I'm too old if my ultimate goal is to be a NP?

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I graduated from a medical university from a foreign country and worked as a medical doctor for several years before I went aboard and are now a permanent resident of USA. I'm considering to change career into nursing. One of the important reason I want to go into this field is that I don't want to stay at bedside for the rest time of my life and I wil go for Master's and become a NP after I get some bedside experiences (eg.1-2 years). My concern is I'm already 42 years old and plan to start accerelated BSN Fall next year (15months). If everything goes smoothly, I'll be around 47 years old when I become a NP. Recently I heard of that NPs without very strong clinical background are not easy to land a job, plus I'm a foreigner. Is it true the NPs with 2-3 years bedside experience have difficulty finding a job? So I'm worried about whether I should change career into nursing if I can only be a bedside nurse in the future. I do hope to work as a NP and function as a doctor, doing sth. related to diagnosis and treatment. My medical background and previous clinical experience abroad would be helpful in finding a NP job in the future? Is it too old for me to think stepping into nursing field if my ultimate goal is to become a NP?

Thanks for your sincere suggestions!

Specializes in CTICU.

Many grad schools won't accept prior courses that are >5 years old.

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50 and just starting as a psych NP student. :yeah:

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Core0, Thanks!

I'm in PA now. Which programs are taking FMG friendly in here? I sent email to a few programs about if I can transfer some pre-requisite courses I have taken back in medical school, I never got feedback. Also, they need you to shadow PA or physician to get clinical experience. That's not easy to find one.

The only ones that I know about are some of the PA and NY programs. I have heard the Florida Nova programs are but don't know this personally. I would try this question on the PA forum , you would probably get a more current answer

http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/forums/index.php

You should shadow. Finding a PA to shadow is tough but not impossible. You can try contacting the local PA programs, local or state PA associations. Also try personal contacts etc.

As far as coursework they may count some of it, but will probably want you to have recent coursework in core courses (chemistry, biology, anatomy etc). Every school is different. You have to look at the different pre reqs and contact each school. Here is a state listing of PA schools.

http://www.paeaonline.org/ProgListing.asp

If you look in the PA forum there is a sticky here on medical experience and PA schools. Look at the schools in PA and NY that either don't address or encourage medical experience. They seem to be the most FMG friendly. On the other hand lots of the "old school" AS or cert programs are also FMG friendly.

Finally, as a friendly word of warning. There are a select few people in the medical community that look down on FMGs. They aren't common but can be loud sometimes. You need to have a thick skin and be ready to answer on why you want to be a PA.

David Carpenter, PA-C

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Specializes in cardiovascular, EP.

I am so happy I stumbled across this thread.

I graduated a diploma RN program in 1981. Went back and finished my BSN June '08. I've applied for MSN program with desire to pursue ACNP. I am 52.

An old friend said "you'll be the oldest graduating NP in history." Maybe so, but I'm like one of the other posters. Still standing. I guess being a cancer survivor motivated me and I am determined to let no more moss grow under these feet.

Debbie

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Specializes in CTICU.

Good for you! The time is going to pass regardless; you may as well be getting further education while it does. Good luck.

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Specializes in cardiovascular, EP.

Thanks and I know that you are right about that.

I was 23 when I finished nsg school. Kept telling myself I'd go back for my BSN by the time I was 30, then it was 40, and then before you knew it the kids were grown and gone and I was nearing 50. I had done the typical divorced, single-parent thing and stuff just happens.

I had forgotten how stimulating and energizing it is/was to be learning and challenged. I know that sounds pretty lame. It sounds lame to me and I just typed it.

But I guess it sort of sums up my reasons for pursing and advanced practice degree.

Debbie

:nurse:

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An old friend said "you'll be the oldest graduating NP in history." Maybe so, but I'm like one of the other posters. Still standing.

I graduated from a MSN program at the age of 45. Half the class was older than me and a couple of the students were in their early sixties. I seriously doubt you'll be the oldest in your class! GOOD LUCK!

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greenland, your age does not matter. With your medical background you will do well. I am 55 with over 30 years of nursing experience and started my NP program only the Summer of 2007 looking to graduate Spring 2010 and I am not thinking about my age. I am thinking of how I will be able to help the sick. My greatest task right now is to find a preceptor, that is a tough one but nothing (except sickness) will stop me from reaching my goal.

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I became an LPN at 52 and tomorrow, well into 55, I take the boards for the RN.

You're gonna die anyway. Might as well be doing something you like.

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I have just decided to go back to school. First I was a chef, then I went back to school at 33 and got a business degree and then two years ago went for an ethetician license. I really did well during the medical part, found out I was really not so dumb after all. So now here I am going to be 45 and finally going to go for it! I am shaking in my boots wondering if I have the brains for it. I have been wanting to go into the medical field for so long but had people tell me I am not smart enough. I was worried too about my age and being around 49 when I am done with NP. I almost cried when I read the posts!

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Go for it, joiful. 49. Pshaw. That's young.

;)

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I became an LPN at 52 and tomorrow, well into 55, I take the boards for the RN.

You're gonna die anyway. Might as well be doing something you like.

Good luck to you!!

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