Double Major in Nursing?

[pishoncna]

I want to be a nurse, and work in the ER. However, Psychology has always been a great interest to me! I was wondering if it would be possible to double major? Would it do me any good in the nursing field? Would it be too much work if I did both degrees?

And what exactly does a psychiatric nurse do?

Thank you in advance :)

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

I have a psych degree and a nursing degree. Because my nursing degree is an ADN, the BA in psych sometimes comes in handy even though I don't work in psych. I don't think you would find the same value in holding a double degree or double major, since they would be at the same "level" of education.

Personally, I would finish the nursing degree with solid grades, then get out into the working world and gain experience. I think you will find that a nurse with nursing experience (even a few months) is much more marketable than a new nurse with an extra undergrad degree or an extra major.

I suspect you'll get some time working in a psychiatric setting during school, which is really one of the best ways to learn about the work of psych nurses.

[caliotter3]

The ability to declare a double major is based upon school policy. If your school does not allow double majors, surely you will be able to declare psychology as your minor, as so many nursing students do. Enjoy your program.

[pishoncna]

But the thing is, I really really enjoy psychology, not really for work purposes, but because that's what I'm interested in.