RN to MD?

caliotter3 · Sep 8, 2002

The best MD who had pts in some of the LTC facilities I worked at had been an RN. She left no stone unturned, spent all the time she needed with her pts. Lo and behold, when it was time for her monthly chart entry, she came in after regular hours and spent hours with her pts and the nurses, actually assessing and doing her job. She did not come in for 10 minutes at shift change, ask for the charts, and sign off in them without going near a room!

Instructors in my prereq classes encouraged me toward med school, however, I am too old, do not have the time or money. More importantly, b/c I have been around a little, I know that nursing offers more of a challenge than medicine. The MD's contact with pts, as far as I'm concerned is too limited (except for such special areas like surgery). Nurses are much more involved with helping the person feel better and get well. There are many doctors who rely heavily on nurse's input to make judgment calls. So nurses have to be much more in tune with what is going on with the pt. Well, off the soapbox. Hope you enjoy what you're doing too!

Teshiee · Sep 8, 2002

I knew a MD that was a RN and she is the best OB-GYN. She cares about her patients. I guess when you have worked on the other side of the health care you can really appreciate it if you decide to go to another aspect of health care.

live4today, RN · Sep 8, 2002

I would've at one point in my life, but not anymore......except to go for my doctorate and become a Christian Family Therapist before I'm 60.

futurecdrn · Sep 8, 2002

What do you think would be considered "old" to start attending medical school-25, 28, 30? I think that doctors who have been nurses would be more patient-centered, more compassionate, and empathetic. They would possess both great minds and big hearts-a great gift.

finallyRN · Sep 8, 2002

Two of my favorite docs were RNs. They are both great doctors, listen to their patients and also listen to the nurses. They do not belittle us for our suggestions on how to care for the patients. They realized we probably have a better idea of what the patient needs at that moment anyway.

Ted · Sep 8, 2002

I met one nurse who was in medical school (actually, at the my former teaching hospital). She used to be an ICU/CCU nurse. As a medical student, she was excellent with the patients! Treated them like people and not "Mrs. Kidney Problem" or "Mr. Neutropenia".

I don't think it's ever too late for learning. There was one medical student in his fifty's who not only was smart, but was also wonderful with the patients.

I have a probably snob-ish opinion, but here it goes:

I think that "kids" that graduate from high school, then go to pre-med school then go to medical school make the worst medial students (from a "providing compassionate healthcare" point of view). In my books age does make a difference. Not that these "kids" weren't smart. I've met very smart medical student-kids. I learned a lot of neat medical stuff from them. And I appreciated the education! But when it came to providing that important extra compassionate touch to their medical care, the medical student-kids were very lacking. . . . simply because they never experienced a great depth of life. Heck, they barely learned how to manage to live independently much less learn how to provide emotional support to patients.

However, one is never too young to learn! Some of these medical student-kids did end up becoming compassionate physicians.

Nurses can and do make great physicians if they want to go that root. Likewise, adult medical students (thirtysomethings and over) can also make great physicians. It's never to late to learn. I guess, it's also never too "early" too learn as well.

Another thought. An alternative from nurse to physician. . . . become a NP?!?!?!?

Cheers :)

Ted

DIPLOMATICRN4HIRE, MSN, RN · Sep 8, 2002

I know of 2

one male RN that was a ICU nurse for years went back to school and now is a Heart Surgeon in Dothan Alabama. He is a pretty good guy and expects the very best on all of his cases, he understands whats on both sides for patient care and he isnt afraid to jump into any area and get anything done.

The other is a General Surgeon in Lincoln Nebraska , she started out as a pedi RN and went into Trauma, now she is a Trauma Surgeon and a General Surgeon specializing in Cancers ie: Breast and reconstruction. I love working with her she still has her Nursing Humor about her and also demands the very best at all times for her patient , her beside care is amazing to watch on and off the OR table.

Zoe

shay · Sep 8, 2002

funny you should mention this.......been toying with that very idea for some time recently.

Audreyfay · Sep 9, 2002

I've known and worked with 3 RNs who are now MDs. I enjoyed every single one of them. They seem to treat nurses as equals. I also know one RN who became a lawyer. I don't think I'd want to do that either.