Is there anybody else?

Hey guys! I need advice! I recently found out from the director of my program that I should not look at being accepted for this Fall. The reason being is that so many people have applied that already have their prereqs completed, whereas mine will be finished this semester. Therefore, their index number will be higher than mine and they will get in before me. I will have all of my prereqs completed as well as all classes that I can transfer to the school where I'll be doing my BSN. What would you guys do? I've got a whole year and no classes to take. I was seriously considering changing and doing a biology major because I could have that completed in a year, or taking specialized A&P classes such as neurophysiology, Cardiac physiology, Renal Physio, etc. I've also thought about just not taking any classes and continue to work full time (as I am now) and getting a part time job to go along with it. What would you all do?

Thanks!

Brett

Well, what would you do with a Biology Major? I've known a few people that received a BS in Biology and wished they haden't because they felt they couldn't do much with it unless they wanted to go to med school or become a PA. I'd say go for the BSN if it's as good as a school, especially if you'll finish before getting your ADN. (This is if it is do-able with finances of course).

I don't know how your program works, so it is hard to advise you. I would look at how your program is structured to see if you will even be ABLE to work while in the nursing program. In our program, some people were able to pass working part-time in the previous semesters. BUT this last semester we are in school for 32 hours a week, Monday through Thursday some on days, some on nights and the hours rotate! So, working a full time job would be nearly impossible unless you could set your own hours and change them every five weeks.

If that is the case, I would go for the part time job in order to save money for the time when you have to quit. If not, then take the advanced anatomy classes, you will be that much further ahead and understand a LOT more once you are in nursing.

Good luck!

Brett do you think you will even want to do anything else in the future besides nursing? I know for me if I do decide to do nursing I will later on want to become a PA....and some of those other classes you talked about might be good for later on down the road. Just a thought.

With the Bio degree, which is a good degree, I know a lot of people as well who were not able to find jobs with just that, they had to go back and get at least a Masters (that was the entry level for most jobs and the pay was not very good at all). But on the other hand, I do know another girl who got a BS degree in Bio and is working as a Pharm Sales Rep and loves it and makes a LOT of money.... I guess it depends on who you know. Biology is an awesome degree though, it's something I have always been interested in as well but I just worry about the job prospects that go along with it. I'm thinking about a Chemistry (Forensic Science emphasis) degree myself if I can't get into or decide not to do nursing. BUt then again if you did get your Bio degree does your university have a RN-MSN program you could enter into after you got your bachelors degree? Ours does, it allows people who have a bachelors in another subject besides nursing to enter straight into a BSN/MSN program and they enter as advanced practice nurses. Gosh, so many options.....lol

Good luck! Your so smart and cool and friendly I hate to see that you are not getting in the nursing program this year

No no no! :) Let me clarify. I am NOT giving up on the BSN and then CRNA. I was just trying to find something to fill up my time with until I can get into the nursing department. I would love to get into some advanced physio classes, but it looks as though i will have a difficult time getting into them. I'm also looking at a Micriobiology II class at a local university.

Brett

I can only give suggestions based on what my experience has been. I did part of a BA when I first graduated from high school, always knowing that I wanted eventually to go into nursing school. And then decided to take 2 years off.... work, travel, explore life. It was honestly the best choice I could have made for myself. I would lean more towards taking the year off and working or doing some travelling or volunteering. I learned so many things outside of the structured school environment that I know I could not have learning in class and that totally help me out in nursing school and that I know are going to make me a better nurse.

It's my bias of course :) But I would really recommend taking time away from school, while you have the time.