Drop the BA path for the BSN?

1 I'm currently a university student pursuing a BA in Sociocultural Anthropology however I've been doubting my intentions in getting this degree (it's not the most useful degree and it's just an easy Bachelors really despite the fact that it's highly interesting to me personally) and think I may be better suited for a nursing degree (more of a challenge and more direction for careers. Also, I'm certain I would enjoy it, I have this passion that I recently discovered for helping people improve themselves). My questions for students of nursing and nurses alike: have any of you had the challenge of decided on a BA or a BSN? If so did you drop the BA path in favor of the BSN?

This indecision is eating me up. I have a year and a half left to finish this BA after three years at Community College but once I'm done with it I think I'd like to continue with school for a BSN otherwise I can stop this schooling, go back to Community College, finish pre-reqs, and then wait to get into nursing school. Both would take about the same amount of time but would it be advantageous to finish this degree and then continue for the BSN?

I'm hoping there are other students/nurses who have gone through this and can give me advice and explain the ups and downs they had on whichever path they chose. Honestly, any life lessons or things you'd do differently and are willing to share will be very helpful and so much appreciated!

A little addition, I'd like to go abroad as a nurse at some point as well (as can be deduced from my passion for Anthropology I'm highly interested in other cultures/languages).

This was likely far too much information, but as a student I can't help but wonder what the future will bring and how to approach it. Thanks so much for any advice!
I don't know what your financial situation is like, but if you ualify for Pell Grants, I would not get your BA first. This is from someone with a BS going back for an ABSN. Personally, if I were doing it over again and going to get my BSN right away, I would find out what prereqs I still needed for an upper division program, and register for all those classes while applying to your nursing program. Just my $.02

Perhaps you should start researching "Doctor's Without Boarders".. from what I've read, there are a lot of nurses in this program. Being so close to your first degree choice, perhaps you should finish that one up and apply for an accelerated BSN after. It's really up to you.

I don't know what your financial situation is like, but if you ualify for Pell Grants, I would not get your BA first.

Quote from dairymarieI do recieve Pell Grants at this time. So if I finished up this degree I wouldn't qualify any longer?

Wow! I could have written this myself! I completed a BA in anthropology, also have the itch to help people and then, years later went on to complete my BSN. I absolutely loved my anthro education and have no regrets. No matter what job I do, it will always be my background. Then again, I was not really career minded when I got my degree but was truly passionate about studying anthropology. That being said, I was able to get into an accelerated BSN program because I already had that degree. The challenges I came across were the fact that I had almost no hard sciences background. This is a very different way of testing and thinking in school. I had to get my chem, micro, anatomy/phy prereqs done before I could apply to any nursing school. It also cost me a ton because as stated above, grants are not generally available if you already have a degree. I chose to follow my passion at the time by getting my anthro degree and my path led me to nursing eventually. Is there a way you could complete your BA and throw in your sciences either as a minor or as electives? Conversely, could you major in nursing and minor in anthro?Best of luck - this is a good "problem" to have!

Quote from dairymarieI'm currently a university student pursuing a BA in Sociocultural Anthropology however I've been doubting my intentions in getting this degree (it's not the most useful degree and it's just an easy Bachelors really despite the fact that it's highly interesting to me personally) and think I may be better suited for a nursing degree (more of a challenge and more direction for careers. Also, I'm certain I would enjoy it, I have this passion that I recently discovered for helping people improve themselves). My questions for students of nursing and nurses alike: have any of you had the challenge of decided on a BA or a BSN? If so did you drop the BA path in favor of the BSN? This indecision is eating me up. I have a year and a half left to finish this BA after three years at Community College but once I'm done with it I think I'd like to continue with school for a BSN otherwise I can stop this schooling, go back to Community College, finish pre-reqs, and then wait to get into nursing school. Both would take about the same amount of time but would it be advantageous to finish this degree and then continue for the BSN?I'm hoping there are other students/nurses who have gone through this and can give me advice and explain the ups and downs they had on whichever path they chose. Honestly, any life lessons or things you'd do differently and are willing to share will be very helpful and so much appreciated!A little addition, I'd like to go abroad as a nurse at some point as well (as can be deduced from my passion for Anthropology I'm highly interested in other cultures/languages).This was likely far too much information, but as a student I can't help but wonder what the future will bring and how to approach it. Thanks so much for any advice!

Despites your interests, you should get a useful degree. I'm well aware that higher education isn't to provide job skills, but at this point in time it should be. You can read all the books you want about anthropology later in life. Right now you should cut your losses and start focusing on the BSN if that's what you think you want to do. You'll save money and time by doing so. Not only is that money out of your own pocket, but, as another reader pointed out on my skim down to the reply box here, that if you get a bachelor's degree you'll have less opportunities for financial aid after that if you need it. There's more money available for people who don't have degrees than for people that do. If you think there's another area of healthcare that interests you then start pursuing that now instead.

Quote from lindarnIf you really have a interest in the Health Care Profession, I would skip nursing (the PTB are flooding the market with new grads who cannot find a job), I would choose OT. It is a Masters Degree, and you will make more money, and have better hours. JMHO and my NY $0.02.Lindarn , RN, BSN, CCRNSomewhere in the PACNW

Quote from deemaltThen again, I was not really career minded when I got my degree but was truly passionate about studying anthropology.

Also, what about the possibility of specializing in nursing how are the hiring fields in any/all specialized fields? I understand it would be more schooling but would it be worth it?

In our area, ultrasound and radiology seem to be the areas thatare hiring. There are 2 new cancer treatment centers here, sonot sure if that is why the sudden surge of openings.I would look at all fields carefully before jumping into a program.

I found a more circuitous route to nursing. I got a job in archaeology out of school. Was a park ranger, bartender/waitress, then went to school for massage therapy and got my holistic health practitioner license- this was my "satisfaction to help others". I wanted more than I got out of this field and went on to nursing school. In between all this I traveled all over the world. I'm not saying this to show off what an interesting life I've had but just giving a different perspective on life choices. Some people know what they want to do right out of the gate.I know some may argue and say that you should be more career minded and go where the jobs are but really, I've always been financially independent and followed my passion at the same time. I enjoyed almost all of my jobs. I probably wouldn't have been ready for the rigors of nursing school back when I got my first degree anyway.You know the expression not all who wander are lost? I guess you just have to do what you feel is right. You can always get your BA, work, travel, volunteer, and then go back for your masters in public health or your BSN. Like I said, just a different perspective. Besides, you can always change your mind...