A Change of Heart

[medicinelover]

Hello everyone,

I am new on the site and well i am new to the whole Nursing or pre-nursing experience. Till a few days ago i had my life planned out. One more year and a half in college, summer abroad in Denmark for pre-meds, 2 more years in University, then off to Medical school. Or so i thought I am currently enrolled in an EMT program and I absolutely love it. The reason why i decided to do this program was to get more experience and a job that relates to medicine. My plan was to be a pediatric surgeon or a trauma surgeon. But due to family and MONEY issues I've had to change my plans. My mother is an Obstetrician from Cuba but here she is an LPN, aside from her I know a whole lot of nurses and they all love their job, I also know a few Paramedic who as well love their job. I figured if i went into nursing I would be able to start getting a much needed income faster than if I wear to go to Med school. As much as I like my decision I can't help to wonder if I will regret it later on in life. I always have to plan my education ahead so that i don't loose track of it and that is why I have come here. Maybe I'll read a few inspiring words and be sure that what I'm doing is the right thing. I'm not doing this for the money, i truly lovee medicine, but right now i need to help my family so money sort of is a priority.

Sooo here's my plan, sort of:

* finish my EMT course, take the exams and become an NREMT

* take the ACLS, PALS, and EVOC courses to get certified

* get a job as an Emergency Room Technician or work in an ambulance company

* finish my A.A. in Biology at Miami Dade College (1 year and a half)

* get into FIU's BSN program (2 years)

* challenge the Paramedics exam and get certified

* work as an RN in a hospital, specialize in surgery or emergency medicine

* try out Pediatric nursing in surgery or emergency also

* once i'm sure on what I'd like to specialize in and KNOW what scope of practice i love most go for a NP program, maybe FNP if i'm not sure if I want to do Peds or Adult.

Now, i'm open to any sort of suggestion, ANYTHING will help. Also I'd like to know if NP's can specialize in Surgery or Emergency medicine? helpppppppppppppppp

[moma8gma1]

You sound like a very hard-working and determined person! I would advise you to try to get a mentor of some sort or to continue along the way to get advice from professionals in the field you want to work in. Might applying directly to medical school might be better than going through nursing school first? I don't know, but there are people who DO know. Are you able to talk to an admissions counselor at a medical school you're interested in attending? That might yield some helpful information. And the cost factor? You might be able to overcome that with scholarships, student loans, etc... It is just a shame to let money get in the way of pursuing your education.

Good luck to you, no matter which path you decide to take. :)

[OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN]

Sounds like a great plan and I always plan things out myself that way you can keep yourself on track and this way your also make clear thought out decisions. I am going for my BSN and also plan to get my masters. Its funny what you wroite because my Uncle was on the same track and then changed his mine after getting his bachelor's, instead he became a paramedic and loves it. Hes been in the field for 30 yr's and has done well for himself, my husband is also an EMT going to be a medic and loves it as well. Do what makes you happy and passionate about and the money will come naturally

[medicinelover]

walomom, thanks for the advice. After much thinking and more than a few days to take it all in I have decided to take the Nursing path, of course without stopping until I get the highest degree possible. What you said about maybe getting a mentor is true, I actually have two, one is an NREMT-P and the other is an ICU-RN. Both whom know A LOT about what they do and I respect very much. Thank again for your good wishes and advice. :)

iluvpatho, i love the medics job, it's sooo interesting and always something new. I think one of the best decisions I've made in my life is to become and EMT, the actual class itself is sooo much fun so I can only imagine being in the field. That's why i made up my mind about working for the Emergency Department. While attending Nursing School I'll work as an EMT so hopefully I get to see a lot before joining the ED nurses. Good luck on your BSN. :)