Nursing...pre-med, or nursing school?

[Melanie42595]

So I'm about 75% positive I want to become a nurse. I'm starting my senior year in high school and cannot decide between a pediatric psychiatrist or a nurse of some sort.. If i were to do pre-med in order to give myself more time to decide on one or the other, would that hinder my chances to becoming a nurse? What's the best route to go through with this..? I'm currently very confused and stressed! Thank you!

[Emilynn09]

You should be comparing the required course work for Nursing and Pre-med. The prerequisites and maybe start with working on the ones that are in common, then you can start your first year at college as "undecided" and change it when you figure it out.

[alovelymother]

My guidance counselor advised me to get my CNA or volunteer in a LTC facility before I made a choice. She said that it would be a waste of time and money if I tried for something I could possibly not be able to handle. Then job shadow some doctors and nurses in a variety of departments. Your high school should be able to help you set that up. Make a list of pros and cons as you go along.

[KMtoRN]

My guidance counselor advised me to get my CNA or volunteer in a LTC facility before I made a choice. She said that it would be a waste of time and money if I tried for something I could possibly not be able to handle. Then job shadow some doctors and nurses in a variety of departments. Your high school should be able to help you set that up. Make a list of pros and cons as you go along.

This is great advice! I also agree with Emilynn09 - look at the pre-reqs that you will need for both, and work on those first. That will give you a little extra time to job shadow or volunteer, and decide what you want to do.

[Abigail612]

My suggestion would be to get your CNA, CNAs do not do the same things as Nurses nessisarily but it gets you working alongside of the nurse so you have an idea of what you will be doing. Also do some job shadowing or interviewing with people within the two fields, if you are still not sure look up the prereqs. for the two degrees and maybe apply to a community college to get some of them done no use spending to much money going to a University if you unsure. I worked 2 years working full time as a CNA and another year working part time and going to a Community College full time. This gave me alot of experience and confidence in my decision and I felt very prepared for nursing school from both my experience in the health field and at the community college. Good Luck!