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I too am thrilled to hear about someone interested in nursing. And I have to commend you for being supportive of her choice. I have heard other parents say "you're too smart to be a nurse, be a doctor" to their children and have discouraged them. Medicine and nursing are two different professions; they just happen to work together. If your daughter is drawn to nursing, then that is just great.
You have to be smart to a nurse. It is not considered an "easy" major. The first 2 years are science pre-reqs, psych/sociology classes, university core classes, etc. Students are usually admitted as pre-nursing majors and if a certain GPA is maintained, then they can become nursing majors and start their clinical classes/experiences. Most university programs begin the nursing classes sophomore or junior year. A few universities begin freshman year (CWRU). Clinical rotations can take up anywhere from 1-4 days a week, depending upon the class.
As other posters have mentioned, the career opportunities are numerous. That I feel is the big attraction for nursing. You can practice in a variety of settings (peds, psych, hospitals, clinics, visiting nurse, etc). Plus go on for advanced degrees in nursing (nurse practitioner, nursing education, administration, anethesia...) Or go for a MBA, JD, MSW etc. Even go to med school.
Competition for getting into nursing school can be tough, especially at places like UPenn and NYU. There are limited number of spots and it is becoming a popular major. Schools turn down many qualified applicants. The fact that your daughter has a strong academic record now will make her an attractive applicant.
Good Luck to your daughter!
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