50 Yr Old Experienced RN; Should I go back to school for my BSN or MSN?

[Nurse Beth]

Dear Nurse Beth,

Trying to decide if I should go back to school to earn my bachelors or Masters. I am 50 years old and I have been an RN for 10 years. Previous to that I was a social worker for 15 years and I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. I am curious about my future job prospects in nursing and how difficult it might be to get a job without a BSN as I age. Frankly going back to school seems daunting to me at this point, but since I know I will have to work 15 more years or so, I am trying to realistic. Will I someday be an un-hireable 58 year-old associate's degree nurse?

---

Dear Realistic,

You are right to be concerned and realistic. If you want to qualify for a non-bedside role

down the road, you will need a Bachelor's in Nursing.

You may be able to find an accelerated Bachelor's program because you already have a degree, or consider an ADN-to-MSN program (which would take longer).

There's a good forum here on allnurses that talks about different programs.

I would really shop around and discover all the options, but move forward in your education.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[englishgarden]

I would definitely encourage everyone to get their BSN degree. I just finished my MSN-Ed through UOP at age 55. There is a lot of competition in nursing and age discrimination can be a factor when looking for a job; better to have the advanced degree.

Some of the traditional colleges will make you repeat your sciences if you graduated more than five years ago and take a year of foreign language. Sometimes in the long run it is lees expensive to earn your BSN online.

[legalsally]

I am a 60 yr old new nurse. I graduated from a local ADN program, passed the NCLEX and just scored my first job, I start in June, nights at a large level one trauma center where I hope to gain lots of great experience. I have a Bachelors in another field and there was no accelerated BSN program in my area, so I chose the LPN to RN route. YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO BENEFIT FROM EDUCATION. As far as cost is concerned, please check out WGU. They are self-paced, geared to the older student, and COST EFFECTIVE. I am in the BSN-MSN program for leadership. You buy time from them in 6 month blocks and for around $3500.00, you get all the classes you can complete within that time, including ALL resources you need-books or whatever. Several of my nursing instructors attended WGU and were very successful. There are many alternative paths to learning. Don't hesitate, the things you regret are the things you don't do! Good luck to you!

[jag nurse, RN]

I am a 60 yr old new nurse. I graduated from a local ADN program, passed the NCLEX and just scored my first job, I start in June, nights at a large level one trauma center where I hope to gain lots of great experience. I have a Bachelors in another field and there was no accelerated BSN program in my area, so I chose the LPN to RN route. YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO BENEFIT FROM EDUCATION. As far as cost is concerned, please check out WGU. They are self-paced, geared to the older student, and COST EFFECTIVE. I am in the BSN-MSN program for leadership. You buy time from them in 6 month blocks and for around $3500.00, you get all the classes you can complete within that time, including ALL resources you need-books or whatever. Several of my nursing instructors attended WGU and were very successful. There are many alternative paths to learning. Don't hesitate, the things you regret are the things you don't do! Good luck to you!

How are you liking your job so far? Have you found that, because of your age, people expect that you know more than you do? Pros? Cons? (Good for you, by the way!)

[legalsally]

I am having a great time, mostly. Last night was a nightmare, with a higher percentage of crazy than normal, and I am still on orientation! Overall, it's been a very positive experience.

Some people are quite surprised that I am a "new" nurse at my age. Positive reactions from all so far, other staff, supervisors, and patients. I think it is all about attitude. I really do believe that education should never stop!

I guess the best outcome is that I am taken seriously by the patients and other staff. Some of the stuff that comes with youth is just not there. It can be awkward from time to time, but no big deal. I am open to being taught anything from anyone. Again it goes back to attitude.

Honestly, it is a difficult transition, partly due to the raw physicality involved. I get many thousands of steps on my Fitbit, and have lot about 10 pounds so far. I believe this job is good for me, as for many years I was behind a desk. The first few days were tough.

If you have specific questions, just ask. I would encourage all to go for it, because you will get older anyway, and typically we regret the things we DON'T do. So why not?

Best of Luck!