ABSN or Public Health or Take some time off?

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Hello, 

I am currently finishing my undergrad in community health in May 2021. My initial plan was to enroll in an ABSN program at Loyola or a direct entry MSN program at UIC, Depaul or Rush. My main concern was not being able to work while completing the program so I was mostly interested in Loyola's ABSN program because it is only 16 months. Due to COVID I was not able to work enough to save up for the 16 months so I had decided on pursuing my masters in public health in environmental and occupational health science with a concentration in industrial hygiene. I am now confused on which path I should take. I am now considering taking a semester off to save, maybe shadow and figure out what I actually would want to do. I have always wanted to work for a major public health organization so that is why I was considering getting my masters in public health. I also want to be a person who is very active in the health field, practices health and I feel that nursing would make me more impactful in the Public health field. I have a passion for both but I don't want to waste any more time or money on education. If you were in my situation what would you recommend? 

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I believe it wise to take some time off and decide what you want to do. What is your goal in nursing? Do you wish to become management/admin one day? Then go for your master's degree. If you are unsure, it used to be said, you could shadow a nurse and figure it out. But in times of covid, it's not likely or feasible.

I would ask myself this question before I entertained nursing: WHY do I want to become a nurse? Where do I want my career to go?

Nursing is not an easy path; check out some of the threads here to see current issues we face and talk to real nurses and see for yourself if you want to do this at all.

THEN decide what to do from there. I wish you the best whatever you decide!

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1 minute ago, SmilingBluEyes said:

I believe it wise to take some time off and decide what you want to do. What is your goal in nursing? Do you wish to become management/admin one day? Then go for your master's degree. If you are unsure, it used to be said, you could shadow a nurse and figure it out. But in times of covid, it's not likely or feasible.

I would ask myself this question before I entertained nursing: WHY do I want to become a nurse? Where do I want my career to go?

THEN decide what to do from there.

Thanks! With nursing I actually want to properly care for patients. Adequate healthcare for all is my goal. I am sometimes worried about how my family members and others are properly being cared for and I want to be a nurse who actually cares for her patients and truly has their best interest at heart. As far as my career I think that nursing can open doors for me in both the public health field and nursing field. So as far as my long-term career aspirations, I would like to impact the health of populations and improve life quality. 

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I think your intentions are honorable. But you will find a lot of frustration in trying to care for patients in what you consider proper. Within the construct of today's health care system, it can be nearly impossible.

It sounds like community health nursing may be up your alley. (based on what I am reading here).

Like I said, try talking to some nurses in your area and see what they have to say. We all, and I mean,  ALL, went into this with the same spirit in which you intend to. But again for so many, our work is thwarted and frustrated by the "red tape" that binds us to a money-driven health care delivery system.

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