I will be 52 when I begin the Psych NP program. Any others around this age?

BirkieGirl · Dec 2, 2016

I'll be in my mid--40s when I start NP school and I say if you feel able, then go for it. I've talked with plenty of NPs in various arenas who all say they are so happy in their profession they will work well into their late 60s and 70s. I'm hoping that my 'wisdom' and years of experience will be seen as an advantage!! What school have you applied to??

MiaLyse, APRN · Dec 2, 2016

I applied to Sage College PMHNP program. What college are you applying to? Is it for Psychiatric NP?

I'll be in my mid--40s when I start NP school and I say if you feel able, then go for it. I've talked with plenty of NPs in various arenas who all say they are so happy in their profession they will work well into their late 60s and 70s. I'm hoping that my 'wisdom' and years of experience will be seen as an advantage!! What school have you applied to??

BirkieGirl · Dec 2, 2016

Still torn between applying to an online pmhnp program or a local brick & mortar (fnp). There are many attractive features in both programs and although i'm drawn heavily to psych, the psych NPs in my area that I've spoken to all state that this particular area is not meeting the expected pay for pmhnp's at all. it sounds (SADLY) like i'll have a bit more security as a fnp (and in my area a fnp can fill a psych job).

MiaLyse, APRN · Dec 2, 2016

I chose the brick & mortar. I love psychiatry and have been working as a psychiatric nurse for many years. I have no interest in FNP. I have had many, in my area, tell me what a need there is for a Psychiatric NP in their practices. I hear it from family practices to wellness centers. Also, the only reason I am going on is because there is a psych specialty. I don't feel I would enjoy working as a family nurse practitioner. I would have loved a CNS program in psychiatry versus the PMHNP however, it is no longer available.

Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP · Dec 2, 2016

I am not in psych, I'm in an acute NP program and I will be 50 in January and I will be 51 when I graduate. I've had moments of "OMG what am I doing?" and other moments of excitement and anticipation. I'm tired and this is hard, I can't deny it, but as I don't foresee myself ever being able to retire, I might as well do something that I enjoy and have passion for. Put it this way, in 5 years time I'll still be 5 years older, no matter what I do, so why not just go for it?

MiaLyse, APRN · Dec 2, 2016

Rocknurse, is it taking you 5 years? I would be 55 at the end of this program. I, like you, feel tired at times as I just finished one program but as you say I don't see myself being able to retire. I also want to be doing something I enjoy and have a passion for and I have always loved the field of psychiatry.

At least I have a break now. The NP program won't begin until next Fall.

LessValuableNinja · Dec 7, 2016

I know a PA that went to PA school when he was 65. He was a fighter pilot before that, then engineer. He's been a PA for... well, he won't tell me how old he is.. but he's very competent. :)

MiaLyse, APRN · Dec 7, 2016

That's great to hear! I guess you are never too old. However, it would be an easier decision if I were 10 years younger. :)

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 8, 2016

I will be doing a dual FNP/ACNP program and will be nearly 52 when I graduate. Nursing was a second career for me. I always say, you're never too old to pursue your dreams and continue learning :)