Pharmacist-turned-RN?

[Lizbird5807]

I'm a residency-trained hospital clinical pharmacist, and in general I like my job, but I've always been curious how I'd like the nursing field. Some of the nurses I've had the pleasure to work with over the years have been simply amazing in terms of the compassionate care they give patients, and while arguing with doctors/residents about medication therapy has its up-sides, I feel like nursing care is a more meaningful job.

I came onto allnurses to see if anyone has made the pharmacist-to-RN transition, and how/why? There's tons of information out there about RN's-turned-pharmacists (? maybe because of the money?), but virtually nothing in the other direction.

[amoLucia]

Is there any reason OP couldn't practice with both licenses? Two different fields with two different regulatory Boards?

I know one can't practice as an LPN AND an RN.

Thinking about it, could one practice as a nurse AND say, a dental hygienist? Again, 2 different fields with 2 different Boards?

[EmmaZ06]

If I could make one suggestion it would be to shadow an RN for several full 12 hour shifts before you decide to pursue nursing. The images that people in one field of healthcare have in their heads about what the other fields of healthcare actually spend the day doing are often not the reality, even though they work side by side. Nurses are awesome, and the job can be very rewarding, but you should really see for yourself what it is like before you spend the time and money on nursing school. Also be prepared to take a huge pay cut, new grad salaries vary from place to place but you should expect to start out making around $20/hour if you are working the floor, although your pharm degree might increase that a bit.

[krob0729]

I rely on my pharmacist more than my doc sometimes. My pharmacist, whom I have used for several years now, actually saved my life a couple of years ago. My doctor had prescribed an antibiotic (can't remember the name of it now) and before filling it he called me and told me that he would not fill it; because the other meds that I take on a monthly basis (I am bipolar) the combination could possibly kill me. Of course I told him to call my doctor immediately. I will forever be grateful to my pharmacist.

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

Worked with a nurse who left to become a pharmacist...you know, the whole "greener grass" perception and all.

[ksyrae]

Hi Pharmacist-Turned-RN,

In my whole 21 yr career as an RN, I have not met many pharmacist's turned into an RN. I agree with you, it is usually the other way around. However, I have to point out that my most important colleagues other than the MD is the pharmacist. You are the one I turn to for advise regarding new/changed/different medication regimens. I have also seen the trend of physicians allowing your profession to accept your "recommendations" regarding starting certain medications on a diverse patient population, dosing considerations, plus many other factors pertaining to patient's medication regimens. In that respect, I believe your knowledge base exceeds that of the staff RN. In my opinion, nursing is a rewarding career. However, with your advanced knowledge base you can provide a more "holistic" care of patients as an advanced nurse practitioner. Considering the trend is for nurse practitioners to obtain a PhD,

you are 90% there considering the trend is now for pharmacist to also obtain a PhD.

[MiGab]

I have never known anyone that has done this. I do know a professor with a PhD in microbiology who became a RN. He wants to get a Masters in public health.

[Picklefreak]

I am a pharmacy tech turned RN. I love nursing much more than pharmacy, but it was a step up for me in education, status, and pay. If it is patient care you are wanting more of, you might look into PA school.

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

You would be making less than half the pay as a nurse. I wouldn't recommend it. It is a very stressful job and hard on the body. Also many desk Nursing Jobs pay less than hospital nursing so even greater paycut. Even if you went for a NP, the pay would still be a lot less than you make now. Save your money now when your young so you can always take early retirement. Also you probably have a lot of student loans, maybe in the six figures so I would think twice before going back to school and getting in more debt. I would pay off your student loans and max out your retirement account. If you start in your twenties the money can compound and make a huge difference for retirement vs starting in your 30-40's. I would also keep money in non-retirement funds so you can use it without penalty if you were to retire early or get laid off. I've read there is a glut of pharmacists and people have a hard time getting a job because of the combination of technology, techs, and doubling of pharmacy schools in the country.

I have read some laid off pharmacists unable to get a job in their field considering nursing, although that plan has a lot of downsides as others have mentioned.

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

I've also read there is a glut of pharmacists from a combination of technology, techs, and doubling of pharmacy schools across the country. If you do decide to go back to school consider a PA or NP program. I have heard of a double major PharmD/PA, but NP have the most flexibility and chance for independent practice and prescribing rights, depending on what state you are in. Perhaps the best choice would be a direct entry RN/NP program, but these are usually from expensive private colleges. Remember you will be making a lot less money and yet have even more student loans to pay off. The govt no longer subsudizes interest on grad school loans and so the interest capitalizes from day one increasing your debt. These must be paid off and if not will garnish your wages to even social security and disability. There are no bankruptcy options, only govt loans have income based repayment. You could end up in a very precarious financial position due to debt overload and making so much less. There are over 100,000 retirees having their social security garnished because of unpaid student loans! If you were to default you could even lose your license to practice and security clearance for govt jobs.