NP: Age limit?

[romantic, BSN, RN]

Hello all Advanced Practice Nurses,

What is the age limit to apply to NP program in your opinion? When do you think is late to do so? Is 50 late? 55? What is the rate of success in this field for the nurses older than 50?

Thank you!

romanti

[FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP]

There is a very strict age limit for NPs. They must all be between the ages of 26 and 50. Any NP attempting to practice after the age of 50 is subject to criminal prosecution. Any RN applying to NP school after the age of 45 is subject to civil penalties up to $50,000.

[amoLucia]

6 minutes ago, FullGlass said:

There is a very strict age limit for NPs. They must all be between the ages of 26 and 50. Any NP attempting to practice after the age of 50 is subject to criminal prosecution. Any RN applying to NP school after the age of 45 is subject to civil penalties up to $50,000.

Is this for real????

I don't do sarcasm well.

[203bravo, MSN, APRN]

On 7/15/2020 at 4:32 PM, amoLucia said:

Is this for real????

I don't do sarcasm well.

LOL --- yep that post was all sarcasm....

The only age limit is DEAD. Now there may be a point diminishing returns on the amount of investment that must be made vs the anticipated number of years that one may plan to continue their career.. but that is a very individual decision.

[amoLucia]

TY. I am sooo gullible.

The respondent sounded soooooo serious with such specifics. Could prob have sold me oceanfront property in Arizona or the deed for the Brooklyn Bridge.

[romantic, BSN, RN]

2 hours ago, FullGlass said:

There is a very strict age limit for NPs. They must all be between the ages of 26 and 50. Any NP attempting to practice after the age of 50 is subject to criminal prosecution. Any RN applying to NP school after the age of 45 is subject to civil penalties up to $50,000.

Great sense of humor! Love it. LOL.

Now, for real, any thoughts?

I am not young. Nursing is my second career. I graduated from nursing school when I was 42. It took me a while to realize what I want. Now I am afraid, maybe it is too late to become an NP...

[Mutts Wife NP]

Hello friend,

You are not too old to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner. I started nursing school part-time when I was 40, after my children were established in elementary school and didn't need me so much anymore. I kept working away while practicing as an RN until I graduated with my FNP only one year ago at age 54. I am of sound mind and body, and I plan to work until age 67. Even with the student loans I've accumulated, I am still be well ahead financially than if I stayed an RN. I've had a deep desire to be an NP since my early 30's. I also find that patients and colleagues view my age as a sign of wisdom and knowledge. Remember, age 55 is going to come whether you pursue higher education or not. For me, it was worth all of the hard work. I love being an NP. Good luck to you.

[Wuzzie]

You’re not too old at 55 and in your case it might be okay financially. I am the same age as you but I have been a nurse for 32 years. For me going back for my NP would be a financial risk. I have been a nurse for 32 years and I make pretty good money. If I went back to school now not only would I incur rather substantial debt but I would likely take a pay cut that potentially could take a few years to recoup and I’m not sure I want to have to work past the age I can retire to make that happen. Sure, I could probably move and find a better paying first job but at this stage in my life I don’t wanna. So, for me, it doesn’t make sense financially. You need to research the market where you live and evaluate your risk.

[FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP]

3 hours ago, romantic said:

Great sense of humor! Love it. LOL.

Now, for real, any thoughts?

I am not young. Nursing is my second career. I graduated from nursing school when I was 42. It took me a while to realize what I want. Now I am afraid, maybe it is too late to become an NP...

Thank you! No, you are not too old. Nursing is also my 2nd career. I started ABSN at age 53, went straight through to MSN NP, graduating at age 56. Got 9 job offers, all in the six figures. After about 1.5 years of NP experience, got job offers from $135K to $165K.

As others have comments, life experience and looking a little older can be a big asset for a provider.

With regard to cost of education, older individuals typically have more financial resources, so can pay more cash and require less loans. They may also be able to utilize a home equity line of credit, which is a lower interest rate than student loans. Your employer may also pay for part of your education.

There are also a lot of scholarships available. The HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship is a full ride scholarship that even includes a living stipend, in return for working in an underserved area for 2-4 years. Many states have the equivalent program for state residents. Underserved does not mean just rural areas - it includes inner city areas, as well as smaller cities and towns. There are also scholarships offered by private entities such as J&J, various NP associations, etc. Most schools also have scholarships available for their students.

Good luck!

[romantic, BSN, RN]

Thank you, FullGlass, for support and helpful information! It is good to meet you.

[Rnis, BSN, DNP, APRN, NP]

I have heard that one of my family members who got her NP in her early 60s has struggled to find roles. Partly because she was in a saturated area, but I also wonder if age has played a role . She did find a job but then was laid off after a year..

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

23 hours ago, Wuzzie said:

You’re not too old at 55 and in your case it might be okay financially. I am the same age as you but I have been a nurse for 32 years. For me going back for my NP would be a financial risk. I have been a nurse for 32 years and I make pretty good money. If I went back to school now not only would I incur rather substantial debt but I would likely take a pay cut that potentially could take a few years to recoup and I’m not sure I want to have to work past the age I can retire to make that happen. Sure, I could probably move and find a better paying first job but at this stage in my life I don’t wanna. So, for me, it doesn’t make sense financially. You need to research the market where you live and evaluate your risk.

I'm in the same boat. I'd have to take a huge pay cut, most likely wouldn't recoup. Also, in my area, NPs are a dime a dozen, and even experienced in my area aren't commanding big money