RN to MD....possible or not?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi Everyone,

I have been a nurse for six years and have always wanted to use it as a stepping stone to study medicine. However, throughout the years marriage and family came into view, and, of course, my dream of studying medicine was placed on the back burner and to add I'm 30 years old! Now that I am in college doing my BSN, I am now thinking of doing the necessary pre-med courses to give it a go, but was very much put down by my nursing advisor. I told her of my plans to go into medicine and she threw a fit at me for wanting to jump the fence! She said she thought it best for me to aim for the nurse practitioner instead, and that she thought too that I may not be able to study medicine as I needed to bring up my grades! Now that I'm thoroughly put off by this woman's advice/attitude, I was wondering if anyone can tell me if there are any nurses out there who have actually made the jump? Also, is the nurse practitioner option a better choice? If anyone has any websites they can direct me to for advice I'd appreciate it. Thanks in advance for replies.

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Specializes in ED staff.

One of the anesthesiologists where I work started his medical career as an LPN, then RN, then CRNA, then MD...so it can be done. He was about your age when he went to medical school too. Good luck to you :) Wendy

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Specializes in Hospice, Critical Care.

My father-in-law's cardiologist is a former RN. Two RNs that I work with in ICU are going for their MDs. Many of the female residents here have families and are in medicine as a second career.

Your nursing advisor sounds very defensive. Go for it. I think a nurse would make a wonderful doctor. You'd be very well rounded!

I have thought about it myself but...I'm 43 and my kids are 12 and I can't commit myself to the time schedule for studying medicine. Plus, I'd still need to earn a living. If now is a good time for you, do it!

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Zinacef,

I know several RN's who became MD's. I personally chose to become an NP but I think you should do what your heart tells you to do. I have also seen this anti-med school attitude, especially in academic circles. It's unfortunate and short-sighted. THere is a need for both NP's and MD's. They do different things from a different point of view but ultimately we all take care of patients, no matter what your title. If medicine is where you have always wanted to be then by all means DO IT!!

Good luck and then dont let anyone stand in your way!

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I knew a woman she was a RN for 10 years and became a MD. The nurse advisor was trying to HATE! What does your heart and soul tell you to do? Go for it. Good luck keep us posted!

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My best friend and mentor as a nurse went to med school in her late 30's. She is now one of the best OB/GYNE Docs I know.(I think she is a better MD because she was a nurse first). If you want to be a doctor go for it. Don't let anyone tell you you can't!!!

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I have worked for two MD's who were once RN's. One was nearly 40 when he started med school. what is wrong with working towards a goal??????You don't want to look back later and say "if only"

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Don't listen to the "advisor," DO listen to your heart. If that is what you want to do, GO FOR IT!

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How sad your advisor chose to discourage you. She's on the wrong track, IMO. Go for what makes you happy and ignore the

naysayers...good luck! :)

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I'm on the RN to DVM or MD route myself. I've noticed similar attitues from nursing folk about crossing to MD, and I think it's a shame because I think that we can bring a lot of the good things about the nursing perspective to the md role. Horray for the great attitudes and encouragement you are finding here! You might enjoy the student doctor network do a search for it, I think it's abrev. SDN. Good luck!

Cheryl

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One of my friends and former classmates (who came into the program in his 30's with a wife, kid and BS in something) went from nurse to going to med school (DO) and is a fantastic Doc. Do what your gut tells you- we're all supposed to work as a team! Sounds like your instructor needs reminded of this!

Good luck!

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I agree with Kaycee you would be a better MD because you were a nurse first!!!!!! That is so true!

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