Anyone else having second thoughts?

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I am about to graduate with a bachelor's in biology in June, and I have been accepted a pre-nursing student in preparation for my ADN to start in the fall. While I know that I eventually do want to get to nursing, I've decided to apply for laboratory jobs with 2 year contracts. I could do pre-reqs part time (rather than full time) while working, but it would delay my graduation by at least a year and a half. I just had this realization that going into nursing without ever trying to work as a scientist would make me very sad. Now, I've been applying for jobs, but I'm feeling really torn about what to do. Do I want to just get done with nursing school, or do I want to try this other path. Has anyone else had a similar experience? I just feel so confused! :confused:

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Hi there. Are you interested in working in a lab and doing research? I would think that many of your classes from the biology degree will "count" towards your pre-reqs. for the ADN program. (I also have a biology degree, but graduated many years ago and needed to retake some classes).

Are you also interested in pursuing a master's degree in biology? I was always under the impression that a master's degree was needed for any (science) position beyond cleaning glassware.

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Yes, that's what I'm interested in doing. A lot of my classes do count, but there are a few that I haven't taken that aren't offered at my school or that I wasn't able to take (ex. I've taken physiology but we don't have anatomy, we don't have nutrition, I couldn't get into developmental psych, etc.). If I were going to school full time (not working in a lab), I would be able to complete the pre-reqs in 1 or 2 semesters.

The jobs that I am applying for are part of a program at the U of Minnesota called the Junior Scientist jobs, and they require only a bachelors. The jobs are part being a lab lackey, and part actually working on experiments. They are designed to get your feet wet in the science field without a ton of extra schooling. There are also several positions for things like research associates that don't need anything beyond a bachelors.

As to whether I'm interested in pursuing a higher biology degree, the answer to that is, unfortunately, I have no idea. I feel so torn between two things that I am very interested in. It's a little scary.

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Pursue research! It's not a great career choice but it's an excellent experience to have for a few years. It will majorly sharpen your critical thinking skills and it's nice to have a break between one school program and another.

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Specializes in Dialysis.

You can combine them and become a research nurse! Look into it. :)

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Specializes in Infusion.

I don't know how old you are but will guess that you are early 20s. I would really go where you have an interest or passion. I think that if you decide to get back onto the nursing track in 2, 5 or 10 years, you will have so much more experience and knowledge to draw from that will make you more valuable. You might even find science more interesting and never go into nursing.

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Yes, I'm turning 22 on Friday.

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