Switch Major to Nursing

[bquinn1]

Hello,

So, I'm currently a sophomore at a 4 year university. I haven't declared my major yet because I haven't found what I would truly enjoy and love. I am currently taking Economics (intended major) and it is really difficult for me and I've noticed that with that degree it will take me long time to become a financial advisor (future job). So, I don't really have the confidence that I will be able to get a good paying job that I will love after I graduate. However, I am thinking of going back to the first field of interest (medical) except do nursing, but I don't know if it is too late for me to do nursing since I have not completed any of the prerequisites.

I would like any help possible on what I should do? Should I start over my 4 years (BSN track)? Leave the university and go to a community college RN-BSN? or graduate with a degree and do a nursing accelerated program?

Any advice would be helpful! thank you

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

If you haven't yet declared a major, you would more than likely need to complete all the science pre-reqs for the nursing program before switching your major. I would definitely suggest you speak with an advisor at your school. It makes no sense to complete the BA/BS in Economics if a) you don't like it and b) it could potentially lower your GPA.

Keep in mind, it is very competitive to get in to a nursing program. You're going to need solid grades in your science pre-reqs. Have you shadowed a nurse to see if this is truly something you want to do? I would do so before investing so much time & money in to it. Especially since you're already changing your major. Nursing sounds great "on paper" to many people. However, there's a lot more that goes in to it than what you realize.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

While you're contemplating what to do, take a look at THIS listing of healthcare occupations. Nursing may be the most familiar, but as you can see, it is not the only job. There are many jobs with approximately the same amount of educational preparation - that are 'easier' to enter because there is less competition. Many of them have a much better career trajectory than nursing, as our profession is well known for salary compression and lack of advancement.