To much time wasted on classes that have nothing to do with Nursing!!!

prmenrs, RN · Mar 31, 2013

I'm hoping you are interested in getting an education, not just piece of paper. Gen'l Ed classes teach to think abstractly and process info in an [hopefully] unbiased way. IMO, that is the beginning of "critical thinking skills", which is essential in nursing. Basic and advanced science classes-you really can't get enough of them, I don't think. As you're working equations in Chemistry, learning the Citric-acid cycle for the umpty-zillionth time, don't forget that the same processes are taking place in your own and your pts body--understand them, and you will understand what's going wrong or right w/your patient.

Be a little more patient-you may be taking care of me someday.

Saysfaa · Mar 31, 2013

"process info in an [hopefully] unbiased way"

Seriously? At least you left the "hopefully" part in. This term I have sociology taught by a feminist and human development taught by a prof who recommends everyone try multiple partners before marriage. About par for the course for gen ed classes.

runsalot · Mar 31, 2013

"process info in an [hopefully] unbiased way"
Seriously? At least you left the "hopefully" part in. This term I have sociology taught by a feminist and human development taught by a prof who recommends everyone try multiple partners before marriage. About par for the course for gen ed classes.

And now when you have patients like your sociology prof and human development prof you will be able to relate to them more. Relate does not mean learn to think like them but understand why they might think that way.

stephanie. · Mar 31, 2013

Thank you for your jab at my bad day, BTW I'm a former military medic, and have put alot of hours and hard work into my health career. Hospital, battlefield, the street. I have worked over 300 codes, intubated , well need I say more. Maybe I don't have your class time right now but you will never be a pimple on my a** when it comes to my acomplishments and I'm not done. Have a nice day!!!!

So you cut her down because she made a valid point? A point I agree with, BTW. Yeah- I don't see it necessary to have taken everything I've had to take, but in hindsight I'm a better person today for them. Also, if you would've paid more attention in English class instead of complaining about it you wouldn't have spelled FOCASED in stead of focused.

Your attitude toward constructive communication will make you an awesome nurse btw. :-/ Can't wait to read a post from you about how your clinical teacher chewed you a new one after you told her she'd never be a pimple on your butt when she asked you how insulin worked and you couldn't tell her because you thought chemistry was laaaaame.

stephanie. · Mar 31, 2013

Theater 101 was a waste not sure why I needed a "fine art".[/quote']
Because one day Brad Pitt might come to your floor and y'all can have something to chat about. :-)

Alisonisayoshi, LVN · Mar 31, 2013

Cultural Anthropology: I understand cultural differences and can better empathize. Sociology: I took Race and Ethnic relations, I better understand other races and their struggles. English, and Critical Thinking: I can write a paper at a college level, super helpful if I go into upper management or research nursing. Chemistry: um I'm going to use conversion factors for dosage calcs one day I'm pretty damn sure. Fine Arts: I took American Sign so yeah that may turn up handy. Speech: I can make a presentation. History: I am now an educated adult, bonus! Math: yeah I am darn sure I'm going to need math as a nurse. All my Bio Sciences: I don't need to even get into why these are important!

Bottom line, they show dedication to a goal, and I think dedicated nurses are what's needed, don't you?

rubato, ASN, RN · Mar 31, 2013

I was furious during my prereqs. Why on earth do I need to take this crud? Now that I'm almost done with my first year of nursing classes, I can't think of a single class that hasn't benefited me in some way. Math and sciences, obviously. But, ethics, social problems, english, heck even my running class helped me a little bit (not much I admit, but I had to do a race for cystic fibrosis and I now know what that's all about). I have learned how to think in ways that I never could before. I can write an amazing paper and that does help me when writing narrative notes, or therapeutic logs, not to mention the dreaded care plans. My spelling and grammar are much better for the stupid english classes. No, I don't need to know how to calculate logs, but I need math. Chemistry has been the most beneficial, especially with electrolyte imbalances. I'm truly grateful for every class I spent money on.

umbdude, MSN, APRN · Mar 31, 2013

Liberal arts courses don't necessarily improve your critical thinking skills. Critical thinking can only be improved over time with conscious effort (e.g. constantly being critical when reading newspaper). Liberal arts courses often just throw in a lot of definitions and theories, and little time is spent on analyzing or dissecting them. Many colleges also set the bar pretty low, making it easy to pass or do well in those courses without actually improving any skills. If college education improves critical thinking, math, or verbal skills, you should see an upward trend in GRE scores among those graduated with a college degree with low-to-average SAT scores. Instead, most people perform on these tests at the same level they did pre-college.

You can become more well-rounded by interacting with people from different cultures, reading a lot, having hobbies, and simply experiencing life. You'll probably become more well-rounded by doing that over a period of time rather than just taking a few "Intro" courses, then forget most of the content after a few years.

If a person has no interest in the course, it becomes a waste of time when you are forced to take those courses. It's really OP's own opinion. There is not need to criticize OP for it. I side with OP. Some of the courses I take are a waste of time and money.

Medic/RN2B · Mar 31, 2013

I agree with you in a way. Yes you need math but really, the math they have us going through WILL never apply to standard every day nursing...it is pointless and a waste of time..however I think they do it to weed out the dedicated from the undedicated. Also to those who say you have to have and be good in those classes to be a better nurse is so wrong....how many book smart people do you know but you wouldn't let them treat you or your family?! Just saying..it should be based on more than just classes. I think English classes are VERY important. I see so many people who do not know how to spell or even form sentences. I do not mean on here of course as most of us use slang and are on cell phones but in the working field. Obviously ANP is very important. IMO :)

Saysfaa · Mar 31, 2013

Runsalot, I can think of dozens of ways the classes are a benefit - even the ones like sociology and human development for people in my situation.

I learned quite a lot the first three times I took them (for high grades), and the dozens of times I've taken classes that overlapped the material covered (really, literally - I have a LOT of credits), and through life. I'm retaking them because nothing in my record quite fits the little box that has to be checked off.

For example, I have a year of introductory level study of group behavior - but it is split into intro to anthropology, history, and social work. They covered the exact things in greater depth than I'm getting in my current class because they were specifically designed to be introductory level study of group behavior. However, none of their names/descriptions quite match exactly. My CLEP of Intro to Sociology at another school does match exactly but CLEPs show only pass/fail and I'm required to have a letter grade. It is irrelevent that I can show them that my score is much higher than the equivelent of a "C" and we need only a "C."

I have several child development classes because I was going to be a teacher at one point. I do get that the various adult stages are important. However, my human development class is scheduled to spend sixteen weeks on child development and two class periods on the adult stages. We aren't to the last two classes yet, but based on the detailed criteria of the class, the textbook, and the syllabus I've certainly covered this material in greater detail in several other classes (CNA training, intro to the profession, and so on).

Like I said, I can still find benefits to both classes - although the vast majority of these benefits could be better found in classes that covered material I haven't already had so many times before.

Which is why I snorted about the "unbiased" part of the previous post but didn't address the value of the classes in general.

Watermaster · Apr 1, 2013

Hey brother,

First and foremost THANK YOU for your service! Life can be difficult and learning to navigate the difficult portions can take experience(s), some of which are uncomfortable. I can understand the point in your original complaint. Regarding the waste of time for some gen-ed/prereq coursework what I've learned is that those academic requirements are more than purposeful. My original degree (B.S. Hydrology,minor Env. Toxicology U.C. Davis) required more of me academically than was ever needed to be successful in my original work. I did not need to know the vibrational energy of the bonds between hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms in a water molecule. Another thing that I now know is that because I was required to know/learn that information (or how to find it) I acquired a skill used to find the answers to arguably irrelevant questions encountered in everyday life both professional and private.

The skill I learned, and you will too, by the apparently irrelevant course work is called problem solving. As an example, Math is much more than learning how to find a numerical solution to a (math) question; math is very specifically a methodology used to teach people how to solve problems. I could go on but I think you get the point. The constructs of an education may never become fully obvious to you; however, I will insist that following a prescribed series of academic coursework will make you a more rounded individual better able to address professional problems and also interactions between people the same as, and different than, either you or I.

If you are considering becoming a registered nurse know that you will be required to follow an academic path that may not always provide the obvious answer to your immediate questions, but the options available to you on this rewarding career path are few and strict follow them or don't. It is your choice.

Thank you brother for your service!

phoenixnim · Apr 1, 2013

Liberal arts courses don't necessarily improve your critical thinking skills. Critical thinking can only be improved over time with conscious effort (e.g. constantly being critical when reading newspaper). Liberal arts courses often just throw in a lot of definitions and theories, and little time is spent on analyzing or dissecting them. Many colleges also set the bar pretty low, making it easy to pass or do well in those courses without actually improving any skills. If college education improves critical thinking, math, or verbal skills, you should see an upward trend in GRE scores among those graduated with a college degree with low-to-average SAT scores. Instead, most people perform on these tests at the same level they did pre-college.
You can become more well-rounded by interacting with people from different cultures, reading a lot, having hobbies, and simply experiencing life. You'll probably become more well-rounded by doing that over a period of time rather than just taking a few "Intro" courses, then forget most of the content after a few years.
If a person has no interest in the course, it becomes a waste of time when you are forced to take those courses. It's really OP's own opinion. There is not need to criticize OP for it. I side with OP. Some of the courses I take are a waste of time and money.

I completely agree with this. I also think age/life experience factors in. As a 30-something adult student, I really find the "well-rounded/lib art" requirements a waste of time and money. For example, I have to take papermaking next semester to fulfill my arts requirement. I have two young kids, and am an active community member, belonging to two non-profit organizations and regularly doing charity fundraisers. I would say I'm a LOT more well rounded from life than from some stupid papermaking class. But, I want that degree, so will suffer through it.

Most of these classes are even harder for me to agree with relevance because my end goal is a Midwife. In other countries they have specific degrees just for a midwife, but in most states here in the US, they only recognize Nurse-Midwives, where you actually have to earn your RN first in order to get your midwife studies and eventual certification.

I don't see how taking nursing classes in all specialties will really help me in the end when I already know the only thing that really interests me is birth phisiology. I see the relevance in pharmacology, and administering IV's etc, but all of this could be accomplished with a specialized degree, not studying in a whole other field first. But it is what it is. Doesn't mean I have to love every bit of it. My eye is on the end goal.