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? 

[Snowranger19, MSN, APRN]

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?"

[GoodNP]

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. 

[aywl]

FullGlass said:

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

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

[Sam121]

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...

[FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP]

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

[C.Love, MSN, NP]

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. 

[Sam121]

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.....

[IslanderEllie]

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? 

[Julia Liou, RN]

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)

[aywl]

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

[FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP]

aywl said:

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

Depends on the state