RN ~ BSN @ 55 ?

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Specializes in Med / Surg.

I am a 55 yr old with and ADN degree holding a CA RN license since 1987.

Early in my career I was attending a local University in their RN to BSN program.

I never finished my BSN degree choosing to focus on family life instead while practicing in acute Med/Surg with my ADN/RN.

Now, I have not been practicing since my mother was ill and passed away approx. 8 years ago. Though I have kept my RN lic. current in "active" status.

I recently inquired at the University where I had attended regarding the status of my transcripts.

I was told that in 2012 they realigned their curriculum and if I had not finished my BSN by then, my past course work was obsolete.

I am wondering if it is worth the expense and time to try and complete an online RN to BSN program now.

I'm not really interested in going back into acute care practice, but might like to explore alternative Nursing opportunities.

I would appreciate any thoughts / opinions about this.

Thanks for reading.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I earned my AAS in Nursing at age 25. I started my online RN-to-BSN at Online University | Online Degree Programs | WGU at age 55. Completed it when I was 56, got a MSN at 58 and started a doctoral degree YESTERDAY - and I'll be 60 in two weeks.

Even my 'old' coursework was counted - I had NO classes to repeat.

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Specializes in Med / Surg.

Wow !!

Congratulations on all of your accomplishments.

Thank you for sharing your story and link, I will check it out.

I guess I should request copies of my old transcripts, if they still have them.

Happy ~early~ Birthday !

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It's never too late. I used to have a boss (ADN-prepared) who was working on a BSN one class at a time (this was before the days of a kazillion on-line programs, she was sitting in a classroom evenings in a B&M program). She was so close to retirement that she wasn't going to finish the degree in time for it to benefit her professionally in any way, but the personal satisfaction was important for her. It was something she had always wanted to do (she did end up retiring before she finished the degree; I always wondered if she kept working on it after she retired, but we didn't stay in touch).

You know what they say, "sixty is the new forty" -- you've got plenty of life and work left, why not go for it? Best wishes!

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No matter what area of nursing you attempt to reenter, a BSN would prove helpful. I would say to pursue this if you really think you will be going back to nursing.

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.

I am 50 and about 1 year from finishing my RN to BSN. And I am not the oldest in the cohort.

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Specializes in Med / Surg.

elkpark~

Thank you, so much, for your story and the encouragement !

I was beginning to think that it wasn't important to me or not worth it.

I had trouble renewing my license this passed cycle due to the issues California has been having. I almost let it go. Until I found this site and have been reading various articles.

I am reminded that it ~is~ important and valuable.

Thank you !!

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Specializes in Med / Surg.

caliotter3 ~

Thank you.

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Specializes in Med / Surg.

caroladybelle ~

Kudos to you !!

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Specializes in Med / Surg.

Does anyone have advice on what aspects to look for in a part~time, online program ?

I am in California with a CA lic. and not familiar, at all, with online coursework. (Except for online CEU courses) But an online program would be best for me now.

Some of them I have looked at say their programs are a mix of online and in person classes.

I am near Sonoma State University. And that is where my previous course work was completed.

But they only accept full~time students into their RN~BSN program now and I am not able to pursue this full~time.

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I don't have much information right now as I'm at work although I do live in the same state.

My RN-BSN program was part of the Aspire Program at Simpson University. One night a week class; 5 weeks classes. There have to be other programs that allow nurses to continue to work and be a part of their family's lives.

I did mine at 53 years of age. It got me away from bedside nursing and 12 hour shifts.

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Specializes in Med / Surg.

Spidey's mom ~

Thank you for sharing your information.

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