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

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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? 

Specializes in Addictions & Substance Abuse.

I started my DNP/FNP program at 38 and will be done at 41/42 years. I already have a masters in nursing but 15 years ago so it's been a while. I don't think 45 is too old. Better now than never 

Specializes in PMHNP.

I asked this question at 34.  I was working with an NP in the ED who was encouraging me to start NP school.  I will repeat her answer...

"How old will you be in 3 years if you go to NP school?  How old would you be if you didn't?"

Specializes in Cardiology, Research, Family Practice.

Definitely not too old and it makes you happy go for it!

HOWEVER, it might not make you happy. Depending on what area you plan to work, know that it can be grueling. E.g. primary care. You will become a revenue generator and, unless you are self-employed, your employer will always want you to generate as much as possible. As many patients as you can squeeze into your day. That's where the burnout comes in. 

I would personally find something different to do as an RN. 

I'm going for my associates in Nursing at 46 years old. Won't start the program until I'm 47 😞 Unfortunately, had to make money all these years being alone with no help. Now I can live off my savings for 2 years doing FT.  My aunt was 65 I think when we went for her NP!  You're a Spring chicken next to her LOL

 

Specializes in Pediatrics.

After many years of being a 'regular nurse' (with many different pivots in specialties and a masters in Nursing ED) I am considering getting an NP advanced certificate.  I am looking at the future, because I have at least 15 years more that I will need to work (based on my current situation). I do make a good salary thank God, but my plan is to eventually relocate to an area that will likely pay me less as an RN with a masters, doing a nursing job (unless it is a high admin position, which I do not think suits me well).  I need to make myself more marketable, and think about what I'd like to be doing into my late 50s and 60s.  I am 51.

As far as my age, what scares me a bit is being an older adult learner. As a former educator, I saw the struggles that some of my students had. My ability to retain and understand, as well as keeping up with all the new technology trends. Someone close to me recently completed a PA program and passed boards. She is smart, driven and YOUNG. I am two of those three things LOL. Previous programs and degrees were never easy for me; I am not the best test taker (after years of hearing students say this and wondering what that truly meant, I realized I was that student too!). 

As far as younger students; I already know that I should not and cannot compare myself to them. It will be a weird adjustment for me, because I was basically the youngest student in all of my programs prior to this. I became an RN in the mid 90s, when not nearly as many young 20-somethings were becoming RNs. Same with my MSN; many were the age I am now! I remember many of them looking at me and saying "wow, you're lucky you're so young, it has to be easier for you." But it wasn't always. I had a family, and all the issues that went along with that. My nest is now empty, so that is a huge difference. I admired my elder classmates very much, especially their drive and expertise. I would see this with my older students and equally admired them. I am hoping I can rise to the occasion, like they all did!

 

 

Junknurse said:

I finished my NP in 2015 at age of 52. I am in the southeast TN northeast GA area. I recently turned 60 and I am finding that age discrimination does appear to be a real issue. There are plenty of NP's that are half my age and seem to be the ones getting the jobs. My advice is to check your geographic location for supply and demand. 

Is this because you are changing jobs? don't have enough experience? Are there admin roles or other NP roles you could possibly pursue?....please do elaborate more on this...

Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
kit123 said:

2-You can work both as an RN and FNP.  

I knew an FNP that did this.  He was a real workaholic.  He was working FT as an FNP, four 10 hour days in primary care clinic.  He had several years experience as an ER RN, so he decided to make extra money by also working FT as an ER RN on weekends!

He ended up with some marriage troubles, unsurprisingly.

However, he was happy as a clam working 2 FT jobs.  LOL

Specializes in CCRN, CPAN.
Sam121 said:

Is this because you are changing jobs? don't have enough experience? Are there admin roles or other NP roles you could possibly pursue?....please do elaborate more on this...

Junknurse said:

I finished my NP in 2015 at age of 52. I am in the southeast TN northeast GA area. I recently turned 60 and I am finding that age discrimination does appear to be a real issue. There are plenty of NP's that are half my age and seem to be the ones getting the jobs. My advice is to check your geographic location for supply and demand. 

I live in South Orange County California, and noticed that my classmates who lived in the LA area seemed to have an easier time finding preceptors and then jobs, and I noticed age has something to do with it too in all industries. I don't know if age matters because they think we will retire too soon, but really age brings wisdom and experience and the younger people bring a lot of good energy and ideas to the table, so I like the mix. I was the oldest in my NP class and really enjoyed my classmates. 

fazou said:

I'm 56 and starting my NP Program, Nursing is my second career completed my BSN, and am now heading for NP while working full-time as an RN on the Med-Surg floor.  

Wow! You are an inspiration to everyone.....

Specializes in Primary Care and Remote.
fazou said:

I'm 56 and starting my NP Program, Nursing is my second career completed my BSN, and am now heading for NP while working full-time as an RN on the Med-Surg floor.  

Wow, good for you! Are you glad you made the switch? 

Specializes in Postpartum/Public Health.

It is definitely still worth it to go back to do your NP! My supervisor is 46 years old and is in the process of completing his BSN, and I've had friends in nursing school that were in their late 30's when completing their BSN. Also, the work life balance of a NP may overall be better for your physical and mental health as you get older, so you may be able to work longer if you like.

If you need help deciding on a good NP Program, here's a good resource from AllNurses:

11 Best Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs in 2024 - Nursing Degree Programs (allnurses.com)

as a NP, I believe  you can have your own clinic; 

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