You may not be performing the lab skills as a nurse, but it is essential that you learn the life processes, and identification, classification, and other information about pathogens and other microorganisms presented in the class.  The knowledge base is requisite to nursing practice; it is the foundation of scientific rationales behind much of what we do, provides an understanding of disease processes, and is an obvious component of evidence-based practice.  It's as integral as Anatomy.

Micro was one of the prereqs whose applicability was self-evident to me.

I'd like to see a Pathophysiology course added to the curriculum, actually - but that's another kettle of fish.

Loved Micro!

That would have been interesting. Our instructor loved to teach, she was contagious. I can't get enough of instructors that have a passion for their job. Learning is so stimulating.

Yes, I can see that knowledge of the various pathogens has value since they are often the reason why someone is ill. I guess what I'm wondering is, as a nurse, how does one apply this knowledge? Will a nurse be involved in the diagnosis of a pathogen-based illness or is that the role of a doctor? Would I be correct in guessing that nurses do not prepare slides and perform microscopic analyses of the microorganism? I certainly find it interesting and valuable as supporting information for nursing.

micro was one of the hardest classes I've taken.  I had to stay focused with this class  and study daily

johnbeam says ...

Yes, I can see that knowledge of the various pathogens has value since they are often the reason why someone is ill. I guess what I'm wondering is, as a nurse, how does one apply this knowledge? Will a nurse be involved in the diagnosis of a pathogen-based illness or is that the role of a doctor? Would I be correct in guessing that nurses do not prepare slides and perform microscopic analyses of the microorganism? I certainly find it interesting and valuable as supporting information for nursing.

You may very well find you love research and decide to go into research as a nurse, then you'd certainly be using the knowledge.  If you advanced your degree to a masters level you'd certainly be involved with diagnosis as an NP.  However, the importance of micro to me is knowledge and with knowledge comes power and respect, especially with physicians

I had a crappy instructor, so the class could've been better.  I have not found it to be an integral part of my everyday practice.

i just finished micro in surgical tech school, i hated every minute of it, but seems to be the root of all evil. very helpful in the knowledge of disease process and surgical site infections, which is what is important to me.