Need advice: Pre-Nursing Student changing her mind.

Published

Good morning everyone!

I have had my doubts about nursing for a while. My grandmother was a nurse for 30 years and has also prodded my brain for other ideas for my future. I've actually come up with something that I would love to do: forensic science. I am a biology nerd and do well in any science based class. I would particularly love to do DNA analysis. Perhaps if my grades stand up to med-school standards and may apply by the time I'm done. If that were the case I would like to do a residency/fellowship in forensic pathology and become a medical examiner. (That's way out in the long shot). For those who have any idea about the Myers Briggs Assessment, which I suggest anyone who needs to learn about themselves takes, I am an INTJ.

Now my real question here is this: if you could do it all over again would you do something else? I'm 19 and time is not of my concern. I originally chose nursing because of the science aspect but I have come to realize on this forum that many of you do not feel like you are using your intellect as much as you would like.

I appreciate any advice and any personal advice on what you would have or what you wouldn't have done differently.

Thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Lol you think you like science until you are in Orgo II or Biochem. Nursing has plenty of intellect and critical thinking

You could go into pathology as a doc if you want, nobody usually wants it as it is often the least picked residency but getting in med school is much more than grades. Myers Briggs? Who cares...

Years add up fast, I said I was only 19 5 minutes ago and now I am 25....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hem/Onc/BMT.

Nursing does require quite a lot of critical thinking and scientific background, more heavily in some specialties than others, but a big chunk of nursing school curriculum is rather tedious.

How are you financially? Can you afford to be in school for a few years without a guarantee of a job at the end? Can you afford to do some academic exploration for a while?

If so, why don't you consider doing undergrad studies in biology or biochem or whatever that interests you. After getting your bachelor's degree in those sciences, you'll have a good foundation for whatever you decide, whether medical school or nursing. Who knows, you might get into research and stay in academia.

I am biased of course, having majored in biochem, but it sounds like you will really enjoy in-depth studying in physical sciences. By the way, nucleic acids are huge part of biochemistry, and You will learn a lot about DNA analysis. But again, I am biased...

You're young. Don't rush and explore!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

I say forget nursing and go for something else.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

INTJ and a happy nurse :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Respiratory Education.

Nursing is rewarding, but hard!!! The only reason I'd do it again was because it was a steady income and easy to find a job. Other than that, the stress has not been worth it overall!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Lol you think you like science until you are in Orgo II or Biochem. Nursing has plenty of intellect and critical thinking

You could go into pathology as a doc if you want, nobody usually wants it as it is often the least picked residency but getting in med school is much more than grades. Myers Briggs? Who cares...

Years add up fast, I said I was only 19 5 minutes ago and now I am 25....

That's rather unnecessarily unkind, Dranger.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Laboratory Science is a great career field. Many different options for specialization and career growth. Unlike nursing, there are also options outside of health care. Home | Lab Science Careers There is no harm in exploring a lot of different career paths before you choose 'the one'.

As PP pointed out, a lot of people think they would really enjoy a science-based career until they actually have to deal with those courses... very similar to wannabe nurses who are shocked at the reality of hard physical labor & exposure to 'unpleasant' things.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

To be a forensic pathologist you'll go to med school, so you could start taking those prereqs now and see if you have an aptitude for it.

Thanks to all the CSI shows a ton of people are now interested in pathology as a career, so it's pretty competitive.

You might check out biotechnology. It gives you a strong background that can take you into DNA profiling and a variety of other lab work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
That's rather unnecessarily unkind, Dranger.

What? I am realistic and was giving her solid advice from someone has looked down the same path 5-6 years ago. You want to throw unicorns an​d fairies at her? Go ahead. I am talking about real life.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

She is 19, not 60. Kids are just graduating high school at 19. I forgot at 25 you know so much about real life!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
She is 19, not 60. Kids are just graduating high school at 19. I forgot at 25 you know so much about real life!

She came to a public board asking a question that I answered with truthfulness and pragmatism. I might take your attempt at a jab with some consideration....but in 25 years I have done and seen a lot. Worked various jobs (some dirtier than nursing) and tried different careers so I have an idea what I am talking about when it comes to getting into nursing vs medicine. What have you done?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion