Question/advice from a pre-nursing guy

[harryg27]

Hey guys, I am an upcoming sophomore at my university and will be applying for nursing school next spring, then hopefully starting in the summer. I've been a member of this site for a short while and have gone through many threads reading about advice, people's stories, etc. Most of the topics I have read have involved females, and to be honest, I get discouraged.

No offense to them, but does the fact that they tend to be more dramatic exaggerate things quite a bit? I mean, is it really that bad? I know that I cannot let what others say keep me from pursuing what I think is right for me, but sometimes I just don't know.

I am a cool-headed guy, usually don't stress out too much, and have a good work ethic. I applied to college as a pre-med considering becoming a PA but then changed to nursing right before orientation last summer. I just did not want to major in something like chemistry or biology and then regret it. I asked a friend who is now in med school for advice and he said that nursing had the most options. I've always had an interest in the medical field. Since I was 14 I've considered pharmacy, dentistry, athletic training, etc.

I hope to go into advanced practice nursing, but am confused by the whole masters/doctorate thing. I just want to have a good career to make a difference, as well as support my future family.

Sorry for the long post, but this is a difficult time for me as I am making my career decisions. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[armada14]

You definitely sound like you have a good head on your shoulders and can cope with stress(if any). My program is just starting and the guys are definitely out numbered by females (1:6) but as long as you keep focused on yourself you will definitely reach your goals. People's stresses will definitely be voiced out in your classroom but I would try my best to not get too involved with their drama. Be supportive of your peers but don't let their problems become yours. The first person you can trust and support is yourself! But don't mix that up with selfishness Hope you no longer get discouraged and do well in your studies!

[ddunnrn]

When I was in nursing school in the early '80's, the ratio of males/females in my Diploma program was 1/10. The faculty gender ratio was somewhat smaller. Men in nursing tend to gravitate towards certain specialties, like psych nursing, which is my specialty. They also tend to be represented well in management.

The main thing that I have noticed in nursing education since I went to school, and this is only from anecdotal evidence from others, is that many nursing schools nowadays are more focused on "weeding out" students than helping marginal students pass. I went to a local hospital nursing school (albeit a rather large local hospital), and the faculty bent over backwards to help every single student. Although I didn't have any academic problems, already having a degree in Chemistry, they did cut me a lot of slack because I had to work full time. I just don't understand the rationale of schools intentionally trying to fail people, because many of my classmates who didn't do as well gradewise are now in upper management. You sound like you won't have any problems academically.

As far as getting an advanced degree, you must evaluate how ambitious you really are (I am not), and whether having that advanced degree is worth all the time and money it will cost. As I have mentioned in many other posts here, the costs of obtaining and advanced degree, once you are already an RN, are tax deductible. However, I have heard from some people that one never really recoups the cost of a Nursing Doctorate.

If you tend to be on the altruistic side, you might consider going into nursing education, which, though not paying well, is one of the most sorely needed specialties. You might also want to consider working in an urban area, because the pay rates usually are much better, and there are a wider range of opportunities.

Good luck in whatever you choose!

Dave Dunn, RN

[email protected]

[groovy jeff, RN]

they are all a bunch of ichy girls. its not their fault; just a roll of the genetic dice. do not listen to them and take no alien orders!