Debating if I should change my major??

NICU:) · Nov 7, 2012

How many semesters is your program? Also, I am guessing you are in an ADN program? I am in a BSN program, and part of the BSN is being able to do Public Health. Personally, I really dislike my public health class. I have so much respect for those who are able to do public health. But maybe you should look into finishing the program you are in and then advancing your career to be able to do public health. You are so close! Do not give up yet! There is a place in nursing for everyone, even if that is a "desk" job. I hope you find your niche!

Lhazlewood · Nov 7, 2012

I am in a BSN program that is 4 years long. Thanks for the advice!

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Nov 7, 2012

With the RN license you have the flexibility to choose your own path, over and over again if you like.

zoe92 · Nov 7, 2012

I think sticking with nursing would be a good idea, but have you checked other options? I have friends who are studying to be radiology technicians. They have pretty similar pre reqs but have much different jobs than nurses.

hodgieRN · Nov 7, 2012

My advice is to talk to an academic adviser. I understand the issue with finishing nursing school and wanting to go into public health. You could ask if there are any bridging options into public health, or if there's a specific master's program that nurses go into, or you could find out what jobs there are for non-nursing public health graduates. I know nothing in this area, so I wonder what the job requirements would be for the career path you want. I think a good number of people in public health get a masters or doctorate , so you may want to find out what a bachelors would get you. Would a bachelors be sufficient for what you want to do? I think if you are wanting to move into emergency management, you are going to need post-graduate schooling, which might buy you 2-4 years of extra classes. If you want to eventually move into administrative work, I'm guessing you will definitely need a masters or above. Will a non-nursing bachelors degree be sufficient with the life you want? Would having a nursing degree put you ahead of other applicants during job interviews? These are just some things to think about. It would probably be good to talk to other students enrolled in the College of Public Health so you can get their perspective. You can find out if how many of them are looking into post-grad work. Having a bachelors might be low on the totem pole if everyone has a masters. I'm pretty sure there are advisers at the College of Public Health who can also give you info on career choices. They might know if a nursing degree would benefit you in the long term. And, you are right that you are going to need some type of certification to administer medications. You also need to consider the financial aspects of it. Would switching or dropping out of nursing school put extra burden on you or your family? Would more years of school take up too much time and money? Ultimately, you have to do what makes you happy! That's the difference between a job and a career. But make sure you have everything you need to make an informed decision.

FaithGurl93 · Nov 7, 2012

I had a similar experience like that. I'm only a freshman though lol. I was planning on either doing nursing or premedicine either way I know I wanted to work in the ER. Eventhough I excel in them I HATE science! idk why so I was gonna forget nursing and premed and do social work or major in psychology. Yes you don't have to declare a major until sophomore year but with nursing and premed you have to stay on course with the prereqs so I basically had to make a decision before the end of this fall semester so I would know if I was gonna have to take prereqs for nursing or psychology. But one evening I was researching jobs people can get with a psychology major and I saw a comment under one article. The lady was complaining saying that she had A MASTERS DEGREE in psychology and was making less than minimum wage!!!!! That was the night I said I was gonna just stick to nursing. I know that may sound superficial but if you're like me you have loans from the government to pay back six months from when you graduate so a job with a decent salary is ideal. And plus I have my CNA making 12 dollars at the hospital down the street from my campus so once I graduate and pass my NCLEX (in Jesus name) finding work won't be hard for me. So with all of that lol, I say stick with nursing since you're in your last year. I know some people who are just doing nursing so they can have a job while they pursue other things so that's my advice to you. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Skips, MSN, RN · Nov 7, 2012

Stick with your nursing major. Having a BSN can get you into public health as a nurse. Good luck! (:

NICU:) · Nov 8, 2012

With you being in a BSN program you will get the Public Health experience. You will find something! Not all nursing is floor nursing and every job in nursing makes a difference in people's lives! Good luck!