Age 54- best path to RN?

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Dear Nurse Beth,

I am in a situation where I must retrain and get back into working at age 54. Was in biotechnology over 25 years ago, but now want to be a nurse. I am in CA and competition is fierce to get into a program. Would you recommend I do LVN first, then for an additional 30 units I can sit for NCLEX for RN but I don't get a degree? Am I wasting time by not getting my ADN or BSN? I tried a 1 year accelerated BSN and got very sick and had to leave that program. Also there is a 2 1/2 year program where I can get my BSN since I have my BS in Microbiology, is that a better plan? 

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear 54,

It depends on where you want to be in your nursing career and how long you plan to work.

Doing the LVN to RN without a degree route will permanently narrow your career choices. You will be limited to bedside care only, which will not carry you as long as some kind of desk job away from the bedside. If that's OK with you, then you could enter the workforce in less than 2 years, and work as long as you're physically able.

Getting your BSN will greatly enhance your choices down the road, once you've put a few years in at the bedside. By age 60ish, you might be able to segue into case management,  or any number of roles that are less physically demanding. This could take you as far as your late 60's if you decide to work that long.

Accelerated programs are intense, but fast. One year is very short for a nursing program. If I were you I'd do the 2.5 yr BSN. At 54, that should still fit with your plan.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

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