Too old for NP school?

NurseBlaq · Nov 14, 2020

No such thing as too old! If you want to be an NP, go for it. You'll still be less than 50 when complete. There are new grads of all ages, 20s to 60s. If your desire is to be an FNP, let no one tell you any different, and if they try tell them to shush it and move right along with your education. I'm not too much younger than you and no one is going to tell me I'm not 30something for the umpteenth time. I might age in about 10 more years but whatever. DoWhatChaLike!

Good luck to you.

Guest1030824 · Nov 14, 2020

Thank you so much for your encouragement! Do FNP in their 40s or 50d have hard time find jobs?

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Nov 14, 2020

I will be 51 when I graduate with my NP degree in May. You are definitely NOT too old! I've already had job offers while doing my clinicals ?

NurseBlaq · Nov 15, 2020

17 hours ago, CinLeo42 said:

Thank you so much for your encouragement! Do FNP in their 40s or 50d have hard time find jobs?

I don't think age is the issue, more so saturation in the job market depending on your location. People are having a hard time finding jobs because there aren't enough in saturated markets. Don't stress about your age, focus on getting out of school but try to make connections while you're doing clinicals to get a grasp on the job market in your area or leads to job interests.

J.B.Chan, BSN · Nov 15, 2020

Hey there!

I am 53 years old and just about finished with my BSN and planning on going straight into graduate school when I am finished with the BSN program.

I too have had thoughts of "am I too old for this?". I have friends and colleagues who didn't go back to NP school until they were over the age of 55. In fact, I have a friend who didn't go to law school until she was 45, and she is a judge now. These friends and colleagues have inspired me and told me not to listen to those negative thoughts and to others when they tell me that I am too old.

Keep on going and get through school. Once you're finished or even before you are- a door of opportunity will open for you. You'll see.

Good luck and keep safe!

NurseBlaq · Nov 17, 2020

On 11/15/2020 at 10:56 AM, J.B.Chan said:

Hey there!

I am 53 years old and just about finished with my BSN and planning on going straight into graduate school when I am finished with the BSN program.

I too have had thoughts of "am I too old for this?". I have friends and colleagues who didn't go back to NP school until they were over the age of 55. In fact, I have a friend who didn't go to law school until she was 45, and she is a judge now. These friends and colleagues have inspired me and told me not to listen to those negative thoughts and to others when they tell me that I am too old.

Keep on going and get through school. Once you're finished or even before you are- a door of opportunity will open for you. You'll see.

Good luck and keep safe!

I say go for it!

NuggetsHuman, BSN, RN · Nov 27, 2020

I figured I could be 50 and be a psychNP, or I could be 50 and keep on with being an LCSW. Either option is fine. But if I don't keep going with nursing education, I won't have the option to work as a psychNP.

We aren't too old. We're just used to a regular schedule! ?

youssefbalis · Dec 1, 2020

Go for it, I am 50 in FNP. I am expected to finish on 2022.

PMHP61, BSN · Dec 2, 2020

I have just begun my PMHP and have 3 potential positions already and I am 63 so NO! age does not matter there is such a need for NP in all areas you will be fine. I know many NP who are over 45 be confident and don't doubt you as this is your desire chase it and enjoy it!

Hawthorne and Oak, BSN · Dec 6, 2020

I'm curious about returning for an MSN 13 years after completing my BSN. I remember so little of the detail from pharmacology, A&P, etc... If the curriculum in the PMHNP program expects me to remember this I will be so far behind! Anyone have experience with this? Or who has been in a program recently and can share what it's been like?

NurseBlaq · Dec 7, 2020

16 hours ago, Hawthorne and Oak said:

I'm curious about returning for an MSN 13 years after completing my BSN. I remember so little of the detail from pharmacology, A&P, etc... If the curriculum in the PMHNP program expects me to remember this I will be so far behind! Anyone have experience with this? Or who has been in a program recently and can share what it's been like?

They'll teach it to you all over again, only this time from a provider's POV. If you're rusty on some things, you can buy an A&P book or find one at a vintage store. The body doesn't change. However, for pharm, no point since there are new meds coming out all the time. You'll learn those in a pharm class and along with the way in advanced patho and when you get to the clinical-based classes.