<p>im currently a frosh nursing major and i originally chose nursing because it seemed like something i <em>wouldnt mind</em> having as a career. the good thing is that it's a stable job, but at the same time, that's also one of the reasons why ive been having doubts about it.</p>
<p>ive looked at colleges with nursing schools and ive been seeing programs where students with a bachelor's degree in another field can apply to get a master's. i was originally planning on getting a master's degree in nursing but now that i see even non-nursing students can get a master's in nursing, i feel like i shouldnt waste my undergrad degree on nursing as well. however, if the major i choose turns out to be dead useless, i dont want to waste my years on that either when i could have been pursuing nursing...</p>
<p>ive recently become interested in international affairs and environmental studies because im really into learning about new cultures, traveling, interactions with different ppl/countries, as well as the environment and how to preserve/better the conditions. at the college i go to, we can have those two as a dual major. the only catch is that i have no idea what kinds of careers could lead to them. although i dont like how nursing is so stable, i still like to have at least a vague idea of where im going in life. also, as bad as it sounds, i want to be in a career that has a good salary (such as that equal to nursing) right now, im planning on switching my major [to international affairs/enviro studies], and if it doesnt work out, i'll just go get my master's in nursing. would that be a good/bad decision? does anyone know anything about international affairs and/or environmental studies? it's such a long process to go through and it's somewhat difficult to find students who arent busy to talk about their majors, so i was hoping to get at least a little insight from ppl at collegeconfidential.</p>
<p>I majored in environmental studies two years ago. Currently I am working for my state government doing air pollution related work. Although some of the courses I took as an environmental major had to do with "saving the planet," the majority of the courses are science based... and the majority of the work out there in the real world is engineering related. If you don't like math/chemistry/biology then I strongly urge you to not pursue this major. I am not saying that all of the work fits this description, but I would say that 90% of the jobs out there are either in government or in the private sector working for consultants. Another possibility if you like the policy end of things is environmental law, which is fascinating to some. This is less math/chemistry/biology related, but one still needs to have a basic background in the sciences. I could go on and on about this, but I urge you to seek more information if any of what I said above sounds interesting. Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions.</p>
<p>As a (pre)-nursing student, I can definitely say nursing requires a lot from students. The hours are rough, and working with ill people can be emotionally draining. If you're only sorta committed, I would not recommend it.</p>
<p>Also, what kind of programs are you looking at? are they competitive? If so, I will warn you they will look at much, much more than grades. You need to demonstrate a commitment to healthcare. They also look at volunteering, leadership, cultural competency, and research... preferably in healthcare related areas. Many programs I know about require a letter of recommendation from an RN that can attest to your abilities in healthcare. That means you'll also have to work in the field as well. Don't forget the prerequisite classes... Even though you don't need a BSN, you'll still have to take chemistry, organic/biochem, microbiology, physiology/anatomy, growth and development, stats, and perhaps more.</p>
<p>To be perfectly honest though, I too am thinking about earning a degree in an unrelated field, and then going for masters or doctoral in nursing. (The BSN program here is super competitive, so its more like a Plan B.) But that is my ultimate goal.... and while I'm earning my bachelors, I'll be working on my nursing skills as well. I feel that you'll be at a great disadvantage for applying to the programs, attending the programs, and working afterwards without any experience in the field. It's not impossible, but it will be hard. If anything, you'll probably need to take some time just to get your feet wet before you can go on to your masters... That in itself takes time and effort... Will you really be up for that challenge?</p>
<p>Your local Junior college should offer an Associate degree In Science with RN training. After graduating , take the state licensing exam to be licensed to work in your state. Then while working as an RN take any additional advanced training for any specialty you are interested in. Many hospitals will help with tuition costs for advanced training.definitely say nursing requires a lot from students. The hours are rough, and working with ill people can be emotionally draining. If you're only sorta committed, I would not recommend it.</p>