Pursue BSN with Health Problems?)

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Please advise. I am a 45 year old Associate Degree RN. I have approximately 18 years of experience in the areas of med/surg, telemetry, LTC, rehab, home health and coumadin clinic. Most of my work history has been on a part-time basis. For some reason I've always had difficulty working full-time hours. I began having health issues three years ago. I was at the coumadin clinic at the time, and the job was perfect for me. It was autonomous, I loved the pt education, I enjoyed the routine that may seem boring to some, there was no lifting and I was seated most of the time. Then my husband took a job transfer and I've had difficulty maintaining a job ever since. I tried LTC which was too physically painful for me due to the constant standing. Then I tried a multispecialty clinic which ended up being very mentally stressful, I tried this full-time and the commute was 2 1/2 hours daily. I buckled after two months. I have disliked most of the jobs I have had due to the constant fast paced juggling act, work load, etc., and when in the hospital I didn't always feel like I got the big picture, although I think I took good care of my pts and they liked me. So now I am at a crossroads. I feel I need to either continue my nursing education to give me more options or embark on a different career path. Do I spend the money to pursue my BSN (I am interested in being a diabetes educator or perhaps eventually a NP)? Do I pursue this route not knowing what my health status will be? And even if I may only be able to work part-time? Or do I begin to search out another field? Anyone out there been in a similar situation? (I have dysautonomia {POTS}, Chiari malformation, and Hashimoto's {currently on fritz}).

[Kimstwin]

I think it never hurts to advance your education. A BSN may open up more administration opportunities, case manager positions, or even IT positions.

I say go for it! I completed mine in 4 semesters and paid out of pocket. Good luck!