Am I too old to become an NP?

[SoundofMusic]

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.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Agree with Zenman - age is relative. I'm in school (still!) and will be done in July - almost 52.

[SandBetweenMyToes, BSN, RN]

I, like TraumaRUs will be 52 when finished. Age IS just a number...no relevance, in my opinion. Good luck! You are setting an example to many people that we can continue to recreate ourselves throughout our lives. We shed our old skin and grow, grow grow. It is ironically what will ultimately keep us young.

[SWcitygirl]

Thanks for the encouragement. I appreciate your input.

[SoundofMusic]

I always ask myself -- do I want to sit around in my 50's and 60's wondering what I could have done, or just go ahead and DO IT and spend my 50's and 60's BUSY, ENGAGED, and EMPLOYED??

I see a lot of people at this age who are unemployed because they've been discriminated out of jobs, or just due to the economy, rousted out. It's sad. I feel, on the other hand, I'm just getting started. It's hard work right now, and it's very exhausting -- but something inside me says to just keep going, that the rewards will be wonderful.

To me it's also very motivating -- I want to stay in good shape, stay health, because I know that I'll need to be for my job, for patients, for everything. Very motivating . . .

[Foxfour]

i'll be 48 when i finish the fnp program. like the previous post, i too made a conscience thought and effort to exercise, eat right and to nourish my mind and soul. i was living in a black hole before i changed my ways. i was running on empty all the time, and most of all, i cheated myself out of some years of life. no more!!! if you surround yourself with positive thinking and are true to yourself, i guarantee you, you will win. i'm so full of energy and excited to live life. if it is what you want, please go for it.