The Value of a Nursing Degree

[jonathon]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I think that it would be good for more undergraduate students who want to do biomedical research in the future to get a nursing degree instead of the usual biology or pre-med degree. These way students are introduced into a much deeper level of human physiology, and leave undergraduate school with a much better understanding of disease processes.

This also allows for a plan B if the student does not like doing laboratory research and wants to go into a different career.

 

[Circumflex]

I agree that knowledge of disease is useful for anyone doing biomedical research, but there is no substitute for a wide knowledge base in research. When I was in grad school, I was the teaching assistant for the nursing biochemistry class. The level of general science knowledge provided by a couple years of undergrad + nursing school is not adequate for a career in basic science research.

Scientists need to be able to think outside the box and understand how the physical world works, so I think a liberal arts education with emphasis on science and math is optimal. One of the biggest deficiencies in science is language skills, so taking more classes that incorporate writing as an undergrad is beneficial. You can have the greatest data in the world, but if you can't sell it in a grant or paper, then no one will buy it.

A nursing education is appropriate for people who want to go into nursing, but researchers should receive as broad of an education as possible, so that they can think abstractly and come up with innovative ideas.

 

[Gfunk6]

I agree with the previous poster. Medical school will teach you everything you need to know about being a doctor -- you don't have to worry about covering Anatomy/Physiology/Pharmacology/Pathology (and in significantly less detail, no less) in undergrad.

It's cliche, but undergrad is one of the last opportunities in your life to study a subject you feel passionate about -- whether that's English Literature, Russian, History, etc. Majors like Nursing and Accounting are primarily designed for students who have those careers in their future. Using them simply as a springboard for further education in partially related fields is not the optimal use of your time.

Also, in re: to research I believe the didactics in a nursing program would be very poor preparation for a future career in biomedical research. Nursing (like medical school) relies heavily on rote memorization and following evidence-based algorithims. Graduating with a degree in nursing (or an MD for that matter) in no way prepares you for a career in research by itself.

IMO, the best prep for a future career as a basic science investigator is to Major or Minor in Biology or related fields and do as much bench work as you can. This will give you an idea if research is right for you and will give you valuable experience to put on your applications.

 

[dl2dp2]

I love the hypocrisy in this post.

(1) I love Russian, but instead of doing that, I'd rather get a safe job being a doctor.

(2) People who do nursing is just doing a trade school.

🙄

It's cliche, but undergrad is one of the last opportunities in your life to study a subject you feel passionate about -- whether that's English Literature, Russian, History, etc. Majors like Nursing and Accounting are primarily designed for students who have those careers in their future. Using them simply as a springboard for further education in partially related fields is not the optimal use of your time.

 

[Gfunk6]

I love the hypocrisy in this post.

(1) I love Russian, but instead of doing that, I'd rather get a safe job being a doctor.

(2) People who do nursing is just doing a trade school.

🙄

Interesting interpretation of my post. 🙂