Did any of you consider/pursue medical school at any point?

MB37 · Sep 4, 2008

Nope. I was afraid of science when I earned my first BS (it's in psych, I didn't take a single course in bio/chem/physics). I had no reason to be, except that I listened to other people who told me the classes were hard. I was actually pre-law, until I decided I had no interest in actually becoming a lawyer. When I finally signed up for general chem, it was with the mindset of "if I can pass chem, then I'll consider nursing school." I got an A, as I have in every single pre-nursing and nursing course since. I graduated in August. By the time I started NS I was 28 and married, and since we're planning to have kids med school wasn't an option. I can do a really intense 28 month program, I don't think I could do all the prereqs, then med school and residency, all with small kids at home just to be an MD at 40. I also didn't know CRNAs existed until a couple years ago. My initial goal in pursuing nursing was to become a psych NP. Now that I'm a GN and planning to go into anesthesia, I do wish I had considered taking pre-med courses at 18. I don't actually wish that I had done it, just that I had looked into the profession when it was still a possibility and had the chance to rule it out or to go for it.

sewnew · Sep 5, 2008

Yep, I have thought about becoming an anesthesiologist. (Anesthesia has always fascinated me.) BUT, my ultimate goal is to settle down in the next few years (i.e. get married and have kids) and I don't think that I could be the wife/mom that I want to be while going through med school/residency/fellowship.

With that being said, I know CRNA school is not exactly a walk in the park either. I know that I always have the option of waiting (until my kids will be older) after I get my RN and my minimum experience in critical care before going to CRNA school.

Whichever career you decide to pursue, just make sure that decision is true to your heart. Don't let other people discourage you.

SIGMACHIGUY · Sep 11, 2008

Thanks for the responses so far! I've had a struggle with this for the past few years while finishing nursing school. I was always the one to ask those crazy in-depth questions that other students would look at me for and many times professors couldn't answer.

I think my dream is to become an anesthesiologist but given all considerations (and there are many factors...time, sacrifice, compensation, etc. etc. etc. just to name a few) I just am not entirely sure I can give enough of myself to pursue medical school. I've also always had a dream to become a professional athlete but I know that's not reasonable and I sort of feel the same way with becoming an anesthesiologist. I know I could do it but am not sure if the sacrifice is worth it when compared to pursuing nurse anesthesia. And I'm sure nurse anesthesia isn't a walk in the park either...

Anyhow, thanks for your feedback!! :rolleyes:

LaurynRN · Sep 15, 2008

Oh yeah, think about it all the time! My intent growing up was to be a surgeon, but I had a baby at 16 instead. So, needless to say it was very life altering. I have since had three children and have been married for ten years and I know I could do it but would probably wind up divorced! haha

I keep warning my hubby what CRNA school is like and how tough it will be but I have a feeling he has no idea!