Another poster suggested this thread: Did you (or do you) want to be a doctor?
I never did, but since I've been in nursing school, I've begun to think if I were younger, I would think hard about it. I prefer the nursing model in many ways, but noticed in careplanning that I found it tough to focus on nursing diagnoses and not get all caught up in the medical ones. Of course, there was a time when a nurse was just about the last thing I could imagine myself being, so I'm learning to never say never.
I do think nursing might be just about ideal for pre-med. A lot of docs could probably profit from seeing the other side.
Perhaps one day, after I have established a good credit score, I will consider applying for Doctor of Osteopathic medical schools, or maybe I will become a Nurse Practitioner. With the shortage of primary care Physicians, Nurse Practitioner's are gaining more and more support for complete autonomy.
Specializes in Just starting out in a Nursing Home..
I'm a newbie cna..med school..little pricey..I dont know I could be wrong but isnt that something that is normally a quest started early on in life..I mean people follow there dreams at all ages..but physician is quite a calling I would imagine...mentally, financially...hmm..I'll be lucky to finish my Bachelors degree in nursing..god bless anyone with that much drive..
I agree that becoming a Physician requires an immense amount of drive; however, I disagree that age has anything to do with the decision to become one. I know for a fact that at different times throughout people's lives that they become more mentally prepared for something. For example, if I were to compare current self against myself fresh out of high school, I would be able to note a vast difference in my mental ability to achieve a goal, regardless of the size.
Well, when I originally applied to my first round of undergrad, I said that I wanted to be a doctor. I honestly only did that so that I could get scholarships to go to school, which is what ended up happening (thank god for being an underrepresented minority who scored >1300/1600 on his SATs and had a 3.9 high school gpa). Anyway as I was saying before my need to brag so rudely interrupted me, I really never wanted to be a doctor. The thought of 4 years of painstakingly missing weekends out during undergrad to study, plus 4 years of extremely expensive and extremely intensive med school, plus at least 2 years of residency, plus however many years of fellowship only to have to work 50+ hrs/week doing close to the same thing for damn near the rest of my life did not sound at all appetizing. I opted for nursing because, regardless of the MD vs. RN hierarchy people have in their mind, the field is one that requires its constituents to be intelligent and forward thinking (i.e. it's highly respectable), it makes good money, I love the science behind the care, AND I'll actually have time to devote to the other things I want to do. Alongside of using science to help promote better welfare amongst our peoples, I have every desire in the world to go into business doing real estate development, opening clubs, owning some restaurants (I know--owning restaurants is EXTREMELY hard work and risky, but it's something I've dreamt of doing ever since I was in high school), and help my brother expand his clothing line, among other things.
Screw being stuck just being an MD. Nursing is perfect for me and what I want to do.
Specializes in Just starting out in a Nursing Home..
Oh, I agree. Age does not matter. I think it is desire and mental ability, and financial ability to achieve such a high goal. I have been so surprised at they amount of financial aid and student loans available to people who want to pursue such a goal. Hats off to you;)
.put a little giggle on my face in a tough time of being a newbie in this career field and trying to still function at school..at my age..ha..so funny..just funny:nurse:
Ah, I see.
p.s., we are mostly the same age. It is an interesting experience in school when you could technically have children the age of most of your classmates, innit?
Specializes in Just starting out in a Nursing Home..
Ah, I see.
p.s., we are mostly the same age. It is an interesting experience in school when you could technically have children the age of most of your classmates, innit?
The number of times I have been around the sun will not hold me back from doing what I want to do with my life. Anyone who is in agreement with that give me a kudos, an amen, or a high five.
It has been my experience that many folks who call themselves college advisors, especially pre-med advisors often know least about the process. They are not as knowledable about the pre-med process from a nontraditional students standpoint. They tend to emphasis the obvious and point out factors that may knock an applicant out of the running. I suppose that it so the person stays realistic.
BUT WHO CARES ABOUT BEING A REALIST???
25 is certainly not too old! I agree.
I also applaud your choice to become an NP. :yelclap:
Here are a few websites you may enjoy:
The Society of Non-Traditional Medical and Pre-Medical Students
Excellent websites..thanks for sharing. Had no idea there was a society of non - traditional med applicants.
Oh, there are. And I think nursing is one of the best premedical course if one wants to pursue medicine because you'll have more clinical knowledge and expertise compared to your non-nursing classmates here in med school.
Thujone
317 Posts
Perhaps one day, after I have established a good credit score, I will consider applying for Doctor of Osteopathic medical schools, or maybe I will become a Nurse Practitioner. With the shortage of primary care Physicians, Nurse Practitioner's are gaining more and more support for complete autonomy.