Yes...I'm getting up there, but really want and really NEED to pursue my dream.
RN/BSN for 20 years, various specialties and also education - some of that spent at home with the 3 kids at the time.
I have an enormous interest in and huge passion for the psych population. Some of it is personal - an ex-husband dx'd BP1 way too late, and a lot of fallout there personally for me, all in my 40's/early 50's. Nephew - same deal. Good friend, same thing. You get the gist, it all became personal...and therefore a passion.
So the deal is I HAVE to work well into my late 60's -70's. Hope my health holds up to do so and I believe it will. Other than the some past trauma issues from of dealing with aftermaths of my ex's untreated BP and losing everything and more, my body and mind are in good shape.
Schooling will be financed by loans. Hoping to get hired in an underserved facility that meets federal loan repayment program requirements.
Anyone out there who has done this later in life who can comment on their experience? Is employment in a qualified facility hard to secure (I would think others would be beating the doors down for those jobs even if they are not the most desirable). Am I too OLD to be hired after graduation? Is ageism a problem out there? I know I can get through the schooling, no problem, but will age be an obstacle (yes I know that's illegal but it happens all the time anyway, LOL) for employability?
To the OP: Since you have no psych experience, the question becomes, can I afford to go back to college for six semesters just for the fun of learning? What if you can never make back the money you invested? What if it's not what you thought it was? If money is no object, go for it. You cannot work full-time and pursue this degree. Also, it's all about being computer now, even in a psych. program. You'll need to be better than literate. I have a friend changing specialty practice at 57. Works part-time, lives like a monk and spends time at the computer training center at her university. Getting it done but can do nothing else in life.
OP...I went back at the same age and was able to get done just before the big 60! I did my courses online as I live so far away from any major university, but I am glad I got it done. Depending on your job afterward, it will not take long to recoup your losses! Go for it if that is your dream.
Thanks so much for that, lhflanurseNP! That's how I feel about it...I think I'll have no problem recouping the investment once the boards are passed and I'm working as a PMHNP.
Did you have any trouble finding a job as an NP afterward? If you don't mind sharing that experience, I'd sure appreciate it!
lila92692, have to apologize for not catching this until now. I am a bit of a rebel and struck out on my own. It was hard going for a while, but I am now fairly busy and getting new patients all the time...love it!
OOOPS - I was wrong about Western Governors - they are a NON-PROFIT school, and an excellent one at that. Forgive the misprint in one of my earlier posts in this thread; I tried to edit my comment but can only reply to it.
Specializes in Plastics, Bariatric, Orthognatic, Rheumatology.
Absolutely go for it ! I am in your age bracket and hoping to start AGNP in September.
You have a great advantage , wisdom, that comes with experience,not books.
I have seen this over and over , the fact that you have lived life and had to go through so much yourself makes you a great nurse with information from the trenches itself.
It is never too late to continue your education, it means hope and desire to share with younger generations what life gave you.
lila29629
14 Posts
Thank you all so much for such diverse, thoughtful comments. We all need a little feedback when in doubt and your input has helped me immensely!