I'm new to the site. My name is Christy and I'm a 53 y/o LPN in Oklahoma. I've been an LPN since 2017 and was an RMA before that for 7 years. I've been teetering on going back to school to do the LPN-RN bridge but am hesitant for several reasons.
One, my age. I'm sure I'll want to continue working at least part-time until I'm in my 70s, but I still owe $20K for my LPN schooling as I went to a private college.
Secondly, do I want more debt at my age?
Third, the time it takes to do this, as I still need all my pre-reqs sans two.
I'm so torn on what to do. I currently work PT in a urology clinic as a nurse navigator for advanced prostate cancer pts. I love my job and have no plans to leave but have wanted to be an RN since before I went to LPN school, and I feel that should something ever happen with this job, I would have many more opportunities as an RN.
Don't let age stop you from ever doing something you want! Of course you are not too old. There is a lot of diversity, including diversity of age, in all fields.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
Yes CC is the ticket. I wish more people did this route. It takes longer but the difference in cost is huge. OP, I was struggling with a similar decision to to go and get an RN to BSN. I applied, was accepted to a highly rated program and started. Within about two weeks I had a flare of one of my autoimmune system disorders and and had to drop the program. I got to thinking about how much longer I plan on working ( I'm 60) and if I really wanted to go into retirement planning with $85K in debt (I currently have no educational debt and only a small mortgage).
IF your health is good and you plan on working into your 70's then go for it. Just be aware that ageism is a very real thing in hospital nursing.
It will bring more debt and a lot of time studying, but I doubt you'd regret it.
However, you have a great job that you love and don't plan on leaving. Is there room to move up there as an RN? If not, I do think you're right to look at the risk:reward ratio. Is the cost and energy going to pay off in the end?
I'm 55 and going back for my BSN after 23 years, because they pay more for advanced degrees. I would check with your employer and see if they would be willing to help you. If not, you should totally do it and see what doors open up for you after that. There may be an even better job out there that you are not aware of, going to school and clinicals is a great way of seeing what's out there. If you have a VA hospital in your town, they have scholarships and internships that you can get and work for them after, have to give them time back. Also, look for EDRP I think it is in job descriptions, areas that are hard to hire for pay off your student loans up to 200k. The benefits are great as well! Good luck with your journey.
RN56123
8 Posts
Don't let age stop you from ever doing something you want! Of course you are not too old. There is a lot of diversity, including diversity of age, in all fields.