Need Advice/Suggestions for Career Change

How many years do you plan on working as a nurse (in some capacity) before retirement? If it's say more then 10 then I would re think the BSN thing and get a different job if necessary to finish it. It's nice to have the degree for the middle management nurse jobs or for state/federal jobs (many require a BSN).

I worked as a nurse manager and even though I didn't do direct patient care - I ran my butt off. My position was on the weekends covering the whole house so I went everywhere - scanning charts for lengths of stay, discharging planning, talking to patients, etc... I did not sit at a desk. So be sure you have a good understanding of the duties.

Why wait 5 years? As soon as a position opens, put in an application.

My advice: go to an RN to MSN program and be done with it. The MSN will give you more options than a BSN ever would.