Am I too young to get my Masters?

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Hello everyone! I have ask several Nurse Practitoner's if i should get my masters degree as soon as I finish graduating with my BSN. Some say no because you need a lot of experience and its better to go back later. But if I do that, I don't want to be lazy and not go back to school because I already have a job . Other NPs say that I can go straight into getting my masters while working part-time. So I don't know what I should do. I want to know your opinions(: I am currently 22 years old about to graduate with a BSN. Thank you!

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Go for it! I was in the same position and got done with my masters at 24. I'm so glad I went straight on and did not stop.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Hey! I just turned 23 and have applied for master's degrees. I am currently working full-time, getting as much experience as I can in a medical-surgical unit with telemetry. I'm applying now because I know what I want and where I want to be, which is an FNP. I have no problem with bedside nursing in the meantime. I have talked to numerous NPs and have gotten similar responses, but the overall message was this: Know what you want, and then plan accordingly. If you want to be say an acute care practitioner, then experience is a must in the required setting. If you want to be a primary care practitioner like me, experience is always valuable and can be incredibly useful, but we'll also be learning a whole different spectrum of practice.

Long story short, no I don't think you're too young. But it's good that you're asking around, because I know there are tons of knowledgeable NPs on here who would be glad to help. :)

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Thank you soo much!

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If you know that's what you want then there's really no reason to wait. Depending on what you want to get your Master's in, you may need some experience. I won't be graduating until I'm almost 38 and my biggest regret is not doing it sooner. Trust me, it was so much easier to study and retain information in my early 20s than it is now.

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Specializes in Emergency.

How do you feel? Do you feel too young? Do you feel like healthcare is a mystery to you? Do you feel like you need time to absorb what you have already learned before you will be able to build upon it?

If you answered yes to those questions, I would suggest you would be better served to get a job, get experience and prepare yourself for returning to school. If you answered no, then I would suggest you search for and apply for programs so that you can go directly to them. A third option, is to get a job and apply to programs that are part time, this will allow you to gain experience, take on less student debt, and continue on your education all at the same time.

I personally wanted some experience, and felt that was necessary for me to be ready to move forward with my education, but only you will know when your ready to move on with your education. It's not out of the realm for a 22yo to be ready, nor does it say anything is wrong for you to decide to wait for either family, social, or career reasons.

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Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.

I started nursing school at 18 and became a RN at 20. I got my first choice job on a CVICU and I love it!!! I wanted to get a year experience because I felt I needed it. It's all about what you are willing to do. I am a firm believer that people can do whatever they put their minds and muscles to!

I plan to start Grad school sometime before I turn 23. I really want to be finished with school by the time in 26. I have never thought I was too young, or at least not to the point I let it stop me.

Is this a duplicate thread?

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thank you guys so much for your help. i feel a lot better about it

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Nope! I think it's better than being "too old." :roflmao: Good luck!

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Personally, I think it is better to wait but I see that I'm in the minority. However, I am 39 and just started my FNP program. I am a second-career nurse so I didn't even become an RN until I was already in my 30s.

Here is my thoughts on going back as soon as you graduate.....I feel to fully understand comprehend the education, you need some good experience as an RN, as well as life experiences. At 22, honestly, MOST people (I don't want to "lump sum" everyone) don't have a lot of life experience to fully understand patients. I don't mean this in a bad way, I'm just saying I work with a lot of new grads that are super immature and make judgments on their patients and their families.

You have to do what is best for you but that is my two cents. GOOD LUCK!

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Go for it young lady!!!

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Never too young for more education! Good luck!

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