NP School in Late 60s

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Hello all!

I have been accepted to a NP Program. Problem is, I am in my late 60s with lots of misgivings.

Is it wise for me to blow up savings going to school at this age?

Is it wise to spend the few working years I have left, going to school?

How will an aging brain, knees, hips and ankles take it?

 

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Specializes in Critical Care, ER and Administration.

I applaud your ambition. I'm sure that you would make a good NP. My concern would be the cost vs the number of years that you will be able to work. You will never be able to pay back the debt in the number of years that you will be able to work. Do you want to be responsible for school loans as your long career comes to an end? I hate to be a naysayer, but I am a retired RN in my late 60s. My advice is to start drawing your SS, whatever IRAs you may have and enjoy your retirement.

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Thank you for the kind comment. I cannot even think of taking out a loan at this age. It will all come out of pocket.

I already retired and draw SS. But I quickly realized retirement is not all it is made out to be. I feel devalued and unfulfilled without my professional role.

But am I being a delusional old fart?

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Specializes in OR 35 years; crosstrained ER/ICU/PACU.

While I would encourage any of our colleagues to continue their education, I'd say "why now" to someone in their late 60's & already drawing Social Security.  As previously mentioned by John above, by the time you finish, will you be able to continue working in order to afford that NP degree?  I was 64 when the pace & hours of the OR started to catch up to me!  And don't forget about the Social Security income limit, since you're already drawing yours.  Unless you've reached your full retirement age, you'll be limited to $24,480 annual income (2026 rate).  Your benefit is reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn over that amount.  It happened to me when I was 65, went part time in the OR, & started drawing my SS to supplement my lower income.  Again, you may not have to worry about it if you're full retirement age. 
I wish you all the best, whatever decision you arrive at!  

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I am in agreement with others. Unless you won a lottery, and have a desire to learn and help people, I would skip NP school. I am 53 years old and I had to make the same decision. I went back to school to get my  BSN degree at age 50, and still have a student loan of over $17k to pay. I love learning and did very well at Chamberlain. I would love to be able to work only part time, or volunteer my services  when I reach 65-67, so taking more student loans wouldn't  be financially smart decision. Especially nowadays, when student loans maybe not option for us healthcare providers. Good luck with whatever you choose!

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I'm going to talk to like I would if you were one of coworkers.....

Baby bye. You want to become an NP, then go and become an NP. Do you know how many people return to college in their 60s, 70s, 80s? Do you know how many of age people continue to work until literally the day they stop breathing. Retirement is not what it's cracked to be for you because that's not what you want to do. If you have decided to use your savings, so what, you'll make that money back. 

There are many things that you can do as an NP that don't require you to be on feet all day. My only question for you is have you decided what are you want to specialize in and what are you waiting for? 

Here are your options you can go back to school and do something that you want to do or you could spend the rest of your days singing your should've, could've, would've(s). Just don't let age and your fears stop you. You've got this!

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Specializes in geriatric, home health.
DeeMack28 said:

I'm going to talk to like I would if you were one of coworkers.....

Baby bye. You want to become an NP, then go and become an NP. Do you know how many people return to college in their 60s, 70s, 80s? Do you know how many of age people continue to work until literally the day they stop breathing. Retirement is not what it's cracked to be for you because that's not what you want to do. If you have decided to use your savings, so what, you'll make that money back. 

There are many things that you can do as an NP that don't require you to be on feet all day. My only question for you is have you decided what are you want to specialize in and what are you waiting for? 

Here are your options you can go back to school and do something that you want to do or you could spend the rest of your days singing your should've, could've, would've(s). Just don't let age and your fears stop you. You've got this!

I totally agree. I was the oldest student to graduate in my nursing class. I graduated with an associate's degree at age 53 in 2015 and got my BSN in 2019. I had retired from the state government in 2012. My first career was a master's level counselor. I remember back in the early 80s there was a lady who was 65 getting her bachelor's degree. She inspired me. Feelix, you have the funds for school. Traveling, grandkids, volunteering nor pursuing a hobby isn't fulfilling for you. You can't take the money with you when you pass on from this world, so pursue what is meaningful for you. There will always be naysayers, but you are not of that callable. 

"I have been accepted to a NP Program. Problem is, I am in my late 60s with lots of misgivings.

Is it wise for me to blow up savings going to school at this age?

Is it wise to spend the few working years I have left, going to school?

How will an aging brain, knees, hips and ankles take it?"

Since you are having mixed emotions about going to NP school, I would encourage you to make a list of pros and cons about going to NP school. The list should include any health issues, why you want to become an NP, what do you want to do as an NP, whether or not you have a fast or slow processing speed, tolerance to school stress, etc. If you are blessed with a high overall IQ, no problems with significant depression/anxiety, still have a pretty sharp brain (schooling/learning does improve brain neuroplasticity!) and can do the job of an NP (with or without ADA accommodations). You would qualify for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act for arthritis. When there is a will, there is a way. May God bless you in whichever decision you make.

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Specializes in Case Management.

I'm trying to make the same decision. I'm still working, a BSN with case management certification, and I turn 60 in three weeks. Complications that have to be taken into account are health-related (on top of existing debts) which are primarily cardiac (am a heart failure patient, class III (but stable) and arthritis (youth was much more fun)). Have really been thinking hard about pursuing my NP, but do not wish to achieve it only to find I can no longer work, and really do not wish to bury my wife with debt (not to mention the sacrifices she will make as I return to full time studying while keeping a full time job). Its a lot to think about. 

Have been talking to two schools. My college career has been nothing less than straight 'A', I have little doubt I could do the coursework, I'm just not sure about the consequences (financially and marriage-wise -Wifey would support my decision, but I do not wish to be a jerk of a husband)

2
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DeeMack28 said:

I'm going to talk to like I would if you were one of coworkers.....

Baby bye. You want to become an NP, then go and become an NP. Do you know how many people return to college in their 60s, 70s, 80s? Do you know how many of age people continue to work until literally the day they stop breathing. Retirement is not what it's cracked to be for you because that's not what you want to do. If you have decided to use your savings, so what, you'll make that money back. 

There are many things that you can do as an NP that don't require you to be on feet all day. My only question for you is have you decided what are you want to specialize in and what are you waiting for? 

Here are your options you can go back to school and do something that you want to do or you could spend the rest of your days singing your should've, could've, would've(s). Just don't let age and your fears stop you. You've got this!

Love your attitude and grit. This is what I needed.

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LindaGracie said:

I totally agree. I was the oldest student to graduate in my nursing class. I graduated with an associate's degree at age 53 in 2015 and got my BSN in 2019. I had retired from the state government in 2012. My first career was a master's level counselor. I remember back in the early 80s there was a lady who was 65 getting her bachelor's degree. She inspired me. Feelix, you have the funds for school. Traveling, grandkids, volunteering nor pursuing a hobby isn't fulfilling for you. You can't take the money with you when you pass on from this world, so pursue what is meaningful for you. There will always be naysayers, but you are not of that callable. 

Since you are having mixed emotions about going to NP school, I would encourage you to make a list of pros and cons about going to NP school. The list should include any health issues, why you want to become an NP, what do you want to do as an NP, whether or not you have a fast or slow processing speed, tolerance to school stress, etc. If you are blessed with a high overall IQ, no problems with significant depression/anxiety, still have a pretty sharp brain (schooling/learning does improve brain neuroplasticity!) and can do the job of an NP (with or without ADA accommodations). You would qualify for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act for arthritis. When there is a will, there is a way. May God bless you in whichever decision you make.

And that is the story.

1
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Brewingbiker said:

I'm trying to make the same decision. I'm still working, a BSN with case management certification, and I turn 60 in three weeks. Complications that have to be taken into account are health-related (on top of existing debts) which are primarily cardiac (am a heart failure patient, class III (but stable) and arthritis (youth was much more fun)). Have really been thinking hard about pursuing my NP, but do not wish to achieve it only to find I can no longer work, and really do not wish to bury my wife with debt (not to mention the sacrifices she will make as I return to full time studying while keeping a full time job). Its a lot to think about. 

Have been talking to two schools. My college career has been nothing less than straight 'A', I have little doubt I could do the coursework, I'm just not sure about the consequences (financially and marriage-wise -Wifey would support my decision, but I do not wish to be a jerk of a husband)

It is a bit of a decision. Also talk to students who have been in the program. Those who graduated, and those who dropped out. Get a feel for the program.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ER and Administration.
feelix said:

Thank you for the kind comment. I cannot even think of taking out a loan at this age. It will all come out of pocket.

I already retired and draw SS. But I quickly realized retirement is not all it is made out to be. I feel devalued and unfulfilled without my professional role.

But am I being a delusional old fart?

I understand the need to continue. Have you thought of volunteer work? That would be a way to put your nursing skills and license to good use and still be flexible enough to enjoy retirement. I have friends who have done that. Some went PRN that is more flexible too. 

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