Drop the BA path for the BSN?

[dairymarie]

I'm currently a university student pursuing a BA in Sociocultural Anthropology however I've been doubting my intentions in getting this degree (it's not the most useful degree and it's just an easy Bachelors really despite the fact that it's highly interesting to me personally) and think I may be better suited for a nursing degree (more of a challenge and more direction for careers. Also, I'm certain I would enjoy it, I have this passion that I recently discovered for helping people improve themselves). My questions for students of nursing and nurses alike: have any of you had the challenge of decided on a BA or a BSN? If so did you drop the BA path in favor of the BSN?

This indecision is eating me up. I have a year and a half left to finish this BA after three years at Community College but once I'm done with it I think I'd like to continue with school for a BSN otherwise I can stop this schooling, go back to Community College, finish pre-reqs, and then wait to get into nursing school. Both would take about the same amount of time but would it be advantageous to finish this degree and then continue for the BSN?

I'm hoping there are other students/nurses who have gone through this and can give me advice and explain the ups and downs they had on whichever path they chose. Honestly, any life lessons or things you'd do differently and are willing to share will be very helpful and so much appreciated!

A little addition, I'd like to go abroad as a nurse at some point as well (as can be deduced from my passion for Anthropology I'm highly interested in other cultures/languages).

This was likely far too much information, but as a student I can't help but wonder what the future will bring and how to approach it. Thanks so much for any advice!

[deemalt, BSN, RN]

I found a more circuitous route to nursing. I got a job in archaeology out of school. Was a park ranger, bartender/waitress, then went to school for massage therapy and got my holistic health practitioner license- this was my "satisfaction to help others". I wanted more than I got out of this field and went on to nursing school. In between all this I traveled all over the world. I'm not saying this to show off what an interesting life I've had but just giving a different perspective on life choices. Some people know what they want to do right out of the gate.

I know some may argue and say that you should be more career minded and go where the jobs are but really, I've always been financially independent and followed my passion at the same time. I enjoyed almost all of my jobs. I probably wouldn't have been ready for the rigors of nursing school back when I got my first degree anyway.

You know the expression not all who wander are lost? I guess you just have to do what you feel is right. You can always get your BA, work, travel, volunteer, and then go back for your masters in public health or your BSN. Like I said, just a different perspective. Besides, you can always change your mind...

[lindarn]

I would second this sentiment unless you really, really want to be a nurse. The job market for new nursing grads is very weak and in my opinion, will continue to be so for an extended period. Less than 40% of my graduating class from 2009 have been able to find jobs and the rate for the 2010 grads is something closer to 10%. While this is SE Pennsylvania, the situation is similar in NY, NJ, CA and AZ - these are the only states I've looked at the data for though I strongly suspect this is a national trend.

A quick look at the job postings in your area can give you some idea. In SE PA, there seems to be more postings for OT and PT positions than for RNs.

Just to add to my above posting: I have been a nurse since 1975. Nursing was never great with staffing ratios, (always too many patients), lack of respect, poor pay and benefits, but at least, you could take care of your patients, and the paperwork was just nurses notes. Visitors did not camp out 24/7, in the patients' rooms, and we had VISITING HOURSE THAT WERE STRICTLY ENFORCED!!

Fast forward 20 years.

Nursing has gone to hell in a handbasket. I would choose another career besides nursing. Or if you have the interest, go for CRNA, or NP. Just stay away from bedside nursing, or just do the minimum to become an Advanced Practice Nurse of some flavor.

There is absolutely no quality of life as a bedside nurse. What little there used to be is long gone.

As usual:

JMHO and my NY $0.02.

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Somewhere in the PACNW

[ImThatGuy, BSN, RN]

As others have noted, nursing isn't the marketable major it once was. Another avenue you may consider, if graduate school is for you, would be physician assistant (PA) school. You could probably finish all the prereqs for a PA program in two years, and you've already got a year and a half to go to finish your degree. It's all be doable simultaneously most likely. They like patient care work experience prior to enrollment so you could get a tech or aid job in the mean time. Just a thought. If I were starting over at 18 again that's what I'd set my sights on.

[alwaysfaithful]

If I can change back time I would get a BSN. Right after high school I went to a university got a BA in Child Development that will probably be useless to me. The only reason why i got a ba degree is because of my family educational guidelines and I didnt know I wanted to become a nurse til my senior year in college. But if i knew I wanted to get into nursing when i was in college, my life would be different.

It doesnt matter what degree you get, as long as you can acheived it, and you have a passion for it. Education will always be there for you to fall back on. So, maybe a degree in Sociocultural Anthropology might benefit you if others falls out. But for me, if nursing school doesnt work out (which I hope it does!!) I can fall back on my other degree.