Wondering if I should change to nursing

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I'm currently going to UCI for a biochemistry degree and I realize now after transferring that I don't really want to be a biochemist. I want to change my major to nursing, but I'm still not sure. I would have to go back to a JC and start over again. I just want to know how hard is nursing school? Is it at all like being a science major? Anyone have experience changing majors from a science one to nursing. Are the classes as rigorous as science classes are? I'm just scared this major might not be the one again.

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I am not sure how far in your degree program you are but if your biochem program is like the one here some of your science classes should transfer. You shouldn't have to start all over again completely and I think your previous education would benefit you in the nursing field. Science is science it doesn't change. Good luck in your decision.

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I'm pretty far into the whole biochem thing. I'm just taking all the prereq science classes I need for upper divisions like genetics and biochemistry. I'm done with organic chem and general chem. But I don't think I can do more science classes like these. (I know I would need to take microbio, anatomy and physio, but I'm up for it.) I know that I want to help people and interact with people in my future job whatever it is I want to do and I've always wanted to work with children and being in a hospital is a plus. One of the reasons I chose nursing was because I was a pre-pharmacy major and right out of school you get a job; same as nursing. I still don't know what it is I want to do though so I'm looking into my options.

In the next couple of days I want to try to sit in on some of the nursing classes at UCI to see if those classes would interest me. I just want some opinions from nursing majors as to how the classes were and how it is to be a nurse.

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Specializes in PCU, Med-Surg/Tele, Psychiatric.
I'm pretty far into the whole biochem thing. I'm just taking all the prereq science classes I need for upper divisions like genetics and biochemistry. I'm done with organic chem and general chem. But I don't think I can do more science classes like these. (I know I would need to take microbio, anatomy and physio, but I'm up for it.) I know that I want to help people and interact with people in my future job whatever it is I want to do and I've always wanted to work with children and being in a hospital is a plus. One of the reasons I chose nursing was because I was a pre-pharmacy major and right out of school you get a job; same as nursing. I still don't know what it is I want to do though so I'm looking into my options.

In the next couple of days I want to try to sit in on some of the nursing classes at UCI to see if those classes would interest me. I just want some opinions from nursing majors as to how the classes were and how it is to be a nurse.

I'm not trying to discourage you, but right now many new graduate nurses are having a difficult time finding their first jobs due to the economy.

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I'm not trying to discourage you, but right now many new graduate nurses are having a difficult time finding their first jobs due to the economy.

So are accountants and teachers and business majors:confused: Nursing is not the only field that is suffering right now due to this down economy. But is good to know the good and the bad about the field you are going into. Good luck OP in whatever you choose. :)

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In my first round of schooling, the science major I was working to was psychology. Ironically, I filled almost all my pre reqs but took a few over for GPA. (NS spots are competitive) But basically AP1, AP2, and micro [medical terminology and psychology are usually pre req too] are about memorizing facts and information. There isn't math or calculations to be done until you reach NS which is then pretty basic Med math stuff. I am not in NS yet, but they say the course work once you get in is pretty rigorous.

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I don't know how far you got with biochem, but nursing is light years easier than chemistry. A lot of people would tell you that's like comparing apples and oranges, but from coming into this degree program with an eight year old science degree I'd say that upper level bio and chem was much more difficult to understand. However, once you've got a solid background in those subjects much of what students consider to be hard in nursing school will come across as rather easy. The hardest part of nursing school is coping with busy work and classmates that freak out a lot.

That'll probably make some of the readers upset that I wrote that, but I stand by the truth of it.

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Maybe consider getting pre-reqs for an accelerated 2nd bachelor's BSN program while finishing up a bachelor's? If grades are your main concern, I would expect 2nd bach programs to take into consideration if your degree was in biochem from UCI (hard-core courses, with hard-core competition for curved grades) versus a bunch of 'basketweaving' classes from a community college.

Even if you change your major to something besides biochem, the 2nd bach plan would allow you more time to find out more about nursing before making any drastic changes in your schooling right now. As you finish up your first degree and get the nursing pre-reqs done, you can volunteer at a hospital, become a nursing assistant or unit secretary, etc.

Best wishes with your choices!

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I have a chem engineering degree from UCI. My plan is to get a 2nd degree in nursing. And as the previous post said, i am getting my certification as nursing assistant to get the feel if nursing is for me. Don't know how hard it is to get into accelerated BSN or entry level MSN but i'm taking it one step at a time. Try to get as much experience as I can. I just hope I do well in this field.

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zot zot zot!!! make sure to explore and know that you reeeeeeally want to do it!!

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Specializes in Medical Telemetry, SICU.
So are accountants and teachers and business majors:confused: Nursing is not the only field that is suffering right now due to this down economy. But is good to know the good and the bad about the field you are going into. Good luck OP in whatever you choose. :)

Exactly, Geez. Plus she would be graduating in 2-3 years from now. The economy most likely will be a little better than it is now. :yeah:

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
One of the reasons I chose nursing was because... right out of school you get a job; same as nursing.
Quite untrue, these days, especially in California. Perhaps better stated, "right out of school you *might* get a job."
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