I am currently going into my second year of nursing school. I changed my minor from psychology to chemistry to help get the necessary requirements for medical school. My vision with it is to get all the requirements to medical school and if I don't get in I have a nursing degree to fall back on. But now I'm realizing I'm more than likely putting too much on my plate by studying nursing and chemistry while being in the honors program at school. So I have been debating changing my major to biology and apply to medical school.
one of my top concerns is not making enough money to support myself or even not finding a job if I were to study anything other than nursing. I'm also afraid of the uncertainty of getting into medical school.
Being a doctor has been a dream of mine since I was little, but when highschool came around I had to think realistically and decided on nursing. With the possibility of applying to medical school depending on how my undergrad went. I have a passion for helping people and science. I think I could be a great nurse but I hope I'm not settling for nursing.
I don't see myself working at in a hospital setting. If I were to be a nurse I would like to work maybe as a psychiatric nurse, mid wife, case management. Something that won't physically burn me out. If I were to be doctor I would love to be a psychiatrist and maybe work in a private practice or be a plastic surgeon.
my main question is based off of experience or personal opinion is nursing or biology more marketable? Is being a doctor overrated? Considering the time and cost it takes. Would you say it is worth it? Is biology a useless undergrad degree?
I think you should shadow different health care professionals to figure out what you're looking for. You want psych, case management, midwifery, and plastic surgery--those are all very different specialties.
While nursing and medicine have obvious overlaps, they are different professions. Nursing is not "doctor lite". Also, you may want to consider that jumping onto a nursing forum, being a non-nurse, and talking about "settling" for it as a profession might be more than a bit insulting.
Most people settle for certain aspects in their lives. I believe it is very honest to admit there is more than more option for most of us.
I will have to say that I "settled" for a nursing career because I was really unaware of more career options as my family was medically oriented. Did I "love" my career, yes. Would have been happier in another career, "absolutely".
Most people settle for certain aspects in their lives. I believe it is very honest to admit there is more than more option for most of us.
I will have to say that I "settled" for a nursing career because I was really unaware of more career options as my family was medically oriented. Did I "love" my career, yes. Would have been happier in another career, "absolutely".
Well, often this particular sentiment feeds into the stereotype that nurses are just frustrated doctors, probably not smart enough to go the distance. People ask me often if I wanted to be a doctor. I can wholeheartedly and enthusiastically reply "Oh, hell no!" Sure people might "settle" for their second, third or fourth choice of career, but implying that nursing is a consolation prize for MD wannabees doesn't sit right. (At least with me...)
If you don't get into medical school, you could consider becoming a psychologist. Or, since you are obviously not intimidated by numerous science classes, maybe consider becoming a physician's assistant instead. It is based more on a medical model than nurse practitioner.
I don't think biology is very marketable. Have had a couple bio grads working as CNA's and going back to school to become RN's just to make a decent living. Think long and hard on medical school. Read up the many youtube blogs of med students from the student loan debt to the stress before you make this decision. I've come across some who have over $200,000 in debt or more. Even have watched a couple about people who failed out of med school and then had a ton of student debt with no realistic way to pay for it. Also check out Kevin MD to get an idea of what Dr's are dealing with and their many struggles. There is a high rate of depression and sadly suicide among med students and doctors which is a serious health crisis that is being overlooked!
I would advise the RN route and then plan for an NP unless you really are driven to be a Dr and want to become a specialist.
I have to say being a Dr is truly over rated. There are many downsides to consider, the long slog of school, passing your boards, getting chosen for a residency program. Student loans accruing interest from day one, while you are not able to work in school and residency pays very little. So even while you may make good money at the end of the road, the student loan interest has had a chance to capitalize and your loans have grown exponentially.
What I find most unbelievable is even if you succeed in passing med school you are not guaranteed a residency, not everyone gets one. Over 90% do find a residency, but just the fact that some 5% or more don't is shocking to me! One you tube video a person failed med school because she couldn't pass a school board type exam that her college said you must pass before they would let you actually do your boards. How could she pass her school work but then be held back over one test! All that money to waste and left in limbo. Personally, I think I would be suicidal if I found myself in that position.
I do recommend reading up especially the first hand accounts of med students that blog on you tube. It is fascinating and offers real first hand knowledge and insight into the whole process both pro's and con's. Kevin Md has many good articles about working as a Dr. These may give you more insight if you really want to pursue medical school.
You tube also has some stuff on nursing as well so check it out! Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Well, often this particular sentiment feeds into the stereotype that nurses are just frustrated doctors, probably not smart enough to go the distance. People ask me often if I wanted to be a doctor. I can wholeheartedly and enthusiastically reply "Oh, hell no!" Sure people might "settle" for their second, third or fourth choice of career, but implying that nursing is a consolation prize for MD wannabees doesn't sit right. (At least with me...)
Oh my, I never wanted to become a physician. Too much work and too demanding for me..I love my time off and travel too much. I wish I had pursued my interest in art history and painting for a career. But no job security with a degree in those areas!!
How about do the biology degree, if it doesn't work out - do an accelerated nursing degree (it's usually one year) and then become a crna. Crna (certified registered nurse anesthetist) route is quite lengthy but there is stability of if it doesn't work out - you still have a job to fall back on - you'd make 150,000 a year and they have tons of autonomy and they are very respected nurses!
Purple_roses
1,763 Posts
I think you should shadow different health care professionals to figure out what you're looking for. You want psych, case management, midwifery, and plastic surgery--those are all very different specialties.