Lentrn2000

I have been an RN since 1995. I always felt the desire to be an RN and never really counted on the dollars. I guess just the HONOR of being able to serve others when they need it the most is why I continue to practice. My friends and family rely on my knowledge base and experience. Like many others in my age bracket, I grew up living within my means. My paychecks have never been stellar, but, since graduation, I have always had a roof over my head, food in my fridge ( from the looks of my waist line, too much, LOL). I feel, if the desire to be at the bedside to do those supportive services for the elderly and the infirm, one has to learn to live within that number of dollars. As far as the spending for further Education, my advice would be, look at the number of years your mentors have already put in to be educated enough to teach you as well as the number of years you will continue to earn. If I were in my 20s or 30s, I would not hesitate a minute to spend 6 figures for an advanced degree. However, since I will be able to retire in a few short years, even doing a APN/NP certification program wouldn't benefit.