I need some advise please.

I'm 51 years old, live in New Jersey. I work for a home health care facility and I want to go back into the hospital. I left the hospital 6 years ago do to an illness. The problem I'm facing is all the hospitals want to become "Magnet Status" and are only hiring nurses with BSN's. I have an associates in nursing. I'm 51 years old, going to be 52 in October. By the time I get my BSN, I hate the thought of going back to school, I'll be around 56 years old. I can only go part time if at all. What would you do if you were in my position? Would you spend all that money on tuition and go back to school and hope someone will hire you at age 56 years old, or just stay where your at in Home Health with no health insurance and where the pay sucks?
Please think about this very carefully. Put yourself in my shoes. I need some good advise. Last edit by OnEdge on Aug 24, '11
I don't understand the magnet status thing. But here is my two cents. No health insurance! Pay Sucks! Sounds like slavery. At 56, your still a long way from retirement. Look at the social security letter, you get every year or so to review your yearly income. Get your BSN if this will get you where you want to go. Besides, a BSN may lead to, freedom to get the job you want, a little self esteem, a great learning experience, health insurance, good pay. Yeah, sounds good to me.
Thanks, Marisette, you gave some wonderful advise that made perfect sense. I'm going to try one last time to get into the hospital, so they can at least pay my tuition for my BSN.
Texas Tech has an online RN to BSN program that is 2 semesters or 30 hours. I don't know where u live but it might be worth looking into.