Advice for an unsure pre-nursing student

Published

A couple years ago I started thinking about becoming a nurse. I have my Bachelors degree in Biology and work as a tech at a lab, but the pay sucks and I have no passion for it. In college, I always had though about med school but I didn't wanna be in school forever and owe a bunch of loans. Nursing would offer me the opportunity to be hands on with patients in the medical field, which is something I've always wanted. And of course, there's all the talk about the security and great pay nurses earn. So, over the past year I have been retaking some of my sciences because they are more than 5 years old and most schools I've looked at require A&P,micro, and chem to be taken within 5 years (I graduated in 2005). However, now I keep hearing about how it is so hard to find nursing jobs and it takes people up to a year to find a job. This terrifies me, to leave a job,which although not the greatest pay, is still a decent and secure job, to enter into something where I may graduate and be broke. I had credit card problems in college, which I'm done with now, and it took me awhile to get it all taken care of. The thought of being in debt again terrifies me. On the other hand, I don't wanna spend my life doing something I feel no passion for. Also, a little about me, I'm 30, live with my boyfriend, no kids. Any advice for me? Is there anybody who has been in a similar situation who can offer me encouragement or caution? Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The job market really varies by region. Have you looked on job search sites and in the want ads to see what it's like in your area?

If you got financial aid for your BA then a lot of your financial aid may be used, so you won't have as much help getting an Associates or Bachelors in Nursing.

Having said all of that, if you want to be a nurse then you should do it. See if any schools in your area have fast track BSN programs for students who already have a bachelors degree.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Over 30 years ago, I had a BA in biology, was in a MA program in History of Religion and needed a salable skill. A nursing program took a chance on me. And, I found that nursing suits me. Is nursing my passion? No, but I am passionate about nursing. The notion that one must be passionate about one's job is a bit misguided. Better you should think about what suits you as a person, what suits your personality, your needs, your plans for the future. If you are thinking that you will work days, Monday through Friday, with every holiday at home with your loved ones, go find something other than nursing. There are already plenty of nurses who have that as their goal. But, if you find that working with all kinds of people, people who behave in ways you can't even imagine, people who most of the time you will see at their worst, and many of whom will not thank you for what you have done for them--come on down, it's not a bad place to build a life.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
A couple years ago I started thinking about becoming a nurse. I have my Bachelors degree in Biology and work as a tech at a lab, but the pay sucks and I have no passion for it. In college, I always had though about med school but I didn't wanna be in school forever and owe a bunch of loans. Nursing would offer me the opportunity to be hands on with patients in the medical field, which is something I've always wanted. And of course, there's all the talk about the security and great pay nurses earn. So, over the past year I have been retaking some of my sciences because they are more than 5 years old and most schools I've looked at require A&P,micro, and chem to be taken within 5 years (I graduated in 2005). However, now I keep hearing about how it is so hard to find nursing jobs and it takes people up to a year to find a job. This terrifies me, to leave a job,which although not the greatest pay, is still a decent and secure job, to enter into something where I may graduate and be broke. I had credit card problems in college, which I'm done with now, and it took me awhile to get it all taken care of. The thought of being in debt again terrifies me. On the other hand, I don't wanna spend my life doing something I feel no passion for. Also, a little about me, I'm 30, live with my boyfriend, no kids. Any advice for me? Is there anybody who has been in a similar situation who can offer me encouragement or caution? Thanks.

Almost every single graduating nursing student has to face what you fear. It is a rite of passage, if you will, of being a new graduate in the nursing field. I do not think it is wise of you to base your life decisions on fear and "what ifs" as this can lead to regret and more indecisions.

Just take one day at a time, plan ahead by taking your prerequisite courses and save whatever you can now to help offset the cost of attending nursing school later. Also research the various different tuition reimbursement and guaranteed employment opportunities provided by some nursing schools. They definitely do exist.

Best wishes to you with whatever you decide.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

I will say- as a very brand spanking new nurse- that if I could do it over again I would pursue an MD. I am thrilled to be a nurse and I am so, so excited to start my new job, but I have always wanted to be a doctor. I went for nursing because I have a family to support. It sounds like you are young, and if your only reason for not pursuing an MD is because of the amount of school, just know that those years go fast. OF course, you could always get a nursing degree and then work toward a higher degree (NP, MD, etc) when/if you feel able. The good thing about that is your income as a nurse can help you make it through higher levels of schooling without the soul sucking debt!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think you should go for it. Nursing is a boom bust profession at times, but once you have a job you're in. If it takes a year to start making two or three times the amount you are making now then it will be worth it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Are you sure that they won't count your credits? I've heard that some schools consider the credits if you have graduated with a bachelors in something vs. if you just have random science credits. As for jobs, the economy is pretty bad right now, so all professions are being affected. Who knows, by the time you graduate, there may be hundreds of job openings in your area! I would talk to nurses where you work (if there are nurses there) and see what they say about the jobs in your area and what it's like to work in those hospitals. You may even be able to shadow. Also, I don't know how much money you make that qualifies as "sucking" but maybe you can look into a job as a PCA or the like to get some hands-on experience? Just a thought.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion