How long can you work as an ACNP?

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38 now. Starting on my BSN, and then thinking about ACNP. Will probably finish, if going straight through around 42-43. I have seen many bedside nurses into their 60’s. Do you feel like you could continue as an ACNP into your 60’s? I imagine it depends a lot on your roll and specific field.

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

I started nursing at 21 and was an ACNP by age 33. I'm turning 50 this year. I've had highs and lows in my entire nursing career thus far. My first NP position was a M-F 8AM to 5ish PM which I hated. I've mainly worked 12-hr shifts 3 days a week and still flip days and nights sometimes because my field is Adult Critical Care and patients need attention 24/7. Could I continue doing this into my 60's? I plan to retire by then or maybe even transition to part time roles that require no night shifts. I don't mind working weekends and holidays and have a family life that was never affected by my work schedule.

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I plan to retire by 55 at the latest with the way my savings and investments are looking. But I think an ACNP can continue working as long as they would want.

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

I'm following the responses on this thread. I initially started an FNP program with scheduling as one of the reasons why I started that path. Well, I ended up hating it and switched to an NNP program. So 24 hour shifts, weekends, rotating are all in my future. I figure if I ever get to the point where I really just can't deal with it anymore, part-time or PRN isn't an option, and I'm not ready to retire, I'm also interested in academia. I might even consider transitioning into pediatrics, but that's not my vision at this point.

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