Previous B.s. in science, microbiology, chem etc. Do you....

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Feb 26, 2006

Many subjects within these sciences have direct relation to practical things that come up in nursing. Things done in microbiology lab will explain some of the lab tests that are done to determine the correct antibiotics to place patients on for their infections. Also infection control and aseptic sterile procedures are based on microbiology priniciples as well as chemisty. The body is one big chemistry factory, particularly when it comes to acids, bases, and pH. It is one of the most difficult areas that gives nurses trouble understanding. How helpful are these subjects as pre-requisites to nursing? Real helpful and very important! Information from these courses is referenced in nursing classes all the time.

stpauligirl · Feb 26, 2006

How helpful is your background in the nursing courses?
Thanks

English is my second language, I didn't grow up here and wasn't conditioned for American college work, I didn't start college until my mid 30's and majored in English and got an Associates in Elementary teaching. Instead of going for the Bachelors in teaching I changed my mind last year and decided to take on nursing ....I am doing very well in the prerequisite science classes without previous degrees in Chem or Bio....I've seen people who had a Bachelors in Biology fail my A&P class, so don't worry you will be ok if you are willing to work hard and dedicate yourself to your studies.

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 26, 2006

I don't understand how anyone got a degree in biology without having taken at least A&P I &II????

sunset357 · Feb 26, 2006

Some degrees don't require it. I will obtain a B.s. in Microbiology (May '06)and it is geared towards the pharmaceutical industry and bacterial genetics (i.e. genetically manipulating them). My minor is chemistry.

People who major in Biology where I study HAVE to take A&P. They usually don't farewell because like stpaulgirl said they don't apply themselves.

Stpaulgirl, I by NO means think that I'm going to breeze through the BSN. I'm just curious as to how much of my B.s. will come in handy in terms of learning the material.

sunset357 · Feb 26, 2006

thanks for the encouragement

stpauligirl · Feb 26, 2006

Some degrees don't require it. I will obtain a B.s. in Microbiology (May '06)and it is geared towards the pharmaceutical industry and bacterial genetics (i.e. genetically manipulating them). My minor is chemistry.
People who major in Biology where I study HAVE to take A&P. They usually don't farewell because like stpaulgirl said they don't apply themselves.
Stpaulgirl, I by NO means think that I'm going to breeze through the BSN. I'm just curious as to how much of my B.s. will come in handy in terms of learning the material.

With your background I bet you will do great especially if you are a serious student. For example, I never heard of the terms prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells before I took A&P but caught on to all that foreign terminology because I studied. If I didn't understand something I looked it up and learned whatever I could about a certain subject. Any background knowledge in Chemistry will also put you at an advantage. Luckily I took Intro to Chem and Organic and Biochem prior to A&P and it benefits me right now in my Microbiology class. I can only recommend this order for anyone starting with the prenursing classes. Before going into the Chem classes the only knowledge I had was very very general from whatever I learned way back in the dark ages in my native country. That was about 30+ years ago. Diamonds are made of carbon and H2O is water and that was about all I knew I think the key is determination and discipline. You can do anything if you set your mind to it ! You will be fine and good luck. Bottom line: Your knowledge, especially in microbiology, will put you ahead of the game. I am taking micro right now and it is the Intro course....we discuss alot of diseases and I find it all so very interesting. Nursing is microbiology, it's all about germs that cause illness, you should definitely do great!