double majoring with nursing

[2k15NurseExtern4u, BSN, RN]

Hello to all fellow nursing students! I have just been accepted to a spring start RN-BSN program at Lamar University in beaumont texas and I am so excited to start! I am on track to graduate Dec 2015.

The first time I applied to the program (fall 2012 for spring 2013 start) I was wait-listed and decided to take classes towards a bachelors in community health since I had already finished all nursing pre reqs and that major was closest to nursing. Well, now I only have about 6 classes and an internship left and I will have completed all requirements to obtain a BS community health degree as well.

I have been blessed with an athletic scholarship and even though this is my last season running track on scholarship and I will have to foot the bill for my last 3 semesters of nursing school money is no issue and I will graduate with minimal debt (thank god for grants and financial aid)

My question is: will graduating with a BS in nursing AND a BS in community health give me a professional edge when I get ready to search for a job? Would it be pointless to continue trying to obtain that degree since my schooling schedule will already be hectic with everything that nursing will bring? Will it be a waste of money and is it practical/functional to do both at one time??

Thanks in advance yall :) ♥♥♥

[krisiepoo]

I dont' know if it will give you an edge, very likely it will, but you're too close to not finish it. However, can you take classes over the summer when you're not in nursing school? Personally I can't imagine taking final degree classes during nursing classes. I took some pre-reqs concurrently and that was interesting.

Unless you're specifically looking to start out in community health (that is, a county public health department), I don't think you'll find the double major of any significant benefit in launching your career.

I'd also say that if it comes to a single degree with a 3.9 GPA or two degrees each with 3.5's, you're better off with the former.

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

Well it depends how you plan to combine the degrees as far as what career path you want to take. Do you want to eventually become a director of community health or something like that? Then I could see it as useful for the future, perhaps you just want to take it to enrich your life and you would also make some contacts thru your internship that might help you get a nursing job when you graduate.

I'm not sure what you can do with a community health degree alone. I've read people here that had a MA in Public Health and were going back to school for an RN because they were unable to advance in administration without an RN. I think that is the degree Hillary Clinton's daughter got, and she is working part time on NBC news as a consultant, but she wouldn't have gotten the job without her family and political connections you can be sure!

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Chelsea Clinton received her undergraduate education at Stanford University and also earned master's degrees from University College, Oxford, and Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at University of Oxford.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Nursing is like other "practice professions" (medicine, law, architect, etc.) in that a 'minor' is irrelevant and does not add any professional value in terms of employment advantages. I am a firm believe in the importance of education for personal growth, but if you're seeking work as a new grad nurse, that additional degree will not make a difference. Congratulations on your acceptance & best of luck in your nursing education.

[2k15NurseExtern4u, BSN, RN]

Thanks y'all!