changing major from nursing to english lit?

Farmer Jane · Nov 1, 2008

We're probably the last group of folks who could advise on liberal arts degrees. But I think you should do what you love--life is too short to do otherwise. Good luck to you. :)

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 1, 2008

Doesn't sound like your heart's in nursing and you're only doing it to please your parents.

GingerSue · Nov 1, 2008

There are many possible directions to take in your life,

so nursing is just one of the many possibilities.

caliotter3 · Nov 1, 2008

Your post seems to say that you really would rather pursue the other major. I would bet that might be behind your low nursing average. You need to think objectively about your future in nursing. Don't forget that nursing school becomes more difficult to enter as time goes by, and you are establishing a track record that will make it more difficult for you if you want to go back to it. By all means drop with a W if it means avoiding a failing grade. You also should consider that down the road you may wish you had a nursing license if you find you can't make a living with English Lit or Philosophy. Not all people use their nursing license all the time but it is always good to have a nursing license as employment back up. Best wishes.

CNAinNeb · Nov 1, 2008

Follow your heart, even if that means giving up the parental help and taking out student loans. You won't regret it. College is all about personal growth, and it seems you have found yourself in English lit. Be proud!!

tothepointeLVN, LVN · Nov 1, 2008

you should do what you love bc if you end up with a job you hate you'll spend all the money you earn on stuff and activities to relieve your stress from said job.

SunnyAndrsn · Nov 1, 2008

Years ago I was a chemistry major, pre-vet. Then I switched to Biology, pre-vet. This was what my father wanted. Eventually, I managed to graduate with a Biology degree, but there was no way I was going to vet school.

At the age of 32, I went back to nursing school, which is what I wanted.

Do what you want to do, you'll find your way regardless of the cost. Your parents are thinking practically, as nursing is a secure job to get into in California.

Regardless, if you're not happy with it, and/or you are struggling, it's time to consider another route.

Good luck with your decision!

what do you think? i'm half way thru the sem and i have a 69% average... i would have to get at least a A/B on the next test...
should i wait and try to raise my grade? or drop with a W?
i dont have any money right now... and my parents are only paying my way if i do nursing..
i wanted to major in english lit or philosophy... i only have to take about three or four courses or only ONE course for the major in philo and i can transfer fall 09 to a university in california.. ucla, santa cruz, san diego.. i dont know which schools are the best cohices for philo and eng lit.. and these majors arent impacted and i got As in all my eng and philo preqreqs.. get a BSN degree, travel/teach in japan.. this is what i kind of want to do for the time being.
what do you guys think?

algebra_demystified · Nov 1, 2008

Don't follow your heart. Get an education that can provide you with a job and a steady income. Follow your heart AFTER you've provided for yourself.

There's a million things you can do with a nursing education. It's like getting an apprenticeship in any trade. You can work as a nurse two days a week and get a degree in philosophy without getting into any more debt.

Any guesses on whether you'll have a more in-depth understanding of human nature as a nurse or as a philosopher?

NabiRN, BSN, RN · Nov 1, 2008

Unlike many professions, nursing involves taking care of other people and their love ones. Nursing is my 7th/8th career change and this is my first job that truly affects other people. If your heart is not in it, you will have a negative impact on others. I understand the practical aspect of having a job that brings income. There are many jobs that fit in that category. Unfortunately, English is not not of them.

queenjean · Nov 1, 2008

You need to do something. WIth a 69%--you need to get that up if you want to be a nurse.

It sounds like you don't want to be a nurse, though, so I think it's a good idea you are moving in a different direction.

What are you going to do with a lit or philosophy degree? Nothing. You might as well drop out of school and not go a different direction--you'll have just as many job opportunities as you will with a lit or philosophy degree. You probably need to major in something that can earn you a living, and then either double major in lit or philosophy, or just take whatever lit/philosophy courses interest you.

BTW, I speak from experience. I have a degree in Germanic Language and Literature. Couldn't do ANYTHING with it. Can't teach unless you have a teaching degree. Not enough need for translation/interpretation services to feed myself, much less pay a mortgage and the bills. I could have gone on another 3-4 years, gotten a PhD, and then tried to get a job as a professor in a shrinking market with an average starting salary of around 30K. Woopdedoo.

We are only paying for our kids' college if they get a degree in something they can earn a living with. I don't care if they take philosophy courses out their ears--but they better be majoring in something else (teaching, for example) or on a PhD tract to get any support from me. A bachelor's in lit or philosophy just qualifies you to be a barrista at the local coffee shop or a cashier at WalMart.

akanini, MSN, RN · Nov 1, 2008

It sounds to me like you have already given up on nursing because the bad grade has you down in the dumps. However, this is coming from someone with a BA and just finished a LPN course........do whatever you have to do to finish nursing. I truly understand where you are coming from but you have to truly think about your future.