Wondering if I should change to nursing

Music in My Heart · Apr 6, 2011

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.

Based on what, exactly? Have you noticed what's happening with inflation over the last 6-12 months? Are you aware of how severe is the problem with unemployment (not the *official* number which only looks at those drawing UI but the *real* number)? Are you aware that the housing values are continuing to crash? Are you aware of the direct link between the very modest recovery and huge amounts of government spending, which is about to come crashing to a halt? Are you aware of the huge financial hit that millions of government employees are (and will) take?

I'm not a doomsayer but there is no justification for blind confidence that the economy is going to be significantly better in the next few years.

OP, enter nursing if you'd like but don't do it from a misguided belief that a job is guaranteed, or even highly probable, upon graduation. Sure, a lot of grads get hired... but a lot of qualified folks do not. Be prepared and go in with your eyes wide open.

Music in My Heart · Apr 6, 2011

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.

No, the nursing classes are not nearly as rigorous as science classes. However, they do entail a substantial amount of composition so if your writing skills aren't decent, you will find it harder.

Advice: The health care job which seems most in demand and the one with the most unfilled positions that I've seen is that of Clinical Lab Scientist. I'd finish that biochem degree before going to nursing school were I in your shoes.

CareRx · May 12, 2011

I am a pharmacy student (taking time off to decide on a career path as my grades were also beginning to slip) and originally, I applied because I was looking for post-graduate training to be a clinical pharmacist. After working in a retail pharmacy, I realize that not only the path to clinical pharmacy is too competitive and more schooling/loans post training, I would most likely end up doing retail pharmacy (that ironically pays, but is boring). I began to assess a different career path. Mainly, I wanted something where I can enter the work force, live comfortably and spend time with my family.

I was assessing an engineering career because of my love for physics and math, but I stopped at calculus 1 and now I have to take calculus 2, 3 and differential equations and more science courses. The loans are getting high up there, and I need to start earning some real cash and contributing to society in the healthcare field. Nursing, it appears, might be a good fit and ironically, when I was thinking careers, it was not one of those I thoroughly considered. In addition, I want the opportunity to be my own boss, and nurse practitioners appear they have a certain autonomy.

So if you are an engineer/student or past allied health major, what are your thoughts on this matter?

I'm very new to this forum, so I'm looking for some info.

Thank you.

leenak · May 12, 2011

Oh boy :)

Engineering has it's own issues but have you looked at biomedical engineering? Are you focused on healthcare solely?

The economy is tough all over but the computing field is generally strong, especially security. (not programming unless you work for the gov as a lot of that work has been shipped overseas) You'd need to continue on with calculus for that as well. It pays better than nursing and your hours are normalish, although sometimes late nights and weekends can be involved.

Seas · May 12, 2011

You seem really unsure of what you want to do. If you want to see if nursing is for you, be a nursing assistant first. There are courses that don't take too long to finish. That will give you a good idea of how nursing is like.

Striving2BG8, BSN, RN · May 14, 2011

Based on what, exactly? Have you noticed what's happening with inflation over the last 6-12 months? Are you aware of how severe is the problem with unemployment (not the *official* number which only looks at those drawing UI but the *real* number)? Are you aware that the housing values are continuing to crash? Are you aware of the direct link between the very modest recovery and huge amounts of government spending, which is about to come crashing to a halt? Are you aware of the huge financial hit that millions of government employees are (and will) take?
I'm not a doomsayer but there is no justification for blind confidence that the economy is going to be significantly better in the next few years.
OP, enter nursing if you'd like but don't do it from a misguided belief that a job is guaranteed, or even highly probable, upon graduation. Sure, a lot of grads get hired... but a lot of qualified folks do not. Be prepared and go in with your eyes wide open.

I am aware about all that, thank you very much. And I'm not basing it on anything. I just said a little better, I didn't say there will be so many jobs that everyone will be happy.

And I didn't say anything about a job being guaranteed. I'm not an optimistic person but if people don't have some hope in a time like this, what are you going to do? Just sit around because things look bleak? NO! You have to forge ahead despite what is going on and make the best decision you can!

That's all anyone can do.