Diverse Science Background: Veterinary, Social Science and Bio Prior to ADN

[ADNcandidate]

Hello!

I begin my ADN clinicals in January and I have a very diverse science background and I'm wondering if it's going to be helpful or actually a hinderance to me through nursing school. I worked as a veterinary technician in general and emergency veterinary medicine, veterinary medical oncology, and in veterinary general surgery for about ten years. I also got my Bachelor's in Social Science with a minor in Biology (I took Bio courses for electives as well so I almost have as many credits in my minor as I do in my major). I've also worked in a hospital in the O.R. as an O.R. Assistant and the E.R. as a Scribe.

I'm wondering if I should feel confident in my base knowledge to a degree OR if I just need to throw it all out the window and start to consider different ways of thinking right from the get-go.

Has anyone else moved from VetMed to Nursing that can give some advice?

I'm ultimately interested in obtaining a Ph.D. In Global Public Health/Communicable Disease/Immunology/Infectious Disease Epidemiology and going the Infectious Disease route.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

I was a large animal tech at an equine surgical/ambulatory practice. I also have my BS in Biology and an AS in Criminal Justice. Very similar back grounds! Let me know what I can answer to help you.

I find the medicine and skills easier because many of them are very similar. I had more confidence learning how to do thongs on humans.

[Satori77, ADN]

Wanted to bump this thread because I'm in a similar situation, though I'm still doing pre-reqs. I've been a vet tech for 15 years. I love the job. I've worked general practice, ER, ICU and shelter medicine. But I'm also burnt out.

I have an associates degree, and am certified, but make half of what RNs in this area make. I compete with people trained right off the street. As a nurse, I know everyone I work with will be well-educated, I'll have more autonomy, and have mor opportunities to move laterally or move up. I'm hoping that my knowledge on some things (like medications, medical terminology, disease processes, and being able to hit a vein through fur, on a tiny dehydrated kitten or a squirming, biting dog). I know many vet techs that have successfully made the transition to human nursing, and they couldn't be happier.