Degree in the arts vs. degree in nursing

[JeanettePNP]

So, many new grad nurses are finding that their BSNs are as worthless as an BA in English or Art History.

The defense of "worthless" BA degrees is that a liberal arts education isn't meant to prepare you for a career, it's meant to make you a more educated, well-rounded person, whether it leads to a successful career or not.

Does the same apply to a BSN? I think most people who pursue nursing degrees do so in the hope (illusion) that it will lead to employment. Is there any inherent benefit in nursing education if you can't find a nursing job?

My personal opinion is that there is none. If you want a general education in human biology you can go for a bio degree. If you're interested in the human side of healthcare you can go for a psych degree. Learning nursing skills that you will never get to practice is frustrating and a waste of time.

[elkpark]

I wish I could say that about my BSN classes... I have a strong interest in public health issues and healthcare economics, but whatever knowledge I've gained has come from my own reading and research, not from class. I guess the problem has more to do with my nursing program than the courses themselves.

When I was doing a BSN completion program, I took an elective in healthcare economics and financing (v. interesting and worthwhile) through the uni's economics department -- you could see if that's an option for you (if a smiliar course is offered) at your school. There's certainly nothing stopping anyone from taking additional courses beyond the minimum requirements and specific nursing courses for the BSN. :)

[JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP]

My school did not offer a health economics course... anyway I'm graduated already and don't have the funds to spend on more courses. Maybe in grad school... Meanwhile I keep myself up to date by reading newspapers, articles and books about the current state of healthcare.