Do you often think about a second career? If so, pediatric nursing is a great choice, and there are many opportunities for those who decide to become a pediatric nursing practitioner (PNP). If becoming a nurse practitioner in your 50s is of interest to you, then read on to find out more about the career and how to pursue it during this amazing age.
There’s No Age Limit on Returning to School
If you are presently an RN, then you are on the right track for a Doctor of Nursing Practice – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PNP) program. Whether you are in your 50s or any other age won’t hinder your experience.
In fact, many people would say that you stand to get more out of a college program by taking it later in life. A big reason for that is that you have amassed a range of experiences over the years, both personally and professionally, that can help you thoroughly enjoy school. Those experiences can enrich your school assignments and exams.
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For nurses, including those who focus on pediatric care, there is no age limitation, and the minimal requirement is being a licensed RN. If you are thinking of specializing in helping kids or simply want to try something new, it’s important not to let age misconceptions stop you.
Your dream career is still achievable, and never let being over 50 make you feel “too old” for reaching it. Many people take years to figure out what their life purpose is, and during your registered nurse years, you’ve likely been able to get a better grasp on what that is, exactly. With time comes a vision of your goals, including what career to pursue now.
If you worry that you might be older than some of your classmates, let that thought go. Online pediatric nurse practitioner programs won’t see age as a detriment but instead as a positive point because you bring a lot of experience to the school. Furthermore, as you’re completing projects from home, rather than on-campus, you’ll be able to complete them during hours that fit with your schedule.
Finally, you will still have several years working before entering retirement, so you can enjoy this second career choice and fulfill your desire to help kids! It is well worth the effort and the sense of personal satisfaction when you look at it this way.
What does Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Education Involve?
When considering enrollment in a DNP-PNP program, you’ll want to know what the education involves; that way, you can make an informed choice as to whether going back to college is right for you. This point is true at any age, whether you are 50, older, or younger than that.
The schooling will help to prepare you for a range of care scenarios, including primary care. At Baylor University, there are two tracks you can take: the primary care track and the primary/acute track, depending on your preference. Being able to customize your education in this way is advantageous as then you can target what you really want to do during this second career of yours.
The nursing program will prepare you with the skills and knowledge to assess, diagnose, and treat kids. From clinical care to decision-making and identifying policies to include patient health outcomes, there is a lot involved in this position that makes it one many women and men are proud to do daily.
As with other colleges, Baylor has specific dates when applications need to be received, as well as certain start dates. The courses are 15 weeks long, and there are three semesters.
Paying attention to when to apply for the quality online program will help you make sure that you submit everything necessary on time for consideration by the admissions officers. Baylor University conveniently provides clinical placement so that you don’t have to incur the stress of finding it yourself, especially given that you likely have a busy life already.
Pursuing What You are Passionate About
This type of schooling is one that will appeal to you if you like working with children and families. The care focuses on young patients, but it also involves considerable time with their relatives, such as parents, grandparents, and siblings.
While you might at first think you are beyond the age when you’re able to switch careers, the reality is that it’s never too late to do what you love. As an RN already, you are on the path to making a difference in the lives of youngsters who can benefit from your care and thoughtfulness.
You can also take great pride in providing help to children who do not have access to a pediatrician. Every person deserves quality treatment, and when you have the academic credentials to do so, you can provide it to youngsters who have so much life still ahead of them. Giving back is an incredible feeling!
Final Words on Having a Second Career as a PNP in Your 50s
When you are accepted into the online pediatric health program that interests you, there is a lot to look forward to, including finally doing what you want for work. When it is a job you love, it doesn’t feel like a burden but instead like something you were meant to do. Feel good about helping young patients and their families, as well as making changes in nursing to benefit those who come after you.
Rather than wondering for the next few years, if you have achieved what you want career-wise in life, take the time now to apply to your school of choice for a specialized DNP-PNP program. Once graduating, you can enjoy being a dynamic nurse leader and provide quality care to kids, as well as comforting their families.
Your work can be a part of transforming healthcare and changing the lives of others for the better. When you give your all, anything is possible! The next years are ones when you can carry out your dream career and then retire, knowing that you’ve made significant accomplishments in nursing.
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