What age is "too old" to switch from RN to APRN?

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Specializes in CVICU, MICU, Burn ICU.

Hi all. I'm early 40's, been a nurse for awhile -- almost all of it critical care. My plan was always to return to school for my masters so I could retire out of a physically-less-demanding but intellectually stimulating hands-on patient care role.

I've recently landed a critical care "dream job". I'm super stoked about all the professional growth this opportunity affords as it's in a new specialty for me with lots of new learning curves. I know I could stay busy learning this new specialty and working on new certifications, and just enjoying the work for awhile. I like the flexibility, the 12 hour shifts, the pay, the challenge.... its all good.

But it's very stressful and very physical and I'm not getting any younger. So I keep thinking about advanced practice and wonder how long I have to pursue that route. While I had planned to work and go to school at the same time, I'd like to put school on the back-burner for awhile and get into a groove with this new job and just be able to focus on it.

But how long is too long for me to put off school? How old is "too old" to become an NP?

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

Oh please. 40's is nothing. Some enter in their 50s & 60s.

If you work do it for 10 years to justify the time and money invested...Go for it!

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Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

I went back in my mid 40s....

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Me too - became APRN at 47, now at uh...mid-late 50's, don't regret it one bit....

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

Two people in their 60s in my graduating class.

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If the schools and boards do not put an age limit why should you. Life is too short to make excuses that only have you wondering later what if.. if this is something you want, go for it!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
If the schools and boards do not put an age limit why should you.

Yikes that is like saying that just because someone has passed boards and have an active license they are competent to practice. I wish it were true but disagree in some cases. Unfortunately I have seen many skilled providers continue to practice when they were no longer competent due to the natural aging process. My personal opinion is our profession as well as physicians should have some age related requirements similar to airline pilots however in the case of this OP not even close to relevant.

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Specializes in Critical Care and ED.

I turn 50 in one month. I graduate next year as an AGACNP-BC.

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Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

The sharpest and most competent NP I know just turned 80. She obtained 2 PhDs in her 40s, teaches full time, and moonlights a few weekends/evenings a month. She has more energy and smarts than pretty much anyone I know. Age is just a number....

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Specializes in ManagedCareLPN-CHW-MedicalUnderwritingAnalyst Nurs.
I turn 50 in one month. I graduate next year as an AGACNP-BC.

Now, THAT'S what I'm talking about-you go, girl! ☻ Great accomplishment! imagegif

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Specializes in Critical Care and ED.
Now, THAT'S what I'm talking about-you go, girl! ☻ Great accomplishment! imagegif

Ha! Thanks. It seemed like a great idea at the time although I will admit to many mornings waking up and thinking what the heck have I done? However, I know I will have to continue working for many years so I might as well keep going.

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Specializes in CVICU, MICU, Burn ICU.

Thanks everyone for sharing and your encouragement! Reading your replies is helping me relax a little --- like it will be OK if I don't start a program in the next year. NP programs are tough to get into around here (a good thing!) -- and if I do it, I'm committed to only going to a great school. I don't even know if I'll get in for this next cohort -- but with my new job, I'm not sure I really want to start that soon anyway. It's good to know if I do get in, but don't feel it's the right time to start, that I can put it off another year or two (or more!).

Ya'll are awesome and I really appreciate the feedback!

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