Nursing or Psychology??!

[DevP91]

Hello everyone! So, I just completed my A.A. degree and am contemplating either transferring to a four-year university to complete a psychology degree, or instead staying at my local C.C. and starting the nursing pre-requisites.

I am a very empathetic person and am interested in both of these possible careers because of the possibility of helping people/kids. I am not interested in either for the money alone.

IF I go the psychology route, it is because I have always thought of being a high school counselor (which is a masters degree in my state and nothing higher) because I went to mine regularly in high school and I have always loved the idea of helping students in that environment. I am definitely willing to go on for that graduate degree...

I am also considering nursing though.. all the personality tests I have taken have told me that Nursing should be my #1 career choice. I never considered nursing until last year when I lost my mom to endometrial cancer.. I was/and am still in awe of the nurses and what they do on a daily basis. I could definitely see myself in that profession. My biggest concern with it is that I was never that great at MATH or SCIENCE; it would also take me at least two years JUST for the pre-requisites. Science is definitely more interesting to me now than it used to be and I know I could pull it off if I wanted to, but I'm not so sure of Math/Chemistry. I am decent at Algebra but it was never my strong point.

Regardless of which route I choose to take... I am a male and I know I would have an easier time finding a job just because of that fact alone.

Another thing worth mentioning is the "nursing shortage" that I keep hearing about. Am I correct in my understanding that the shortage has stagnated for the time being, but that will jobs will be in demand again in 5 years or so...?

I look forward to any and all feedback I will receive. I have devoured these forums the last few weeks for hours on end and am just at a loss of what to do. I know no one can make this choice for me, but an feedback is much appreciated. Thank you all!

[happynurse14]

Have you ever considered psychiatric nursing? You would have to endure the science pre-reqs and nursing courses to receive the licensure, but once you are an RN, you can apply to a psychiatric center and combine both professions. My psychiatric clinical was my absolute favorite-- it requires nursing skills, therapeutic communication and an understanding of mental illnesses. It is less med-surg skills and more anticipation/understanding each patient and working together towards a common goal. There is an adolescent route too, which could incorporate your desire to be a high school counselor. And, if you still want to get your masters, you can become a psychiatric nurse practitioner (if the masters option is still available). Good luck to you!

[mindofmidwifery, ADN]

I'm not sure how it is where you are, but you should look it up and get a feel for how much in demand both career paths are. When I was in high school, I was interested in going for psychology as well but I looked up the outlook for traditional psychology careers and it's not very high, but I believe you have a large range of what you can do with that degree since it is pretty general. You should try to volunteer or shadow in both environments to get a better understanding, because it's always different being the client versus being the employee. As for having an aptitude for math and science, the nursing programs I've research only require college level algebra and maybe a statistics class but my school offers philosophy and psychology based statistics classes that count for that credit. There really isn't that much science that is necessary either if you think about it. They're all pretty basic, you won't be taking science courses in the 4000-5000s except for microbiology and pharmacology (based off my school) but you can always take just those two classes one semester. Whichever path you choose, it's nice knowing that your ultimate goal is to help people, good luck on your endeavors :)

[ladyvp05]

I agree, psychiatric nursing is a great idea. Even if you want to still be a counselor after you become a nurse you can still do it. My sister in law has her bsn and got a nursing job in psych. Then she went to graduate school and got her masters in mental health counseling. The nursing licensed has helped open so many doors for her.

[ScrubsLove]

Before I comment, I just want you to know that only you can make this decision and we can only give you our experiences and opinions. Everyone has a special purpose in life and I would encourage you to find your purpose because only then will you really be happy with your career. Seek what is going to make you happy, whether it's having money, a steady job, etc.

I have a BA in psychology, took prerequisites for nursing school, and am now applying to accelerated BSN programs (sort of for 'career changers'). To practice psychology, you need at least a masters (for ex, school counseling). For nursing, once you finish the program, you can begin working (after you pass the NCLEX of course). I decided to stray away from psychology when I realized part of my purpose is to be a mother. Not to say mothers can't have careers, but for me, a career in psychology would not have also given me a fulfilling motherhood experience. Most careers in psychology don't allow you to 'go home from your job,' meaning, clients can call you at all hours of the night and you have to respond. Nursing allows you to go home because once you're home, other nurses are on staff that handle situations. Also, work hours were better for me - working 3-4 times a week as a nurse v. 5 days a week or more in the psychology field.

I hope my experience/thoughts help you. Like I said, everyone is different and we all have our own purpose in life so what works for me might be different for you - and that's fine!