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Discussion

NP Dilemma

I am seeking some advice. I have been a nurse for 24 yrs. I went back and got my MSN and am now contemplating getting an NP certificate. Am I too old? I am so afraid of investing the time and money and not making my money back. I have 9 years left before retiring.

Thanks,

NPdilema

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    Impossible to answer. Where I live, FNPs are facing falling wages and job shortages due to the market being over saturated. You need to know if it’s like that where you live and whether you would consider ACNP, psych NP or other specialties more in demand.

    You do not have to retire in 9 years if you are happy working. You can also work pro after retirement without it affecting your social security if you stay under a certain number of hours.

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    Psych NPs are in great demand where I live also. Just an FYI, I live in an at-will state, and was let go from my position (10 years in the NP position) due to my age ("If you accept our severance offer, you cannot sue us for age discrimination.") Get an iron-clad contract!

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    If you are truly only nine years from retirement, then no. I wouldn't. It would take a minimum of two years just to get a license and perhaps another several months to get a job. Then you are down to 7 years. Not worth it.

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    Yeah seems like it isn't worth it.

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    Hi NPDilema!

    Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Do you see yourself far, far away from medicine? Or per diem/part time in medicine? Many NPs I work with took pay cuts when they went from RN to NP because they had been RNs for many years and at the top of their salary cap. Because of this, it may take you longer to make the money you are making right now as a RN, plus pay off school loans. However, I love being a NP and it is less back-breaking than when I was a RN on the floors. It is a job I love and will be able to do far past retirement age God willing.

    Long story short, if you want to be out of medicine completely within 10 years, I don't think it is worth going for your NP right now.

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    Hopefully this close to retirement you have tapered your portfolio through conservative investments while minimizing any and all financial risk. Going from RN to APRN is risky business at any age, and dramatically increases your chances for litigation, along with higher consequences. My advice, take the MSN, all your experience, and go into admin or academia. Less stress, comparable pay, and far less likely to get sued.

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    ITA with the response above. If you're looking forward to semi or full-time retirement in 9 years it seems the return on your investment is hardly worthwhile and I speak as a nurse practitioner. However if you cannot afford to retire in 9 years but feel bedside nursing is too hard to continue due to back pain, health issues etc. then I could see becoming an NP being worthwhile.

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    It does depend on your story as above, but being a NP is a whole different practice from being a RN.  Patient interaction will be helpful, but otherwise it is now evidence-based practice diagnosing and ordering the appropriate interventions.    

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