So I am doing my prereqs right now to get into a BSN program, but I absolutely HATE science. I started taking intro BIOL and dropped it after 2 weeks to take an "easier" course. I just don't know if I want to take two years of BIOL and two years of CHEM, plus all of the clinicals and nursing crap with adults. I know 100% for a fact that I do not want to get into adult nursing. Working as a CNA in a nursing home is such a struggle for me right now...A nice Masters in Social Work is sounding SO lucrative. I definately want to work in some way with the NICU, and I am wondering if I would be better as a Social Worker than a Nurse, due to my distaste for the sciences...What do y'all think?
Thank you all for your wonderful advise. I am *pretty sure* lol that I will be going into social work, and then, once I have my MSW, if I find out that it's not what I really want to do, I know that it's a lot easier to get a second degree, and maybe then, with my daughter being school age, and fewer courses to take all at once, I will feel more confident with all of the science classes. Heck, I'm only 20, so I've realized there is no need to stress. I have plenty of time to find direction!
I believe you would have less science in an ADN program, depending on the program. Have you thought of being a HUC? I am a science and math tutor! I would love to help you out, for free, if you feel that would help.
Heidi
Why would you think this? I am an ADN grad, and had plenty of science, thank you.
Let's refrain from hostility here, please! No one here meant any harm, of that I'm sure. :)
First of all, Heidi, what is a HUC? I'm not familiar with that abbreviation!
Secondly, it is true that, generally, BSN degrees require more science classes than ADN degrees. This, of course, is not EVERY degree program at EVERY university, but it is quite typical that a BSN grad may have one or more science-related lectures and/or labs than an ADN student to complete their degree. For instance, quite a few ADN programs require A+P I and II with corresponding labs, as well as Microbiology. In many cases these may be the only required science classes (not counting the nursing lectures themselves) for the ADN programs, vs. the BSN programs, which typically will also include one or more Chemistries with/without labs, Biometry (math/science), Nutrition as a stand-alone rather than incorporated into the course material, and Biology with/without lab as a pre-requisite to other, higher level classes such as the A+P classes. Some ADN programs require entry-level chemistry for health professionals, many do not.
Naturally, this fully depends on the area of the country you attend school in and the particular school and their individual requirements for a degree, be it BSN or ADN or otherwise.
Heidi is correct- it just depends on the program. Stacy, if you decide to take another look at nursing, you might consider an ADN program that has minimal core-science requirements (I was not a Nursing major originally, and ended up taking three different Biologies with labs, Chemistry with lab, and my required classes later, which were A+P I and II with labs and Microbiology with lab. If I'd started out as a nursing major, I would only have had to have taken those three classes with their respective labs and been done with it until I decided to go back for my BSN.)
So, it certainly is possible to take a *minimal* number of sciences, but I don't know if I recommend this (just my HO!) and you also have to consider (as I know you have!) that Nursing, in itself, is a science.
Something that I thought of for you, though, was a Public Health or Community Health Educator degree...? I don't know of all states that offer this, but Florida is one (among others) that enables you to get a Bachelor of Arts (I believe) in Community Health Education. You could then go on to your Master's if you so chose, but with specializations (community internships, certifications in Childbirth or Postpartum Education, research participation, etc.) you could be a Perinatal or Postnatal Education Specialist (they call these different titles in different areas), or work in the area of child health and development in any number of ways. You wouldn't directly be working with NICU babies, but you would be working in the Maternal/Child healthcare and wellness area (such as community prenatal education and birthing preparation in low-income areas).
This is something I've always considered as an option for myself, so perhaps it's something you'd be interested in as well. I can't say the money is as good as nursing (which is relative anyway!) but neither is Social Work, know what I mean? Just something to think about!
You can get a number of jobs in the non-profit sector that probably don't pay well but have tons of emotionally rewarding benefits. Just depends on what you're looking for!
Good luck to you! Don't forget about us over here. Come in and let us know what you decide and how it's going, okay?
I had to take a couple more science classes when preparing for my BSN that were not required for my ADN. However, there were still a lot of science requirements initially.
StacyC417, I am going to tell you a little factoid about myself.... I took Inorganic chem three times (for my BSN) before I finally finished it. I never failed it.. OH NO... I dropped it two times before the first test! Why??? Because I was pretty certain that I wasn't going to be able to get the A's that I was accustomed to getting. AND, I was right... I finished it FINALLY and got a B. You have come on this board often talking about the fact that you really wanted to be a nurse. After all you have experienced, you would really make a good one.... good MSW as well.
But, please... don't let difficulty factor determine your life course. Remember that old saying: Nothing worth having was ever easy... Oh, something like that. :)
Another story.... I started nursing school a few years ago and finished my first semester with all A's. I quit nursing school and went off to be a manager for Red Lobster... lol. I totally convinced myself that I did not want to be a nurse. I thought about it over the past few years and know now that I really just didn't want to work that hard! True True True! So I quit Red Lobster and went back to nursing.
Biology is (like someone said) just a new language. Once you learn to speak it, you will be fine. Really!
Ultimately... go with your heart.... just try to be certain that you are doing it for the right reasons. i.e. don't make the same mistakes I made.
For MY program in MY state, there are fewer science classes required than for the BSN program at our large university. I, however, have taken plenty of science classes also, because I have a biology degree. For my ADN program, the only sciences required are general biology, micro, and A&P 1 and 2. The BSN program at the U of MN required I think at least 4 more science classes than that.
For MY program in MY state, there are fewer science classes required than for the BSN program at our large university. I, however, have taken plenty of science classes also, because I have a biology degree. For my ADN program, the only sciences required are general biology, micro, and A&P 1 and 2. The BSN program at the U of MN required I think at least 4 more science classes than that.
Heidi
Well, that's in YOUR state. Don't lump us all together. I took the Micro, Chem, A&P's, etc. Your comment sounded a little derogatory, as if your way is the best way, and that old argument is not only done with the fork still sticking out of it, but burnt to a crisp.
For the second time, please keep this thread on-topic and friendly. If you are personally affronted at another member's post, please either take it up in a private message or contact a moderator.
Furthermore, no one said that their program was the best program. If you wish to engage in a discussion about that, please take it out of the NICU forum and into Off-Topic or one of the other forums that is more appropriate.
That person's last post made me cry. I would by no means ever think my program is the best, it certainly is not! Just meant that where I live, that is how it is, wasn't trying to say it was like that everywhere.
I am just here to learn from you guys and was only trying to help Stacy out, not start a fight.
I thought about Social Work, too, as a career. I couldn't decide between Nursing and Social Work for a long time. I knew I wanted to do something where I helped people; and didn't know if I could handle all the science & math. Since they are definatly not my strong points. I just thought I would holla & say "I understand" how you're feeling. I didn't realize until now how old this thread is...whoa!
So I am doing my prereqs right now to get into a BSN program, but I absolutely HATE science. I started taking intro BIOL and dropped it after 2 weeks to take an "easier" course. I just don't know if I want to take two years of BIOL and two years of CHEM, plus all of the clinicals and nursing crap with adults. I know 100% for a fact that I do not want to get into adult nursing. Working as a CNA in a nursing home is such a struggle for me right now...A nice Masters in Social Work is sounding SO lucrative. I definately want to work in some way with the NICU, and I am wondering if I would be better as a Social Worker than a Nurse, due to my distaste for the sciences...What do y'all think?
Thanks,
Stacy
First of all, you need the adult crap to get your liscense. Go with it. You never know what you might see that captures your interest even more? Secondly, you may just be wary of the science classes. It seems like so much to learn in so little time. Do they really expect you to remember all that stuff? Yes and no. Do what it takes to get through the classes. Learning doesn't stop when you finish Nursing School. Finishing school only allows you to begin learning. When you decide on a specialty then you have to start learning everything you can about it. You will soon discover the science you need to master your specialty and you will be happy to do it. You will also be surprised by the science you recall as you are doing so. Don't give up. If you are determined to get into NICU, I would suggest getting a job as a unit secretary in one while you are in school. It would give you a good feel of life in the NICU. Good Luck!!
nicudaynurse
150 Posts
Good point Todd SPN. I do know that OT's do have to take some science, but I thought it might be a little less than nursing.