Got credits transferred, should I go through with nursing program?

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Hello all,

I mentioned before in a previous post that I work as a lab tech, and would like a different experience, more patient contact, so I've decided to pursue nursing.

I was going to go to medical school, but with my current family situation, it is not feasible, so in the meantime, I figured nursing would give me more face-to-face experiences with patients, MDs etc, and something new to learn!

Most of my undergraduate credits have transferred over, I need to complete 2 years of nursing courses/clinicals to obtain BSN. The problem is, my friend, who is a nurse, thinks it is a bad idea: according to her, with my personality, I would not be a good nurse, I don't have enough compassion. She thinks I need to be a PA/MD.

My ultimate plan is to become an APRN or PA (if possible MD), and I thought nursing would be a great starting point for me (since I've been locked up in the lab for the past 8 years, not learning much of anything).

HELP! Should I reconsider? Why would someone with my personality not make a good nurse?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Oncology.

If you plan on eventually attending med school, nursing is the most roundabout way to get there. Not really recommended. Go into nursing if you really really care about nursing, otherwise I wouldn't.

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You don't have to be a saint to be a nurse. Sure, you should have compassion, but it is not the top trait. A nurse is someone who is knowledgable, can think and act quickly, has a strong personality that can deal with difficult patients and relatives, and someone who treats all patients with dignity.

I would not let a friend talk me out of nursing.

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Specializes in Med/ Surg/ Telemetry, Public Health.

Why is this other person not supporting you? It's not about them or what they think about you. I say it's your life your decision don't let anyone push you away from climbing the ladder. There are all kinds of personalities in nursing. The main thing is do your job and in a pleasant way. Sometimes in life you have to "crawl before you can walk".

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

If you want to be a PA, skip nursing school. It's quicker to get your degree in laboratory science, work as a phlebotomist (which will get you enough pt contact hours) and apply to PA school than go through nursing. Plus, you'll run in to the inevitable "why don't you want to be a nurse practitioner instead of a PA?" questions when you interview for PA school.

My original dream was to be a doctor. However, at my age (46) I'd never recoup the investment of med school, which is over $250k.

What appeals to you more? PA is more focused on medical diagnosis. In nursing, you're creating a plan based on nursing diagnosis. As a nurse, you need to plan for your patient's needs based on what you actually see and what could potentially happen. The doctor or PA sees the patient for maybe 20 minutes. The nurse is with that pt all day. You constantly have to reprioritize and organize your time well to ensure your pts are well cared for and get their meds on time. You need to be good at delegation. You need to have enough tact to handle emotional family members without taking it personally. You have to be able to think on your feet. You have to be willing to stand on your feet for long shifts, too ;)

Really sit down and make a pros & cons list after speaking to a few PAs & nurses. That will help you see what is going to make you feel more fulfilled. Only you can decide that.

I could have finished my lab science degree and still be in PA school right now. I'm glad I chose nursing. Now I know this is really what I want to do. NP will come later.

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