Opinion about starting NP program at 53

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Specializes in Cardiac.

So my situation is that I am a 53 yr old RN. I have worked for a state hospital for 30 years and will be retiring with a decent pension ( will pay about 80% of my monthly bills) plus free health insurance. I will be retiring from the State Nursing job April 1. My question is, is it too late to do an NP Program now, at my age? Like an online NP Program that is not too expensive?

At my age I can continue to work at another RN job at $45-60/hr with my experience in my area. But not much upside $$ from that. Whereas being an NP there would be more upside in pay. I am in good health.

Thoughts?

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Specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

Since you are in good health I don't think your age will be a problem. A better question to ask yourself is what other reasons are you going for NP? Getting your NP for more money shouldn't be the only reason why you are going for it. Depending on what state you are in and what specialty you are in, your pay might even match your current pay or just be above it slightly which has can be quite a disappointment. Is there a specific specialty or population you want to work with? 

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Yeah, I hear you.

Reasons I have to become a NP.

1.  I like the idea of being able to prescribe meds.  I have a large family, so I feel that would be helpful for years to come.

2.  I also feel like the $$ may be about the same as a regular RN when I start, but in 2-3 yrs would be much more.  

3.  More opportunities (including teaching since I'd have a Masters) in the future.

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I'm a 53yo NP, have been practicing for 11 and a nurse for 21 years. I'm applying right now for a 2nd NP certification, which means another 2 years or so of school again. I stiil have at least another 20 good years of work ahead of me and definitely do not feel like 53 is too late for anything. 
 

You are in an enviable position with early retirement and can do anything with your life! You may not make much more as an NP than a nurse, but the schooling is  interesting and the job more fun and autonomous. If I were in your shoes, I'd probably travel the world for a bit before starting at age 54 or 55!

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I graduated from nursing school in 2017 at 63. I will be 70 this year and starting my 7th year of med surg. I say go for it! I had so many naysayers but went for it. I had originally thought about going for NP but at this point will retire in 3 years. You're young. Do it!

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Specializes in Cardiac.
paujos said:

I graduated from nursing school in 2017 at 63. I will be 70 this year and starting my 7th year of med surg. I say go for it! I had so many naysayers but went for it. I had originally thought about going for NP but at this point will retire in 3 years. You're young. Do it!

Wow.  That is fantastic.  You do Med-Surg on the floor?  Amazing.  Congrats.  Not easy to be in school in your early 60's.  

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Specializes in Emergency.

Started NP school at 52 I was 54 when I graduated in May 2023, took and passed my boards in Nov 2023 and now I am 55 starting my first NP job in 1 week. Time will pass regardless, do what you want to do. Don't let age stop you from obtaining a dream.

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I'll just tell you my experience. I was about 53 when I graduated from my NP Program. Specialized in Peds. Had 30 years of peds experience. I know there were jobs I didn't get because of my age.   Totally blown away. Never walked into an interview and didn't walk out with the job - until I got my NP.  When you think about the $ you will spend to get your NP - often a DNP now, though some MSN programs still out there, you have to consider if you will make that up.  Also, the market is very saturated, depending on where you live. And it may depend on where you are how much you make. Peds typically earns less than other disciplines - as do pediatricians.  But you may not earn 60/hr, or you may just earn a little more. If you can earn 60/hr nursing, I would go for it.  I will tell you I see a lot of NP's questioning why they did this, and some go back to the bedside.  Now the exception is psych. They can pretty much write their own ticket, because there is such a need. Good luck!!

 

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Go for it. The math works out. You still have 13 years of hard work left before you can claim SS. You are getting old for the floor but can still handle office. Take out 3 years of school and you have at least 10 good years of career left as an NP. If you don't like the work, a masters degree will open other doors, like faculty opportunities.

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I agree about the post about NP and salaries. I know a lot of NP's who work at our hospital and regret going for NP. Their salaries have been cut dramatically and have high tuition bills. One had to stop going for doctorate due to cut in salary. She couldn't affor tuition and bills and go to school. Had to choose...

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Specializes in student.

I say go for your never to old to stop learning, plus 53 is NOT old at all 🙂

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