Should I do the Honors Option in my nursing program???

[wilso114]

Hi! I recently got accepted to IUPUI's nursing program. I also was offered the opportunity to do the honors program involved with my program. The information I received with my packet stated that it was a good option for people interested in research or students wanting to go into a master's program. I definitely am interested in getting a master's degree, but I'm not sure that I want to do research, so I'm not sure if this is something I should do...any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

[SummitRN, BSN, RN]

MIght help with competitive clinicals, establishing contacts, get scholarships, and future education admissions. Other than that, won't do much. I chose apply and was selectd. I recommend figuring out what amount of extra work is involved and what the standards are.

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

In this job market, it seems like it could only help to set you apart from other new grads. I would do it.

[TDCHIM]

When it comes to a challenging and time-consuming program like nursing, if you think your honors program will give you the opportunity to do something that will enhance your marketability or experience level with regard to what you actually want to do when you graduate, then I'd say you should go for it. If it's interesting but doesn't have much applicability towards your interests and job goals upon graduation, then I'd probably suggest you focus exclusively on excelling in your nursing program.

At the moment, I'm enrolled in my school's Honors College (note: I'm in health information management, not nursing), because my top goal is to eventually go into a research role within my field, and my honors program gives me the chance to create my own major thesis/research project. To me, the trade-off in time and effort is worth it, because I believe the experience of running my own research project for three semesters will enhance my chances of being hired for the type of job I'd love to have. (As an aside, it's also fun to take some cool classes that focus on topics that are completely different from my usual courses and are attended by small groups of academically ambitious students.

One final point: while being a part of an honors program might make you a more attractive candidate to some advanced degree programs, it's clearly not an absolute requirement in order for you to be accepted into a decent master's program. Remember, that packet is trying to sell you on the school's honors program! Look over its claims with a critical eye and be realistic about how much time and energy you'll have to spare for honors work given the likely demands of your nursing program. Good luck with your nursing program, whatever your decision about the honors option! :)

[headinsandRN]

if in the end your ultimate goal melts down to getting a job...any safe reasonable job, then the additional effort may be unjustified.

Sadly, many have found that academic excellence doesn't trump experience in the job market.

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

I did the honors option while I was in nursing school. If you want to work at a university hospital, most of them have clinical ladders. If you are unfamiliar with clinical ladders, when you begin working as a new nurse, you are a Clinical I nurse. After about a year or two, you can become a Clinical II nurse. When you become the "go to" person for your unit and have shown leadership skills, you can apply for a Clinical III nurse. When you continue to climb the clinical ladder, you get pay raises on top of your normal performance evaluation raises. I believe that my honors activities helped me to have the mindset of going above and beyond, and as a result I have been promoted through this ladder.

I think you should do it if you think that you will be able to complete the honors projects along with your normal schoolwork. Congrats to you for the offer! It speaks volumes about you and your abilities. You should be daggum proud!

[wilso114]

Thank you everyone for the responses!! I really appreciate it! I have a lot to think about in the next few weeks!!

[thmpr]

The honors program opened many doors for me. Do it!

[Moogie]

If you're thinking at all about graduate school, absolutely. It might be enough to give you a competitive edge, maybe in seeking employment, but definitely in applying to a grad program. Congratulations on getting a chance to do the honors option!