Seeking Advice: Going Back to School at 53

ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 18, 2023

I would go for it if you plan on working for another 15 years.

Just be mindful of how much you spend...I would go for a 2 year degree instead of a 4 year degree to keep debt to a minimum. Do not go to a private school again...stick with community college.

clparnell, LPN · Jul 18, 2023

Totally agree about the community college vs. private school again. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond! ?

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2023

Agree with the community college thing. Now that you're an LPN getting into a LPN to RN bridge at a community college should be easier. Also agree that if you are planning on working that many years (into your 70's could mean 20 years or more) getting that RN as soon as you can if interested is the thing to do.

JBMmom, MSN, NP · Jul 19, 2023

As others have mentioned, we're going to get older no matter what, so do you want to be older with your RN or without it? Sounds like you're already well aware of what you would prefer, but you're being very practical about the logistics. Add me to the list of community college supporters! Be sure you investigate with the program whether any of the pre-reqs can be waived for past experience. Perhaps they can't, but it can't hurt to try. If you can keep additional debt to a minimum it might be worth it. Will you get any bump in pay at your current job with your RN? If so that makes it a total no-brainer, but if you are going to be making the same and it's only a back-up plan, that makes taking on additional debt less practical. Good luck with whatever you decide!

clparnell, LPN · Jul 19, 2023

What a great response. Thank you so much! ❤️

Peachpit · Jul 27, 2023

Go for it - but go public college for expense savings if possible.

Age is but a number!

clparnell, LPN · Jul 27, 2023

Absolutely! And thank you for responding. ?

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jul 28, 2023

Start Looking: many community colleges on this List of 2023 LPN to RN or LPN to BSN Programs in OK

mdsRN2005, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 29, 2023

Great comments so far, I fully agree with the ones who encouraged an ADN program. Before you commit, I'd speak to someone in financial aid to find out if there are any scholarships available that'd you'd qualify for (ask specifically for ones intended for non-traditional students).

One other point to ponder, and I don't mean this to be discouraging - if you want to stay in the clinic setting, you'll actually have less options as an RN. Sadly these days most facilities are looking to cut costs any way they can and use LPNs for anything they can remotely justify. Obviously this includes almost all clinic positions but even many inpatient. Being an RN will get you more job security in ER/ICU type settings. You may enjoy these for a while but they may wear you out and you might want a less physically demanding job or better hours. If so, your options will be more limited because most of the clinics would prefer to hire LPNs since they're cheaper. Again I don't mean this to discourage you from going back, but just consider what your ideal work setting is. Especially since I doubt at that point it would be worthwhile to go back for NP. If you prefer the clinic option you might talk to your current employer to see if you could keep your position as a RN or if they'd have another spot for you. Just be aware they may say yes now then back out later.

I still say go for it if you truly want to, especially if you can do it affordably. It's never too late to chase a dream! We had a 62yr old in my nursing class. If she can do it, you can too!

mdsRN2005, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 29, 2023

Forgot to mention, some prereqs are offered in mini-sessions during Summer and Winter breaks. This could be a good way to get those done while you're waiting to get accepted, or alternately while you're in school but without an extra workload during the semester.

clparnell, LPN · Jul 30, 2023

Such great advice! Thank you so very much for taking the time to respond! ☺️☺️☺️