56 and considering NP school

Trauma Columnist · Feb 19, 2019

What is your MSN in now? If a clinical focus, what classes would you need? Just the three Ps and clinicals?

Do you have experience with housecalls in the NP role?

FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP · Feb 19, 2019

I changed careers mid-life from business executive to become an NP. Started my first NP job search at age 57 and had no trouble getting a good job. Your maturity is an advantage in many ways and smart employers know that.

Oldmahubbard · Feb 20, 2019

I am a 57 year old NP and my experience seems to be appreciated.

seanpdent, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Feb 20, 2019

1. DO IT

2. DO IT

3. I would highly recommend doing a thorough job market research in the area where you plan on working (will you move to a new location for a new job?). Bottom line, will there be a job there for you once you get your license/cert as a new NP.

4. Age should not matter.

And yes... it's absolutely worth it.

caycar123 · Feb 21, 2019

TraumaRUs -My MSN is in Leadership and Management, that hasn't worked out for me too well. I have an extensive clinical background, however, my current situation is in Home health executive management. I enjoy working with geriatrics but do not want to limit my options by doing just the AGNP. I took the 3ps but it does not come near what would be required to practice and I am prepared to repeat them.

Thank you everyone, for your encouragement!!

djmatte, ADN, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 21, 2019

11 hours ago, caycar123 said:
TraumaRUs -My MSN is in Leadership and Management, that hasn't worked out for me too well. I have an extensive clinical background, however, my current situation is in Home health executive management. I enjoy working with geriatrics but do not want to limit my options by doing just the AGNP. I took the 3ps but it does not come near what would be required to practice and I am prepared to repeat them.
Thank you everyone, for your encouragement!!

If it were me, at 56 I'd consider career opportunities where my current training is. Especially with a back ground in home health. That can be transferred to a range of companies I'm senior living and ancillary areas. While pay may or may not be a motivator, my wife makes more than I do with an ADN in a leadership role in a large senior living company. I would figure out why your current role isn't "working out " before I just change career focuses. Because sometimes what holds us back I some areas will follow us to others.

Oldmahubbard · Feb 21, 2019

If you took the 3 P's and don't feel they prepared you, get ready to be very disappointed with the quality of NP education, unless you can go to one of the very top B and M schools.

Ohm108, MSN, NP, CNM · Feb 21, 2019

For me personally as an older student, I always encourage people to obtain more education if it is something they are interested in and will help them achieve a goal. At the same time, and this is different for everyone, going to undergrad at 18 and going to graduate school as a much older adult student means that I have to be aware that I don't pick up concepts and ideas as quickly as I did when I was younger. I also need to sit longer with the material before it makes sense to me and I also need to not only read about the didactic information but also use it and practice it in a clinical setting before I really start to understand the material. Everyone is different and have different learning styles. This is what I have found being in a graduate program for the past 6 months.

runnyeggs · Feb 22, 2019

Which schools like non-traditional students? I have a Masters in a different field before going into BSN. There are a ton of online websites about NP schools but most seem to be doing it for money as they recommend the same 3 schools listed.

umbdude, MSN, APRN · Feb 23, 2019

17 hours ago, runnyeggs said:
Which schools like non-traditional students? I have a Masters in a different field before going into BSN. There are a ton of online websites about NP schools but most seem to be doing it for money as they recommend the same 3 schools listed.

Are you already a RN with a BSN?

Schools don't care if you're traditional or non-traditional. They only care that you are a RN and have either a BSN or ADN.

tejon, DNP, NP · Feb 28, 2019

I say go for it! With that kind of experience, you will do well as an NP. I'm 50 and will graduate with my FNP in May and have been told many times how much patients (and other providers) appreciate someone who has "life experience". Your plan sounds a lot like mine - keep on going well into my 70s.