To BSN or Not?

Sour Lemon · Mar 7, 2018

I have been a nurse for 15 years with my associates, right in the middle of a lot of colleagues that have either been grandfathered in or either have their BSN from the beginning.
I don't know if I should pursue BSN as I have PTSD and anxiety issues and don't even really know how much longer I can work as a nurse. Want to do something different, but can't really afford to go back to school for a whole new career at my age, I'm 47. I love being a nurse, but I'm just burned out I think, not even just nursing, but having been a victim of domestic violence I am just burned out and don't feel I have a lot to give, but can't stop working either.
I am in therapy, just got back from FMLA and still just not feeling it. Any ideas on other careers nurses turn to?

Unless you have a very specific goal in mind for that BSN, I doesn't sound like now would be a good time.

cleback · Mar 8, 2018

Sounds like you're dealing with a lot. I'd wait until you're feeling better before making a big decision.

allnurses Guide · Mar 8, 2018

Agree with the above, now doesn't seem like a good time for you to

try to pursue a BSN, when you aren't even sure that you should continue

nursing, at least not at this time.

For what it's worth, I'm also in my mid 40's, have ALSO been a nurse 15

years now, and ALSO am surrounded by former classmates and collegues

who have gotten at least their BSN. One girl I graduated with even got

her MSN and now is the DON of the hospital that I got my start in.

I have zero desire at this point to go back to school. I've considered it

and even enrolled at UofL a couple of years ago, but then backed out.