Thinking of Nursing -- where to start?

[shopgirl721]

Hi everyone --

I am a freshman college student and I am majoring in Psychology. I am very interested in Nursing, but I would still like to earn my Psychology degree because I am very passionate about that subject as well.

I have been doing some research and I see that some colleges and universities offer Accelerated BSN programs and second degree programs. I think that if I do decide to pursue Nursing, this route would be the best for me. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how I could prepare to be accepted at one of these programs upon graduation (I know that's a long time away, but I like to plan ahead. :))

I was thinking of maybe taking my pre-reqs that aren't completed with my Psych degree over the summers at Middlesex County College before I graduate from my college, then hopefully getting accepted to a program.

Has anyone out there been in my situation? If so, how did you handle it? Also, what are some recommended accelerated/second degree programs?

Thanks for your help!

[SeychelleRN]

:grpwlcm::an!:

Since you are a freshman in college, why not switch your major to Nursing and minor in Psychology. You can later combine your passion with a psych nursing career.

Sounds like you are on the right path if you want to major in Psychology instead. Lots of second degree schools to choose from: Seton Hall, UMDNJ, Rutgers, etc. Good luck with your endeavors.

[shopgirl721]

:grpwlcm::an!:

Since you are a freshman in college, why not switch your major to Nursing and minor in Psychology. You can later combine your passion with a psych nursing career.

Sounds like you are on the right path if you want to major in Psychology instead. Lots of second degree schools to choose from: Seton Hall, UMDNJ, Rutgers, etc. Good luck with your endeavors.

Thanks for the welcome and reply! You know, I've thought about switching my major to Nursing, but there are a couple things that are keeping me from doing so. I want to have flexibility in the classes I can take, in that I can take a couple of electives in subjects that interest me but that I might not necessarily want to major in. I also would love to study abroad. Both of those things are not possible with the Nursing program at my school -- study abroad isn't an option, and Nursing majors only get one elective. I kind of want to use my college years to explore, and if I majored in Nursing, I know I'd get a great education and be a great Nurse, but I wouldn't get to have all of the experiences I want to have in collge.

That's what led me to my search for accelerated programs. Thanks also for your list of programs near me -- I will keep those in mind later on when I am applying. Right now I'm focused on keeping my GPA up and taking my pre reqs over the Summers.

[SeychelleRN]

Right now I'm focused on keeping my GPA up and taking my pre reqs over the Summers.

Don't forget to try and get some hospital experience which will look good when you are applying. Good luck!

[NJNursing, ASN, RN]

You could always major in nursing and minor in psychology and then do psych nursing. I know that there are 3 major psych facilities in NJ that are governemnt run and thus a state job - great bennies and decent pay.