Decline nursing offer or not?

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · May 23, 2008

The question really is: What do you want to do?

If it's nursing, you don't need a degree in biochemistry. If it's research or teaching in the sciences, then stick with the biochemistry course.

It sounds like you have quite a bit of "finishing up" to do, if it's going to take most of your summer, plus another two semesters (a year and a half?) to get that science degree. Which is fine, if it's something you really want to work toward. If you have any doubts about nursing (and at age 22, I expect you do) then it makes sense to get the degree you set out for in the first place.

However, simply "finishing up" a prior course of action doesn't necessarily make it the best course to take (oh, if some politicians could listen to this, LOL). The best answer is the one that gets you where you need to be.

It is hard to get into many nursing programs; depends on the area of course, some have no waiting lists and others are years' long. What it will be in two years, when you seek to reapply, is anyone's guess.

Have you shadowed a nurse to be sure you are comfortable with what a nurse actually does? I don't mean to sound condescending, please know I am honestly asking because so many young people hear "nursing" and associate it with clean white outfits and lots of money, secure jobs. Reality can be quite different than perception, and sometimes you don't know until you've watched alot of it up close. Check with local hospitals to see if they allow such a condition (shadowing). Working as a CNA, too, will give you a good view of what you can expect in nursing school, and later.

I hope some of this helps. If not, I hope someone else can!

Best of luck to you :)

namv · May 23, 2008

I hear what you are saying thanks for the advice.

I have volunteer at the uw nursing unit on 6 floor for quite a while so i have a good feel. Also i worked for a family whom i help take care of their grandma. I just feel like i should not leave un-finish business behind, but everyone tells me to just go with the program, and there not that easy to come by since its getting more competitive. BTW, i can finish my biochem in 2 quarter, but i decided to take summer quarter to make autumn and winter a lighter load which is still a normal load for a student (3 classes vs 2). I need more response! i feel like i can't make a sound decision even though the person i should be asking is really myself! your input really helps thank you!

HM2VikingRN, RN · May 23, 2008

I would go to nursing school for 3 reasons:

1. It is a truly portable profession. (In todays uncertain economy having a profession that is always in demand pays huge dividends in financial security alone.)

2. You can work as a nurse while finishing up your biochem degree and have financial resourses to pay for that training that reduce the need for student loans.

3. There aren't great differences between ADN/BSN. BSN sets the stage for management etc but isn't absolutely necessary to start your nursing career.

Best of luck.

linzz · May 23, 2008

I am in agreement with HM2Viking, I would go to nursing school if that is what you want to do. I have a degree and I would say that nursing even without a degree pays a lot better than many jobs that you would get with a degree. However I would still finish that degree though but I would do it part time or by distance.

missjennmb · May 23, 2008

Nursing school is a big commitment and doesnt generally leave room to work days and go to school at night unless you find a specific program that allows it. But most other degrees have more room to move. You could take a course each semester towards your other degree if you wanted, while simultaneously working as a nurse, or going to school (I have some gaps in my schedule at my LPN school because I have finished some of the mainstream classes that are a part of my nursing degree and am filling them with classes that I need as pre-reqs for my RN school that I hope to transfer to later)

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · May 23, 2008

namv, I would definitely go to nursing school first and then upon graduating finish up that degree in biochem. That degree will put a lot of clout behind your name as well as your BSN. If you delay getting your degree you are still eligible for financial aid too. :)

Go for nursing first!

namv · May 23, 2008

thankyou for all of your advices!!! i think i'm going to go to nursing school first, and pray that my mind for biochem doesn't dwindle too fast in two years :)

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · May 23, 2008

Good for you namv! Hope everything works out well!

If you have summers off you can always take some of those biochem classes then :) biochem... wow. You are going to be one smart nurse!

Karynica, RN · May 24, 2008

if you have been accepted, don't lose this chance. Do you know how many other people may be trying to get into the program? They would die for your place. Don't let this opportunity to go to nursing school get away.

ETA: I see you have made up your mind...thank goodness! You made the right choice!