should I go 4 yr at my age

Published

I have 10 yr exp on fire dept as paramedic, and recently became a adn @ 47, My teachers always felt I was far above the crowd bc of my exp yet I could not find a job with adn. Only thru luck and great connections I got a job in home health. So far I like it bc of the flexibility. At my age I'm torn with do I stay an adn, now 50, or go on for a bs, I would have to pay for it bc my job doesn't reimburse like a hospital would. Then if I get it I'm afraid I still won't get a local job bc I'm too old, with no real exp. Of course I feel not to old, and I have acute skills, and a lot to offer, but that's the feeling I got already.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Wound care.

Hi Babs. I would go for it. You have nothing to lose and plenty to gain. You have the option of obtaining your degree in class or online. Given your current job, online would be best (just my opinion). I am an online student and I know 3 nurses who are online students also. You will get hired based on experience not age. Don't let your age discourage you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU.

It can only help you. Online degrees are pretty cheap. I have two degrees from Excelsior and would recommend it to anyone. I have never regretted it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pedi.

If you already have your ADN and presumably your RN, it shouldn't take you anywhere near 4 years to complete your BSN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

Why did you quit the paramedic job? I thought that was a good paying job with great benefits! If you can really afford to go back to school and get a BSN then go for it. I'm sure it will help to get another job, but again nothing is guaranteed. Minimize student loans because they are truly the worst debt you can have! If you have a house it would probably be cheaper and safer to take out a home equity loan/line of credit before taking out student loans. While student loans do have limited time deferments/forbearance the interest rate accrues, capitalizes and grows and income based repayment requires 20 years so you could find yourself paying off loans into retirement.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in IR, Cardiac Tele,Burns, Peds Trauma & ER.

There are a couple people in my BSN program that are near the same age. I am almost 40 and am on the high end in my cohort of 96. The BS works nicely for us because of all of the Magnet hospitals in our city. I would definitely go for it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If the BS(N) is what you really want to do, then go for it. Don't do it for the money, because the additional money may or may not cover the dollars (money and time) spent. At your age (not old, by any means), it may be beneficial, but do it because you really want to.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology; med/surg; geriatric; OB; CM.

I'm 55 going on 56 & I start back for my BSN next Tuesday! Never thought I would go back to school again but here I go! If you want it, go for it! Good Luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion