Is it worth becoming an NP at 45 years of age?

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Specializes in BSN, RN.
Is it worth becoming an NP at 45 years of age?

I'm curious to get some thoughts on this. Do you think it worth getting your NP at the age of 45. I've been a nurse for 20 years and would love to get my masters and become a NP. But would it be worth my time at this age? 

36 Answers

Specializes in Case Manager, Solid Organ Transplant Coordinator.

No, 45 is not too old at all! You are still young and the 20 years of experience will payoff as you enter school and begin your practice. I finished my masters at age 48. Go for it! 

Specializes in FNP- BC, Med-Tele, PCU, Home Health Case Manager.

I just got my NP at 40 years old. I plan on working until I'm at least 65, so that's still another 25+ years of working and knew I couldn't do it much longer as a bedside nurse. So no, I definitely don't think it's too late. If you're not planning on working much longer, then maybe not, but if you plan on working for another 15+ years, I say totally! Why is it that you are not wanting to continue as a RN? Are you bedside or other fields? 

Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).

Nursing is my 2nd career.  I started my ABSN at age 53, became an NP at 56.  No regrets at all.  I plan to work FT until age 70, then PT as long as I can.

I will caution that a lot of RNs on this forum have complained that after becoming an NP, they took a pay cut.  That is because they are starting a new career.  However, in the long run, most NPs are going to make more than most RNs.  But if you can't afford an initial pay cut, I would not become an NP

Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
C.Love said:

I went for my NP at 55 and wish I would have gone back 10 years earlier, because I notice age discrimination and pay cut, so I think you should do it now while your young at 45, I don't think you will have the age discrimination problem, you're still young enough. 

Most RNs with more than 5 years experience as an RN will take a pay cut for their first NP job.

I was 56 when I finished NP school and 57 when I started my first NP job.  Had 4 offers and was paid very well.  After 1.5 years there, looked for work again, and again had multiple good offers as high as $160K per year.  I'm now 62 and making over $200K per year.  

Please stop blaming things on age discrimination.  That just isn't true.  Also, it's pretty easy to look a bit younger - good hair cut, dye hair if needed, good make up, and reasonably stylish nice clothing, along with a "young" attitude and good posture - easily take off 5 to 15 years or more.  

The only place I'm sure discriminates on age and appearance is some hospital in Huntington Beach, CA where evidently they only hire the young and beautiful for every role, including MDs.

FullGlass said:

Most RNs with more than 5 years experience as an RN will take a pay cut for their first NP job.

I was 56 when I finished NP school and 57 when I started my first NP job.  Had 4 offers and was paid very well.  After 1.5 years there, looked for work again, and again had multiple good offers as high as $160K per year.  I'm now 62 and making over $200K per year.  

Please stop blaming things on age discrimination.  That just isn't true.  Also, it's pretty easy to look a bit younger - good hair cut, dye hair if needed, good make up, and reasonably stylish nice clothing, along with a "young" attitude and good posture - easily take off 5 to 15 years or more. Maybe some Botox. 

The only place I'm sure discriminates on age and appearance is some hospital in Huntington Beach, CA where evidently they only hire the young and beautiful for every role, including MDs.

 

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Yes, it's worth it! 45 is young ?

I have been a registered nurse for 23 years and decided at age 45 to go for my FNP MSN. I will be graduating in December (2 months away!!) at the age of 47. I never dreamed I would go back to school but at age 45 it hit me, I have at least 20 years of career ahead of me, God willing, and I want to do more. I'm so glad I went for it! I have had countless people along the way comment on how inspiring that is for them. One lady around my age who has been an ultrasound tech for 20+ years decided to go back to PA school as a result. 
You should definitely go for it!

 

Totally worth it if it's what you want? I was a dental hygienist and always was interested in medicine so at 53 I'm in direct entry NP Program now. You're never too old??

Specializes in Nurse Attorney.

It's absolutely worth it unless you plan to retire at age 46.

Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
aywl said:

Thanks for your inspiration story, I will take NP also, my question is: at senior age, is it easy to find employer ?

Never had any issues finding a job.  I literally got 4 offers for my first NP job!

Specializes in 35y nailtech +esthetiction, BSN.

I'm 52 brand new RN, 1 semester to go to my BSN and then on to NP! Second career! Some days I feel old. LOL but I love the work and learning!! 

Specializes in CCRN, CPAN.

I went for my NP at 55 and wish I would have gone back 10 years earlier, because I notice age discrimination and pay cut, so I think you should do it now while your young at 45, I don't think you will have the age discrimination problem, you're still young enough. 

Hi, I highly encourage you to go for it.  I finished NP school at age 54.  I've had no problem getting jobs.  I plan to work until at least 67.  I love being an NP so much that even after 67 I will probably continue part time.  

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