Exploring

See, this situation exactly is my worst fear/nightmare. I have been out of permanent full time work for about three years and have been thinking of attending nursing school; already have a bachelors' and some of the pre-reqs (alTHOUGH, I may need refreshers on some of those, I'm absolutely certain).... but the fact remains, I am closer to 60 than I am to 50 and I am so afraid I will invest the time, money, and energy and still be jobless. (haven't had health insurance since 2003, good GAWD!!!)

I'll turn 59 this year.... is it too late for me???? I have a bachelor's degree in Consumer Sciences, have been a claims adjuster (workers' comp and BI) for over 20 years..... But I have not even STARTED nursing school yet.... I will probably have to take some courses over... Gawd, I'm tired just talking about it...... Exploring.....

I think that's what I'm looking for also, the accelerated BSN. I would like to work in a hospital while I do it, because most of them will reimburse you for your costs OR provide in-house education. I am certain that you likely have to make a specified time commitment to work for THEM after they offer such support, but I don't mind that. I wish I had started this YEARS ago. My head is still spinning around with all the designations etc.... have been googling for a comprehensive list of those, but no go so far... good luck to all......

Hiya NewNurse.... If you don't mind, I'm gonna jump on your bandwagon here. I'm looking for pretty much the same information. I have a bachelors' degree - totally unrelated to nursing. I have had mine MUCH longer than you, however. My age worries me when contemplating a career change, but the people I've spoken with in person tell me that it will be a non issue in this field. Boy, that would be great!! I have been a claims adjuster for nearly 20 years, handling lost time/trauma workers' comp cases (long before NCM's were used by carriers) and casualty bodily injury claims. I have contemplated this 'career move' for nearly 10 of those 20 years. I am hoping to go to work in a hospital so that I can 1.) be partially compensated for tuition fees, and 2.) take advantage of the great programs most hospitals offer to their employees who want to become nurses. My brief research has already informed me that SOME hospitals even reimburse tuition in full and teaching hospitals have work/study programs. I just joined this forum today, and it looks to be VERY promising: chock full of good info and many friendly folk willing to share!!