From RN to Medical School

scoope23 · Mar 11, 2016

Pursue your passion. I think it's very doable to complete the necessary pre-reqs around your work schedule.

roser13, ASN, RN · Mar 12, 2016

Maybe ask this on a med student board?

technofreak · Mar 12, 2016

Hello everyone,
I understand this is a very loaded question and I do apologize. I just received my BSN at the age of 22 and I had originally gone into Nursing, in all honesty, to become a CRNA for the money.. I no longer wish to pursue this as I know I would be unhappy. I work in a PICU and am currently in the middle of my internship. Would you advise that I go back to school to take pre-reqs in 6 months-1 year, do you think it would be feasible working 3 12's and be able to do well in school? I am not interested in the role of the PA or NP and feel that medicine is where my heart is driven. I apologize if I have offended anyone, I love nursing, I just don't feel that it can provide me the fulfillment that I desire.

This question will be better served on SDN.

A few points:

1) I personally would only work part-time while you complete your pre-med requirements. The general requirements are definitely doable but will require a lot of energy especially when you factor in labs. I would also use that extra time to engage in extracurricular activities to boost your CV and secure solid LORs.

2) Do not take your pre-reqs from a community college. Take them at a a 4-year college, period.

3) Study like hell for the MCAT. Although you may feel like you are not prepared or ready to start tackling MCAT-like questions, start tackling them as you complete your prereqs. Don't wait.

4) I would avoid telling your nursing colleagues that you plan on pursuing medicine, they just won't get it, and you may be shunned for it. Do not think people will think you are "smart."

5) Have a REALISTIC plan. I wouldn't rush to take your prereqs just so you can apply. A realistic plan would be 2 years+, especially since you are working.

6) Google postbac premed programs, they may interest you. Some medical schools give you preference if you do well in reputable programs

Lastly, good luck :)

calivianya, BSN, RN · Mar 12, 2016

I am doing the same thing you are. I am getting another degree (biology) to make me a stronger applicant and I'm taking the pre-reqs at the same time. None of the things I need are online. I am in class five days per week, with two afternoon labs. Scheduling time to work gets a little tricky. You will be working every weekend until you are done, and at least one day during the week as well.

I have personally been working Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights every week, and all three of those days I get less than five hours of sleep between when I get out of class and when I have to wake up for work, but I like having my Saturday nights free so I just deal with it. I am very, very tired by the time Friday rolls around. I am chugging Red Bull like it's water by then.

I am doing well and making good grades (straight As right now), but I have zero free time and it's making me have serious cabin fever. I feel like I'm ready to just change my name and run away from everything and everyone I know. That is the worst part of this as far as I'm concerned.

I will be done with all of the pre-reqs and my third degree in a year and a half as I am taking a full time load every semester.

In contrast to the above poster, all of my nursing coworkers have been incredibly supportive. I feel like that's more about how awesome my coworkers are than anything, though.

technofreak · Mar 12, 2016

Cali can you please share your age. Are you an older student or are you super young like the op? Thanks for your input btw

calivianya, BSN, RN · Mar 12, 2016

Cali can you please share your age. Are you an older student or are you super young like the op? Thanks for your input btw

I'll be 28 next month, so not super young. I'm old enough to have two bachelor's degrees already and worked jobs through both of them, so I knew in advance what I was getting into where the workload was concerned.

Susie2310 · Mar 12, 2016

Hello everyone,
I understand this is a very loaded question and I do apologize. I just received my BSN at the age of 22 and I had originally gone into Nursing, in all honesty, to become a CRNA for the money.. I no longer wish to pursue this as I know I would be unhappy. I work in a PICU and am currently in the middle of my internship. Would you advise that I go back to school to take pre-reqs in 6 months-1 year, do you think it would be feasible working 3 12's and be able to do well in school? I am not interested in the role of the PA or NP and feel that medicine is where my heart is driven. I apologize if I have offended anyone, I love nursing, I just don't feel that it can provide me the fulfillment that I desire.

If you just received your BSN at the age of 22 and are in the middle of your internship, could it be possible that you haven't given nursing a reasonable trial as a career? Why do you think being a physician is the career for you?

elppaym, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Mar 12, 2016

I would have to agree pursue you passion. If you want it and are dedicated enough, go for it.

One of my friends who is a an MD told me about one of his friends he graduated with, he was an RN, worked weekends while in med school and would be found studying M-F. My other friend would pass him in the evenings while he went to his night job as a server and would have to study after work as well...losing sleep. I can think of a few friends recently that went back to school to pursue an education in medicine. While they were great nurses and sad to see them go, they will be great doctors and they know themselves enough to pursue their passion.