Anyone going into nursing because of an interest in science?

OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN · Feb 7, 2011

Well I will say I am definately with you. I chose nursing because I liked the pre-req's needed and I love biolgy and chemistry. I never wanted to go to med school cause I don't want to devote that much of life to work and wasn't thrilled by the business aspect of it either. Nursing fit because I love science and wanted to do something that I felt would contribute to society and my community. So far as a student I enjoy lab and clinical but not theory so much.

jjjoy, LPN · Feb 7, 2011

Many nursing positions will keep you up and running. So that part would be a good fit!

Personally, as a science junkie, I found some of the nursing coursework frustratingly cursory. You've got a very short time to cover A LOT of ground and a bulk of nursing education focuses on whole patient care including addressing psychosocial issues and preventative measures (encouraging hydration and ambulation, providing skin care, etc). I'm in no way diminishing the value of whole patient nursing care. Nursing *is* whole patient care. It's just that compared to major level science coursework, nursing coursework generally isn't so in depth.

Health care providers only spend a small fraction of their time chewing on the science of health care and spend the bulk of their time just "getting it done"... making sure labs are drawn, physicians notified, pain is controlled, bowels are working, etc and documenting, documenting, documenting! Of course, scientists by profession often spend the bulk of their time trying to get funding and to get published, and just a small fraction actually *doing* science (lab work, field work, etc)! I guess that's why we call it work... much of it is stuff we don't consider inherently fun.

Anyway... my main point is that the best reason to go nursing school is because you want to be a nurse and practice nursing. Any other goal (become a case manager, a mid-level primary care provider, a diabetes educator, a medical researcher) may be pursued without necessarily becoming a nurse.

If you want to be a nurse and a medical researcher, then definitely go with nursing school. But if you want to be a nurse in order to get into medical research, then you might consider just majoring in biology, kinesiology, microbiology, etc. Granted, you can't just open the paper for jobs for kinesiology majors as opposed to RN jobs (it's not that easy for RNs these days anyway), but if you're interested in non-mainstream nursing jobs, those are more difficult to land depending on what other skills/experience you bring to the table besides just the license.

If you're not really sure what direction you'd like to go, try to get out there and volunteer/intern on a hospital unit, in a research lab, at a pharmaceutical company, etc.

Best wishes!!

chicagoing, ADN, RN · Feb 7, 2011

I am going into nursing because I have a genuine interest in making a difference in other people's lives and wish to be able to support myself as a single person.

I do love science, but the nursing pre-reqs just barely touch on what I learned in the advanced science major courses and sometimes leave me feeling almost...bored at at times.

on eagles wings, ASN, RN · Feb 8, 2011

i love science, but i also really love medicine. i don't want to dedicate my life like an MD though. i don't think i'd be happy.

my number one thing is teaching though. i want to become a biology professor someday. maybe after i become a nurse and practice a bit, i'll be able to go back to school and be a p/t bio professor.

i didn't have to take much chemistry or bio courses for nursing though, which makes me really sad. i wish it was a requirement lol

strawberryluv, BSN, RN · Feb 8, 2011

I chose nursing because it had stability, I can support myself in this capitalistic political system without having to feel nickel and dimed. Of course, the aspects of science and examining the metabolical systems more in depth fascinated me about the major as well. But I would not say I threw myself into the prenursing world with the affinity for science alone.

lillymom · Feb 8, 2011

I chose nursing because that is what I was meant for. I have always been a caregiver of some type. I used to volunteer at the local LTC when I was 12 until I was able to work there as a CNA when I was 17. I unfortunately took a factory job since I could not afford to go to school being a CNA and became trapped.

I did go back to school for CMA and graduated but I am not satisfied at a doctor's office. I love the hands on work with the patient and I also love to help people. I generally am not that interested in any science unless it directly pertains to the human body. I chose it because it is my passion!

LexiG · Feb 8, 2011

I've only recently decided to go into nursing and am so excited about it. I love to learn but oddly enough did HORRIBLE in science classes when I was in high school. Now I love them and find it all so interesting. I currently work in a desk job in law enforcement and enjoy helping people but sitting in a chair for 25+ years just isn't for me.

Sugar-Phosphate · Feb 8, 2011

I am going into nursing for the infectious disease portion. I love outbreaks, and to be right in the middle of it, AWE. I know I could have gone through cdc, or microbiology,but after having worked in the hospital there are too many outbreaks, and I want to assist in the control and education of the outbreaks. Most outbreaks do not involve the cdc directly and many health care professionals contribute to their prevention. No spread of scabies on my watch ha ha.

Also, I love the stress and chaos with nursing, above the normal nursing duties.