Wants to Get RN to Administer Injectables

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I have a bachelors in biology and a minor in chemistry. I currently have a facial specialist license in Florida and am interested in a nursing degree so I can pursue injectables. Perhaps becoming a NP. Will any of my BS degree exempt me from nursing classes? It seems much of the coursework is similar.

Dear Wants Exemption,

Your previous courses will help you in nursing school, and may meet some of your pre-reqs, but they do not replace any nursing courses. Everything taught in nursing school is in the context of patients, medical conditions, and nursing.

To earn a BSN, you need to graduate from a BSN nursing program. If you graduate from an ADN nursing program, you will have your ADN plus your already earned Bachelor's degree, but not a BSN.

I hope that answers your question.

I can't help but think back to nursing school and how only the passion and determination I had to be a nurse got me through. It's not just an academic major. I'm not saying it's a calling (although some say it is), but there are clinical hours and patients who need you, and it calls for service.

In other words, if you don't love being a nurse, it could be a tough 1-2 yrs in a nursing program. Not everyone will agree with me, but I just want for you to be realistic about your choice.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!