Need advice............

[micstn]

... middle of 40's, BSN, currently working in tele,thinking about advancing my career for long time, don't like tele much, should go for ICU or nurse practionioner.... if I could get a position in ICU, I won't even think about NP. But when I saw those ICU nurses are so young, I was asking myself-- do you want to embarrass yourself, you are too old...

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Both ICUs I've worked in have a mixed bag of ages -- 20s-60s. Granted the 60somethings are semi-retired but I looooooooove their experience! Some of these people have been ICU nurses since I was in middle school.

Your experience sounds great for the ICU.

I wouldn't give two thoughts about the ones who "want young and pretty." They need competent, especially when critically ill. Not that the two are mutually exclusive. I agree with Sour Lemon that those folks who focus on a nurse's looks are creepy.

If you're interested in the ICU, I think you should go for it!

[OldDude]

Mid 40's...hahahaha, that's a good one! I graduated from nursing school when I was 44; graduation ceremonies were on a Friday and the following Monday I started in a very busy pediatric ER. Age isn't relevant. Interest and enthusiasm is what's important. I've worked with nurses 1/3 my age who could be stand-ins for "The Walking Dead"

[micstn]

Thanks for your input, that's great information.

[Workitinurfava, BSN, RN]

Can you keep up is the question you need to ask yourself, if so then go for it. If you become an NP you won't have to be a bedside nurse. Time is of the essence so consider all things. One big thing it so make sure to keep yourself free of injuries. Health care environments want strong bodies. Work out if you need to.

[danielle2000, MSN, RN]

You are as old as you limit yourself. Why are you so worried about those nurses? Do you and pursue what you want. You have much over them, which is experience. I am 49 years old and have seen many young nurses come across my path, but it does not intimidate me because as long as I have cognitive status I can do whatever I choose. I did, I became a FNP. Never let anything be the boss over your endeavors.

[Buyer beware, BSN]

OP: I totally get it.

You're fourty something. What I think I'm hearing is that because you're a little older you may have misgivings that the beebops might decide to treat you like they treat their mothers.

I won't go into that in depth except to say they no doubt will obviously accept you with open arms.

But if immaturity rules in the ICU that would be bad. Still worse yet is going to NP school and finding the same friendly and dedicated colleagues there.

Yes, save the the time and money, do ICU. Escape is futile anyway.

So telemetry to ICU. Same drips, same monitors, same 5AM chest pain. So what's the big deal except two less patients to schlepp over.

Go for it. You already know 99% of the gig so it should be a smooth segue.

Just make sure you bring brownies for the clan. They will like you.