Undergraduate nursing programs?

Question

Is an undergraduate nursing program really as hard as everyone says? I already have a Bachelor's degree, but it is not applicable to any specific career. I would like to go back to school for a degree in something specific (ex: nursing) and am in the process of figuring out for what. I'm scared of entering a nursing program and then being in over my head!

Also, is there a type of nurse you can become that does not deal with super intense situations? All I can picture is an ER nurse that is constantly having to revive people. Are there nursing careers that are more low-key?

Answer 1

To become an RN, you need a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degree. Whether you get it in 2 years (accelerated, for those with previous university credits or a bachelor's degree) or 4 years (those usually straight out of high school or with little to no transfer university credits). Getting into a BSN degree program is hard, because it is very competitive. Once you get in, it's not a walk in the park, you will need to focus and take 5 classes each semester during your first 2 years of study to gain the foundations of Nursing Principles and Human Biology & Physiology. But if you're really passionate and know for sure you love Nursing, BSN will suit you great and you will excel in the field. At first, it can be overwhelming, but The Faculty of Nursing is a small undergrad faculty, and the professors are usually friendly and understand the stress you undergo, so they are more than happy to help you out, just be open and get the help you need when it arises and don't put off questions until the night before the midterm/final. There is not such thing as a "low-key" nursing career. You will deal with death and sick patients wherever you work, whether the maternity ward, pediatrics or the ER. I hope this helps!

Answer 2

You can get an associates degree and be an RN. Of course, you can get a bachelor's as well, but that is mostly for management positions. I have been a RN for 22 years. You will want to work with patients. There are plenty of nursing jobs that don't have the intense situations that they show on ER. Home heath nursing, doctor's office, school nursing. Of course there is utilization review (hospital) that is all paperwork. Nursing is a field that allows lots of room to grow and change as your life and interests change. You won't know if it is over your head unless you try.