Am I too old to become an NP?

Published

Specializes in ER, Forensic Nurse, SANE.

I'm 43 y/o and thinking of becoming an NP. I will be an NP by 50 y/o. uhhh! Is that too old to make all the hard work worth it? I would do Family Practice. That gives me 10-12 yrs to work, then it will be time to retire and travel. What do you think? Its not about the money I will be spending on school or the income I will earn. Just the time. 7yrs of school for 10-12 yrs out of school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Occ. Hlth, Education, ICU, Med-Surg.

i think you're going to be 50 in 7 years no matter if you're in school or not....sounds to me like you'll be saying at 50 " I wished I'd started this 7 yrs ago"

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

who says you have to retire when you are 62? If you enjoy your work, you may want to continue to work into your golden years. I say go for it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

I became an FNP at 47....believe me, you're not too old!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Is your retirement influenced by how much you need to pay for school? More and more people aren't going to retire so young anyways. Also, you could travel as an NP.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in cardiac, ICU, education.

RNmom

Heck no! Go for it! I think it is great when us 40 year olds go out and get even more education. All your years of experience with more education - your patients will be so blessed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

How long does it take to become a NP? I'm an ADN right now with a former BA. I will be working on BSN in fall of 2013.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Practice, HIV specialist.

Your definately not too old! I was 43 when I became an NP. Why is it going to take 7 years though? What level degree do you have now?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you're interested in that area of study and would like to practice as an FNP, then, without a doubt, go for it. By the time you're reach what is now a customary age of retirement, it may not be financially practical for you (or most of us) to retire. And if you're healty and you enjoy what you are doing, why would you want to? (The last sentence is my personal bias. :) )

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

Nope not too old. It's not like your brain will fall out at 50 or some age related tragedy. Go for it. When you say its going to take you 7 years do you mean part time or starting from scratch?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in psychiatric ER, Mental Health.

I am 43, and just going into my 1 quarter this fall. I really hope it is not to old or I am in trouble!! :rotfl:

Are there jobs for FNP's in your area? I know we are saturated in my area, I know a few people who are still working at bedside because they cant find work as a FNP.

I am doing this because I want to, and like someone else said, you will be that old either way! I am not sure why it will be taking 7 years. I am in a 2 1/2 year program, it is part time. I have up to 7 years to comlpete it if I need to slow down.

(and do you really mean we are going to be 50 in 7 years?!?!?!?!?!?!?!:eek:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

[quote=ear;6777221

(and do you really mean we are going to be 50 in 7 years?!?!?!?!?!?!?!:eek:

I've heard rumors that 50 is the new 40 so in 7 years you'll be 3 years younger than you are now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion