Art Career to Nursing Career

Nemhain · Nov 10, 2005

As a fellow artist, I think art majors could fit well into nursing because we tend to not view everything as black or white and most of us are able to be inspired by and think in the abstract; after all, nursing is not just a science. That being said, it is not JUST an art; the best nurses are able to utilize both their right AND left brain. I am an artist who also loves science and I love blending the two worlds together. If you have a desire to do nursing than I think you should do it!

splunking · Nov 10, 2005

Oh, I've wanted to be a nurse since I was a girl. I started in college as a nursing student, then put things on hold when we decided to start our family...

While my kids were so young, I sort of fell into the graphic and web design, because it enabled me to work from home, and in the evenings, and still be at home with the kids. Now that they will all be in school full time, I'm excited that I can recommit to my original career path. I'm addicted to these boards, and all the information I can get my hands on.

Anyway, thanks

- Cindy

fotografe · Nov 11, 2005

I am in my first semester now. My first clinical evaluation said that I show creative problem solving -- something rarely found in new nursing students. I owe that to my ability to visualize what I am doing and the outcomes. I come up with a number of scenarios. We artists can find more than one way to "skin a cat". And my bandages look quite interesting too. As do my notes when the lecture gets me drifting. LOL.

I just attended a Nursing Information Session at my college. One of the questions that was discussed was, What careers make good cross-overs into nursing. The professor actually said that art careers work wonderfully with nursing. Can anyone tell me how? I am a graphic designer and website designer. I know being familiar with computers can be helpful but the art part is what I'm not connecting with...
I would love to use my experience and talent in my 2nd career as a nurse if I can. Just curious as to how
Here is my portfolio and some idea of what I do currently...
http://www.flashbrite.com
Thanks,
Cindy
Nursing Student

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Nov 11, 2005

Welcome, and best wishes to you! :)

bobswife · Nov 16, 2005

Funny you should ask... According to the bbc health website, nursing is considered a "right-brain" career. Apparently, our lack of linear thinking can help us consider the gray areas, assess chaotic situations better, judge body language more perceptively, etc... :rolleyes:

I am also going into nursing with art as my background. I'll take all the help and encouragement I can get! Now if it could just help get me through A&P I and II final exams this Thursday I'd be set!

p.s.- Your portfolio is fantastic!

splunking · Dec 8, 2005

Funny you should ask... According to the bbc health website, nursing is considered a "right-brain" career. Apparently, our lack of linear thinking can help us consider the gray areas, assess chaotic situations better, judge body language more perceptively, etc...
I am also going into nursing with art as my background. I'll take all the help and encouragement I can get! Now if it could just help get me through A&P I and II final exams this Thursday I'd be set!
p.s.- Your portfolio is fantastic!

So lack of linear thinking can be a plus, but I'm sure it comes up as a negative in some ways... we'll see.

And thanks

- Cindy

Nursing Student

fotografe · Dec 8, 2005

When I was in art school, most of my assignments were presented as "problems", and we set out to solve those problems by thinking linearly, as well as in a web like fashion. It struck me that in nursing school that it is called the nursing process. You examine the elements of the problem, put the problem into words, decide what to do to solve the problem, solve the problem, then evaluate your results -- and adjust the technique if needed. I think about all of the glaze tiles I prepared trying to come up with a rich non-toxic red. Perhaps the most linear thinking you will do are medication dosage calculations. There is more than one way to get the correct answer, but there is only one correct answer. There definitely are rules to follow, but the results are not identical each time you apply it to each patient. So the magic word they use in nursing school -- critical thinking. We have that ability. Now just learn the Kreb's cycle. Good luck!

So lack of linear thinking can be a plus, but I'm sure it comes up as a negative in some ways... we'll see.
And thanks
- Cindy
Nursing Student