41yrs old going back to school.

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I have worked in the medical field for 20 yrs. I am not a nurse but have always wanted to be a nurse because I actually care about people/pts- that has never changed. I have enrolled in school and I start my pre-Recs this fall. The school I am attending requires an ACT score of 18 or higher to be accepted into the nursing program. I haven't been in a classroom in 21 yrs. Does anyone have any advice in regards to school and classes and Act information etc? I am 41 yrs old with a family and tend to wonder if I'm too old to start my future?

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

There must be ACT prep courses. I would take one if you're not confident. And why do people think 40 is old? I was over 40 when I learned to snowboard, mountain bike, and got 2 nursing degrees. Oh and joined the military. Go for it!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Welcome to Allnurses.com! We have moved your thread to our Pre-Nursing Student forum with the goal of it attracting more replies. Good luck with your schooling!

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No you aren't. I knew a few people in my class who were older than you but regardless if you want to so this you can.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Based on today's working world, you have >25 more years of work ahead of you. That's plenty of return on any educational investment. Don't stress about the gap since your last classroom experience. You are't the same person now - increased maturity brings more emotional stability & greater ability to focus on your studies. You'll be fine.

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Just that kind of experience will give you an edge. The average age of RN in Alabama, is 46, statistics report. I know of people who have no industry experience, making the decision to enter into RN, older than you. From scratch.

I am one of those people.

If I can, you can. My push was the thought: Do I want to look back and say "I should have" or "Gosh, I'm so glad I"... don't let age, peoples opinions, or obstacles along the way (and you will have some, we all do) deter your ambitions.

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I just turned 41, I am married with 2 children and have taken 5 of the 11 recommended prerequisites for my school. Every single day I wonder if i can do this and is it worth it? Then I catch glimpse of a working nurse or I go into my job for a shift I detest and I immediately feel butterflies in my stomach and say to myself, "Yes! I can and yes its worth it!" Do it, if you want, you will never regret gaining knowledge, you will only regret not doing it! Good luck!

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Specializes in Cardiovascular recovery unit/ICU.

In many areas you can work well past 65.

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Specializes in Cardiovascular recovery unit/ICU.

I love your post! This is so true. I had to leave nursing for 15 years due to three young children, two o which were very ill. I was needed at home. I just completed a refresher course with clinical and it all came right back to me. My kids are grown and it's time for me now. I have an interview next week for a cardiac critical care position. I have been studying cardiac for a full semester. I've done the work and have the drive and passion so I say you're not too old. I'm 53 but I'm not letting that stop me OR the big gap in employment. I say if you're willing to work hard and really want it you can do it. Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Orthopedics; Oncology.

I'm back in school for my MSN @ 68 & hope to go on for FPN! You do know that 70 is the new 50 right🤗

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Kudos to you, I know how hard it is! I am 45 now and went back to school at 40 after suddenly losing my job. It has been the hardest yet most rewarding choice

I also changed my major twice partly due to the experiences I had. At this age it's hard to be discriminated against for my age, and to be talked to like I'm an idiot. I also found it harder to make friends but my focus was on getting good grades. Mind you that I WAS in Dental Hygiene, lots of nepotism and pretty young girls with their lives ahead of them. I'm competitive but know once in the lrogram.just compete with myself. Now I'm going into Nursing with a very bruised heart and self esteem. BUT...we have to support one another and know it CAN be done. A strong supportive home life is crucial so you have good time management skills, study habits because retention is HARDER, and time to sleep. Make sure your family really is with you, it makes a big difference. Try not to stress about the Financials, when NOT IF, you succeed the pay off is also in your self awareness and achievement.

Remember, "If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you"! Feel free to add me and we can share positive hints to get through. Best of luck, never give up on YOUR dreams!

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

I started my prerequisites when I was 50; I'm now 53 heading into the 4th semester of RN school this coming fall. I'm not familiar with ACT; you are doing well to look it up and study. Don't worry about your age.

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