Am I too old for this?????

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Education.

Ok here goes ... I'm 45 yo and have been a nurse for 20 yrs. Have explored many areas in nursing and have arrived that I want to go for an advanced degree. Still trying to settle on which one but leaning most heavily towards CRNA

Why?

Well I like the techy side of nursing - when working in ICU I like taking care of the most complex patients, the more tubes and wires the happier I am, I am ready for a new challenge in nursing, I want to make more money, have better benefits (including building a better retirement) and not work 60+ hours every week like many FNP's do or like I used to do when I was in a management position.

But I worry that I'm too old, not as sharp as I used to be, and I worry about the $100K of debt I will have to take on in order to get through the program. I worry about how hard the program will be and the strain it will place on me and my marriage.

The up side is that I have a supportive (though concerned about the debt as well) husband and no dependents.

I'd appreciate hearing from some of you and what you're worries and experience have been and how you are dealing with them.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

I am a SRNA with 11 months to go until graduation. There are several students in their 40's in my program. BTW, the tuition i paid for the entire program is around 12,000.

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Specializes in ICU, Radiology.

$12,000? What school are you going to Divergirl?

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Specializes in CVPACU, CCU, ICU.

You have been a nurse for 20 years and you have at least 20 more years to go until retirement. This means you are only half way thru your working life. I know that I am hoping for the second half of my career to be somewhat less physically challenging and more mentally stimulating. I think being a CRNA will provide that for me. Also I never resented the money I paid for my bsn nursing degree so I doubt that I will regret/resent the money I spend on CRNA school - after all 20 years is a long time and being satisfied in your job is very important. I am pretty close to your age and have no doubt that I want to be a CRNA for the next portion of my career. I say go for it girl!!!!

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jlcole45,

Fourty two and starting in two months with wife(who is supportive and two small children) and I feel ready. Debt will happen but you will make great money afterward.

I have questioned it too but realize I would rather jump in and take the plunge rather than regret I didn't do it. Hey, I regret not going to nursing school years ago so I don't want a replay of this 20 years from now.

Good luck and do it.

JW

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Specializes in ICU, PACU, cath lab, ER.

Go for it!!

I am 38 years old, and I know I have 20+ years more to work.....and I want it to be stimulating and fulfilling....

I will starting in Jan. 2009, and the debt is freaking me out... The after a cost-benefit analysis, I know it will totally pay off!!

Good luck to you!! You are definitely NOT too old!

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Education.

Thanks to all for you words of encouragement. ;)

When I estimated a $100K of debt - I broke down between the tuition which will be approximately $20, and then the extra money for living expenses. We have all the usual costs related to owning your own home.

A co worker of mine - her husband is a CRNA and he told me that it took them about 5 years after school to recoup financially.

Quick question for those of you who are older -- are you worried about the course work? I have always loved school but it's been years since I had to really memorize and understand complex information - all under the pressure of school.

The next entry class for my local program starts Jan 2010 (I missed the deadline for 09 - although I did submit a late application I was turned down). My next step is to return to ICU -- I have two interviews scheduled - one in CVICU and the other in NTICU - I'm currently working on a CV stepdown unit (what can I say - it was a day shift & a weekend position). Although the only ICU positions open are on nights -- I'll just suck it up and go back to nights (I am a day person by nature).

Anyway I'll get another year of experience under my belt and re apply to the program. This will give me time to refresh my ICU skills, pay off a bill or two, perhaps take a vacation, and mentally prepare for 28 months of grueling work.

Sound like a plan? Am I forgetting anything?

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