring you many educational blessings that will enrich you for your lifetime!

That is really cool! I am thankful for the encouraging people that I have met at allnurses.com. In my current online MSN program, I have a mentor of sorts. She received her BSN in the early 70s, and shortly after that, got her MSN with an education focus. Just a few years ago, maybe even last year, SHE GOT HER DOCTORATE IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY! Now, she is doing a post-masters certificate in psych/mental health nursing, so that she can prescribe medications! She said she'll be close to 60 when she is done! She is amazing though...so full of energy.

Thank you for your stories!

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I have read that women in their late 40's 50's and even 60's can have BOATLOADS of newfound energy. It's related to menopause somehow.

I know that you can also suffer from low energy at this time, but if your'e taking care of yourself right, it can also be a time of very, very high energy.

I look forward to it. I believe by being in school and studying, I can get past myself and delve into something else. I feel it will ward off a lot of wallowing and depression about changes taking place this time of life -- if you gals know what I mean.

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Specializes in Med Surg,.

I finished older than that. do it.;)

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I'm so glad to read what everyone has to say. I'm finishing my BSN at GCU, after having an ADN for over 30 years. I want to go for my FNP, but will be 60-ish when I finish :-( I spent years raising kids, helping my husband w/ his business, and wasn't able to pursue a career. Now it's my turn, I don't know. . . 60 is a big number when it's YOUR age. Am I crazy?

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I'm so glad to read what everyone has to say. I'm finishing my BSN at GCU, after having an ADN for over 30 years. I want to go for my FNP, but will be 60-ish when I finish :-( I spent years raising kids, helping my husband w/ his business, and wasn't able to pursue a career. Now it's my turn, I don't know. . . 60 is a big number when it's YOUR age. Am I crazy?

You might be crazy, but don't worry about your age.

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