Input Requested about going for RN ....

I just took my NCLEX PN this afternoon. Boy was I surprised how difficult the questions were. I was told as of April 2008 they had become more difficult. I will know in 24 hrs how I did. When I did my med/surg clinical in a hospital setting I truly enjoyed it. The challenge was exhilerating and every day was a learning curve for me. I have just turned 60 and feel that perhaps so many nurses are retiring at my age. I have also done clinical rotations in LTC and really did not like it at all. There is a sub acute care facility I am going to apply to - a rehab. Question: Should I go ahead at age 60 and get my Assoc degree and sit for my NCLEX RN? Or, due to my age, enjoy my career as an LPN. I am a widow and have a teen still at home so the money as an RN is a great draw. However, I will be paying for my education far into my retirement, I am afraid. Does anyone of you wonderful nurses who are working for a while have some words of wisdom for me? There is the local DCCC here and I can get my RN in about 10 months with the bridgeing program. I have not gone to the college yet and talked to them as I want to wait and make sure that I have my license in hand to move on. Also, I am hoping(since I am in good health) I could do part time private duty nursing when I am older if I am able? I would work 3 to 11 and school during the day. Unless I do the on-line education but I think I do better in the classroom setting. I was just hoping my employer would pay for this
but I don't know if all employers pay for RN education for LPN.