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Discussion

To NP or not?

I have been working as an ED nurse for 10 years. Most days I love my job but it takes it's toll physically and emotionally. Going back for my NP seems like a logical choice however there are factors that have me questioning whether it's worth it. I currently work per diem and make right around what it seems is the average salary for NP's in Phoenix. However this is working an average of 48 hours a week with no benefits of any kind. I am 45 years old and the programs I've looked at I wouldn't be able to start until next summer and they take 3 years. Making me 49 when I graduate with probably another 50k in student loans. I'm just looking for the perspective of other nurses. Is it worth it to get your NP even if you are a little older and if so are there any schools you would recommend?

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    It sounds like you have a lot of great experience and you would probably excel as an NP, but the money and time it takes for school can be burdensome. Weighing out the pros and cons can be difficult. Good luck with your decision. Does your state have any rural federally qualified health centers or rural health centers? If so, I know that in the state of Missouri there is tuition reimbursement available through the National Health Service Corps. There is an application and it's not guaranteed, but it may be worth looking into.

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    I have been working as an ED nurse for 10 years. Most days I love my job but it takes it's toll physically and emotionally. Going back for my NP seems like a logical choice however there are factors that have me questioning whether it's worth it. I currently work per diem and make right around what it seems is the average salary for NP's in Phoenix. However this is working an average of 48 hours a week with no benefits of any kind. I am 45 years old and the programs I've looked at I wouldn't be able to start until next summer and they take 3 years. Making me 49 when I graduate with probably another 50k in student loans. I'm just looking for the perspective of other nurses. Is it worth it to get your NP even if you are a little older and if so are there any schools you would recommend?

    Working as a provider will take it's toll too. Make sure you shadow some providers and see if it really is what you want to do. You have to want the role plan and simple, its not worth it for any other reason.

    Don't let your age be the deciding factor!

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    I am in a similar situation, I am 51 now and want to get my AGPNP starting in the fall. However, I am only looking at programs that are 2 yrs or less in length. If I don't get in to these, I will put my NP aspirations aside. So what I would suggest is research programs and apply, then sit down and do the numbers. You have more years left in you as an NP than running around in the ED. Just my opinion.

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    To be honest, it's really not worth the effort. The educational standards for Nurse Practitioners is shifting; from MSN options being obsolete, to the DNP requisite. I'm in a AGNP - DNP Program and the work involved in the program is astronomical. To be expected, but the fluff work is overwhelming.

    The only difference is that I'm 29 and have many years to pay off a student loan debt of > $100K. Obviously this is your decision, so weigh your options, the pros and cons, then decide.

    Best of luck.

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    I don't think job requirements are moving to DNP. I've yet to see a NP posting that mentions requiring a DNP. Most postings just require a license to practice and don't even mention education. I think the schools are the ones that are pushing DNP for obvious reasons.

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    I'll be 50 when I graduate but if you don't try you'll never know. It's not easy but then what is? Things are great for me right now as I have a desk job in informatics, but what if things change and they decide that they don't want to invest in that anymore? I'll have to go back to ICU and I'm tired! I love the ICU but the relentless running around was killing me. I want to use my brain and still work in that environment, but not the constant changing assignments, endless bating and bed changing etc. Physically it's just too much. I'm thinking that I still have a minimum of 15 years to work until retirement so I might as well go for it.

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