Nursing students are a notoriously studious bunch (note how I chose studious versus nerdy), myself included. A nursing education is extremely comprehensive on its own, covering cellular, chemical, physiological, mathematical, psychological and every other type of science with the possible exception of nuclear physics. Although now that I’ve said it, there is bound to be a dean of nursing in some BSN or MSN program somewhere who is considering a curriculum change.

Understanding the human condition, medical norms, abnormalities and treatment modalities, results in a heftier course load than most of your friends in other majors will ever experience. I was always a little envious of the free wheeling “undecided” majors, hanging out in the student union without a care in the world.

Therefore, when my freshman career advisor asked me what I was going to minor in, I didn’t exactly do back flips across the quad. My advisor reeled off some of the “typical” nursing minors such as psychology, sociology, nutrition, and other courses of studies that matched up perfectly with the nursing curriculum. I swear I was not trying to be intentionally difficult when I chose none of the above.

As a result, I’m pretty sure that I was the only music minor, if not that then the sole flute performance minor, in my nursing class. I approached my decision from a different perspective, asking myself what I truly enjoy doing, do well, and therefore would like to study further. In case it’s not obvious, college is THE best opportunity to explore subjects you are passionate about studying.

If as a nursing student you are eager to expand your knowledge in complementary areas such as psychology, sociology and such than by all means, go with that. Choosing your minor, electives and even extracurricular activities is your opportunity to spread your wings outside of the structure and demands of the nursing program. Have fun with it!

For instance, my major “extracurricular” activity during nursing school was volunteering as an EMT. This ended up being a perfect complement to my nursing education, exposing me to first responder, trauma and other medical incidents that my fellow nursing students would not experience until after they graduated and only if they worked in critical care.

When designing your curriculum each semester, listen to your career advisor and discuss your decision with peers, instructors and family.  However keep in mind that as a student, you are in the driver’s seat (often for the first time). Everything that you study and every experience you have during school will shape who you are – whether you want it to or not.