I'm an RN BSN, what would be a good next step in education

I think either getting your MSN and specializing in administration or getting a MS in Healthcare Administration are good options. You could always go back and get a BA but you will probably have to take extra business electives. I don't think your age would be a deterrant but you might have to get into management as an assistant and work your way up to administrator. Kind of learn the ropes of whatever facility you are at you know? Getting a certificate in home care probably won't help you move up on the management end of things.

In IL where I live, ther are several schools that offer dual MBA/MSN degrees, so that is always an option & BA is needed because you already have a BSN. Those programs are usually 3 years. You'd have to research & find institutions in your area. Are you interested in trying a new specialty, or do you think you've found your niche? I ask because in nursing, majors at the masters level are very specialized. Good luck in whatever you decide.

With a BSN and your experience you should be qualified to be a manager in home health, dialysis or LTC. But---as you said---jobs are hard to find in this economy. Getting an MSN is not all that difficult; what is difficult is choosing the best program to suit your needs. If you can find a position, you may want to work as a manager before you commit to a master's in nursing management.

You are fortunate in that there are more online MSN programs all the time and that many of these do offer foci in management. If this is what you decide to do, I think you have many options for your advanced education.

I don't think your age should be a deterrent for getting a management position. You may find that you will have some generational conflicts, especially some older or more experienced staff who resent you. Definitely look for some books on generational team building to see in advance what challenges you might face and how to best handle them. I once had a nurse manager who was younger than I who did not respect me and I had a hard time working for that manager because I always felt put down. It had nothing to do with me because the manager was insecure and respected no one. But it was an unpleasant experience. Your awareness that age may be a factor in how you manage is commendable and an indication to me that you will do your best to be better than my former manager was.

Good luck to you! I wish you success in whatever route you choose!