[jrsimon82]

I am interested in pursuing a BA in Anthro, with a minor in biomedical science while on the LONG wait for my local nursing program (ADN only). I was wondering if this degree is something any of you have, I find both subjects vastly exciting. I would ultimately like to do something with forensics or research, maybe for the gov., while stil utilizing my ADN in someway. Eventually, I would like to obtain my masters, but I don't know in what yet.

[rnpatrick]

You should study nursing as a culture via cultural anthropology. A lot of research on the nursing culture is needed especialy its disfunctional self defeating mores. Perhaps best as one scientific dicipline looking at another. I think we don't always get an objective view when nursing looks at itself. I have only heard of one person ever doing this course of study.

[Michelle05]

I have a BA and MA in Anthropology, and am currently in a bachelor's program in nursing. My master's was in physical anthropology, and the in depth study of human anatomy that I got through that program has really helped me in nursing school so far. I took a lot of cultural anthro as an undergrad, and in general, I think that provides you with a wonderful perspective for relating to your patients, and helping you to see things through their eyes. I really love anthropology as a field and as a paradigm, and I wouldn't trade what I learned for anything. Unfortunately, a degree in anthropology isn't necessarily as marketable, jobwise, as anthropology professors may lead you to believe! But if you're looking to take some classes to supplement a planned career in nursing, I would definitely say go for it.

You should look into the work of Madeleine Leininger, the founder of Transcultural Nursing. Her background is in psychiatric nursing and anthropology, and she was the first nurse to be trained specifically in anthropology. I wrote a paper on her last semester, and found her ideas to be a very interesting blend of nursing and anthropology.

This should start you off in the right direction:

http://www.madeleine-leininger.com/

http://www.tcns.org/

Good Luck!

Michelle