am I too old to start thinking of being a NP? I'm 43 and have my assoc degree RN.
It would take me 1yr to finish my BSN thereabouts
then 2 more years to get my NP?
would anyone still hire me at 46? I know your only as old as you feel, but wouldn't the younger applicant more than likely get the job?
I don't know. I guess I maybe having a nursing midlife crisis. I work hospital setting for 18 years now and frankly its exhausting. I find my job extremely stressful and demanding. I love my patients, coworkers. but just don't know how much longer I can keep pushing these stretchers. I mean I certainly don't see myself doing this when I'm 60.
When I go to our doc office we always see the NP-just went to one now and we talked about birth control for my dd. I feel I could do that. when we go see the ped endocrinolgist-I can see myself doing that.
please tell me you guys aren't exhausted after work as NP.
I just don't know what I want to do with the rest of my life. kids are older.
Specializes in Acute rehab/geriatrics/cardiac rehab.
Back to college at age 42 with a non nursing degree that was 20 years old. Started nursing school at age 43. Earned my BSN by age 45, worked a year as an RN in a hospital, returned to school and continued working part time, graduated from school with a MS from an Adult NP program at age 48 and passed the NP boards a few months later at age 49. I am now 51, have been an NP now for two years...... Had no trouble finding a position as a Nurse Practitioner....
My age has never been an issue, neither as a nurse, nor as a nurse practitioner....
Thank you for your post! :) I'm a year or so behind where you stated. I am 44 and will be starting my first semester in an ADN program in the fall. Should pass NCLEX in the Spring/Summer of 2012. I then planned to work part time as an RN while completing my BSN and then FNP. I was in tears reading that I would not be able to finish my planned program before 2015 DNP deadline.
Whether the DNP requirement comes to pass or not, I'm just going to keep my head down and work toward my goal of being a FNP.
I think you can save the tears regarding the DNP requirement by 2015- it won't happen by then, if it ever does. I'm still waiting for the BSN requirement that has been talked about before I completed ADN school over 10 yrs ago.
Your plan sounds like a good one, stay the course and good luck.
I think the DNP requirement will go the way the BSN requirement has gone- nowhere.
I'm 43 , just finished my BSN and now in Grad school for dual cert MSN. 17 years nursing 12 as a LVN in the military. If anything, like others have said your age will be an advantage. We are more respected simply for our maturity and experience. Job offers are allready on the table and I have a year to go. So don't sweat the petty stuff and don't pet the sweaty stuff:jester:
Thanks for all the positive comments on this post. I have been wandering the same for myself. I am 44 yrs old and about to start a NP program. I will be close to 47 when I am finished. I have had doubts at times, thinking I am crazy for going to school now, but now I have more confidence. I appreciate words of encouragement and wisdom.
I finished my NP a year ago and I'm 40 now... I found a job within 3 months of graduation. People say I look younger than my age but I don't think it was a factor one way or the other. The doctor who hired me is about 2-3 years older than I am but he's considered young for a doc.
Thanks for all the positive comments on this post. I have been wandering the same for myself. I am 44 yrs old and about to start a NP program. I will be close to 47 when I am finished. I have had doubts at times, thinking I am crazy for going to school now, but now I have more confidence. I appreciate words of encouragement and wisdom.
I just graduated last year at that magic age of 49 1/2. By the time I got hired I was one month away from being 50. They just didn't seem to care. It was all about my experience as a nurse. I think companies now like to hire a more diverse group of people. I try to look good for my age ... not totally skinny, but I keep my hair up, dress youthful, etc.
And now my "maturity" helps me, just like it did when I was a nurse. (I didn't get my BSN until I was 44).
I do get tired, even as an NP. NP work can also be stressful, but in a different, less physical way. I still just work a less than 40 hour per week work week.
I'm glad I did it. I feel I get a tad more respect as an NP, vs. a nurse. Sad, but true. I like the brainwork and working with docs, other colleagues, etc. It feels like a more grown up type of job!
Good luck. You'll still be in your 50's, even if you don't go back to school ...so might as well go back to school!
I feel it has energized me and given me purpose, and that I'm doing a lot of good in the world. My kids are also grown ...at least 2 of them are. Still have a 12 year old at home, so I'll never have an empty nest and I'll probably also never retire!
Good luck -- go for it - let's show them that women over 50 are worth hiring!!!!
You are only as old as you make yourself. I say go for it! I bet you would rock it. And your experience will carry you further than graduate FNPs with very little to no experience.
mom and nurse
513 Posts
Back to college at age 42 with a non nursing degree that was 20 years old. Started nursing school at age 43. Earned my BSN by age 45, worked a year as an RN in a hospital, returned to school and continued working part time, graduated from school with a MS from an Adult NP program at age 48 and passed the NP boards a few months later at age 49. I am now 51, have been an NP now for two years...... Had no trouble finding a position as a Nurse Practitioner....
My age has never been an issue, neither as a nurse, nor as a nurse practitioner....