Do nurses make more money than a biological sciences degree such as biology?

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Do nurses make more money than a biological sciences degree such as biology? I was wondering this question becouse am currently a biochemistry mojor and i keep getting C's on the sciences classes. I don't think i want to go to graduate school nor will i be applicable. Will nursing offer me a better job prospective, better pay, better job security than a biochemistry degree alone? Please don't say choose the one that makes you happier or a better at, lets assume am equally happy with both degrees. RN or a biochemstry? choose your path.

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If you are only getting C's in your chem classes, no grad school, no future in chem as I see it. More opportunity in nursing when the economy picks up. But, to get into nursing school, you will need to pick up your grades in the science prerequisites. People with As get rejected from nursing school. Good luck with choosing which direction to go.

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Specializes in icu/er.

no, nurses make about the same as the re-stockers at your local walmart. the current economy for nurses sux and witht he impending healthcare issues just around the corner things are likley to get worse. stay in school improve your grades and make something of yourself.

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They make about the same depending what you do with your biochem degree. Nursing is very science based and if you are getting C's in science courses, you'll need to pick up your grades. Nursing programs are very competitive nowadays.

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I don't know which one make more money, but IA with other posters about picking up your grades if you want to start a career in Nursing. My school doesn't won't take anything below a B in Chem, A&P and Micro.

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I have a 3.6 GPA for the nursing prerequisite, it's just the upper science/math courses that are hurting me. I believe i could easily get into nursing just am much as i can continue my biochemistry education.

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Well, just apply and see where it gets you.

Nursing is bad now, but so is Bio. Some MDs I know say that once the healthcare thing goes thru, they will have no options because if they want out of practice all they have is a worthless degree (Bio). Of course these particular guys are notoriously whiney. Lots of pharm co bio/chem guys teach college evening classes where I am because they are always in fear of their group being cut. They want to have a back up.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

So is nursing now considered a fall-back career when you can't hack the science classes?

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Specializes in Critical Care.
If you are only getting C's in your chem classes, no grad school, no future in chem as I see it. More opportunity in nursing when the economy picks up. But, to get into nursing school, you will need to pick up your grades in the science prerequisites. People with As get rejected from nursing school. Good luck with choosing which direction to go.

Agreed - you need excellent grades, especially in the sciences, to get into nursing school. Also, you should think about if you will actually enjoy being a nurse. Studying and working as a nurse is alot different from being a biochemist. In my humble opinion, not everything is about job security and pay. Maybe go on some job shadowing if you can or volunteer in the busiest unit in the hospital to see if nursing is really for you. Good luck with whatever you do.

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So is nursing now considered a fall-back career when you can't hack the science classes?

Yes -- please don't run to nursing just because your other degree isn't working out. Unless you actually want to be a nurse and have a passion for the field, you will end up being miserable.

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Putting it interms of a "fall-back career" makes it sound bad. I have just realized i need a job straight out of college that gives me a specific training. There is a huge demand for nurses and the compensation are great especially for a guy like me who is single and can work around the clock. plus i want to be able to move to other states knowing there are jobs available. biochem degree leaves me with a bunch of options - biotech, biomed, industry, government, research institutes, etc, as well as most non-science jobs. But none of them are widely available nationwide such as a nurse, nor do they compensate as much. Am split between the middle right now. This is my sophmore year and i need to decide now or else live a horrible life ever after :confused:.

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Tele.
There is a huge demand for nurses and the compensation are great especially for a guy like me who is single and can work around the clock.

New graduate nurses are having a terrible time finding their first jobs right now. Even those NG who are "single and can work around the clock". Just do a little searching on AN & read the numerous threads of NG who can't find a job!!!

Don't assume that you will have job security right after graduation.......

Whether or not there is a "huge demand for nurses", it certainly doesn't apply to new grads.

:twocents:

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