Has anyone considered going all the way?

boofmd · Jul 21, 2008

I will just say this to the original OP.

I work in a hospital setting and only one of the doctors that i come in contact with on a regular basis started out as a RN. We were talking a while back and she made statement "If I knew it was going to be like this, I probably would have never become a doctor"; in reference to long hours, on call, seeing 30-40 patients a day...

I, myself, always wanted to be a doctor growing up. I chose, however to become a nurse. For many reasons, but the most important to me was the patient interaction, the connection with the patients and providing quality care.

I would rather spend 8 hours focusing on my 6 patients, getting to know them and what they need from me, instead of running into a room, seeing a patient for a whole 5 minutes if I'm lucky because my beeper is going off, I have 25 more patients to see and its 9 pm.

That's why I chose nursing. I just finished my BSN and hope to continue in a few years for my masters and become a NP; i would never want to be a doctor, i like it just where I am. :nurse:

SweetLemon · Jul 21, 2008

just wanted to make a mention of the recommendation for those looking to go from rn-md route to use sdn for posting, i would agree use whatever resource is available to you...... but as a regular poster over there (i mean who can't resist replying to crazies like....i hate people....hate to work....but i have wanted to be a doctor since i was 3 is that a problem... hehe) people are much less thorough with their responses then at allnurses.com.....also their are not many rn's responding going the md route so really post in both area and make comparisons.

i have noticed for the most part a respect on sdn posters for nurses in general….their are a few odd ducks out there but those looking to put out questions should see a overall good response……

btw is quoting what has already been written a feature only for those who have used allnurses a certain number of times or am i missing something……..

PinkFuzz · Jul 21, 2008

I stood by watching my Grandma die as a child feeling helpless, and I don't want to be helpless in my career because my job title doesn't allow me to do certian things.

Before I became a nurse, one of my first experiences in a hospital I saw a nurse get on the phone to a doctor, the conversation was something of the following:

Nurse: "Yeah, I'm calling about John Doe who's here for (insert diagnosis). We've been treating him with (insert meds) for (insert problem). But it's not working. What I'd like to do is use (insert different meds) followed by (insert treatment and referral). Ok, thanks." - nurse hangs up, writes order.

Doesn't sound so helpless to me.

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Jul 21, 2008

btw is quoting what has already been written a feature only for those who have used allnurses a certain number of times or am i missing something........

sweetlemon;

there have been some changes made to the site, but i'm not sure that is one of them. will make sure it gets checked out.

ERGirl83 · Jul 21, 2008

Before I became a nurse, one of my first experiences in a hospital I saw a nurse get on the phone to a doctor, the conversation was something of the following:
Nurse: "Yeah, I'm calling about John Doe who's here for (insert diagnosis). We've been treating him with (insert meds) for (insert problem). But it's not working. What I'd like to do is use (insert different meds) followed by (insert treatment and referral). Ok, thanks." - nurse hangs up, writes order.
Doesn't sound so helpless to me.

Let me clarify something that I haven't seemed to be able to articulate previously. I do NOT think that nurses are helpless, or simply "not smart enough" to be physicians. I don't think they are lazy, or stupid, and the LAST word I would use to describe ANY of the fabulous RN's in my life is helpless. It's just that PERSONALLY, for ME, the fact that I would HAVE to make a call in order to implement a care plan that I KNOW will help a patient would frustrate me. Watching an intern botch a procedure that I KNOW I could complete easily, but am prevented from performing due to my job title would frustrate me. It's not that I'm not at all interested in nursing duties/diagnoses, it's just that I want to be able to do it all, including my own orders, procedures, and follow up care. So, I'm sort of over the attitude that planning on attending medical school at some point is some sort of betrayal, or "waste of a spot" in nursing school, and that it somehow indicates that nursing is less of a profession than medicine in my opinion, because it's so far from the truth, it's ridiculous. I plan on using my RN license for at least 2-5 years after undergrad school, and maybe as long as 10 so that my son will be in college before I start medical school. I will help MANY a patient along the way, and will retain the skills I learned in nursing school throughout medical school and the rest of my life. And anyone who doesn't think that skills (including both, procedures, and general compassion/intellectual skills) learned in nursing school don't transcend that profession and cross over in the practice of medicine and throughout everyday life is fooling themselves. In the year I spent in nursing school 5 years ago, I learned more about people, how they prefer to be treated, and how to help them, than I had in 19 years on the Earth, and 5 years later, I still put those skills to use in my everyday life. I respect all of the wonderful nurses in my life, and I can't wait to have my RN and be able to get into the hospital and help patients and their families. The fact that I have other dreams doesn't lessen my excitement or efficacy at the prospect of becoming an RN.

2BArmyRN · Jul 21, 2008

I will be 30 years old in January -- six months into my nursing career (I graduate in ONE WEEK!!!). And, my original intention was always to go to medical school. But, coming from a family of nurses and wanting to make a meaningful career change (I worked in Philadelphia high schools - meaningful enough, already! But of a different caliber of stress) I spent the past 14 months in an intense second degree program. I also finished the prerequisites for medical school and sat for the MCAT.

When I met the man of my dreams and decided to get married, I signed a three year contract with the Army Nurse Corps, and I am slated to begin their critical care course in about a year's time. I can't think of a better way to be prepared for the rigors of medical school (at the ripe old age of 34!) than to have been a no-nonsense, critical care RN with the US Army.

Many times in nursing school I have had to reconsider my quest to become an MD. The importance of nursing as a profession is underrated and frankly cannot be overstated. For me, however, the challenges of advanced science studies draw me to medicine. So, this for me is a personal call. I do think, however, that as a nurse-doctor (which, for me, is how it's going to be - I'll always be a nurse first) I can make great contributions to the ways in which these two professions interact. The way I see it, nursing and medicine are like dance partners, engaged in a very complex routine - and frankly, at the moment neither is very graceful. But persons trained to do both can be amazing coaches to other "dance partners," if you will - and I hope I am blessed to be able to do that.

I worried that I was too old to go to medical school at 34, truly. But everyone I've talked to (with the exception of another 29 year old who's freaked out about the big 3--0!!!) thinks it's silly - you're never too old to follow your dreams. This past year alone, UPenn School of Med accepted a number of people 30+, and a few 40+ were thrown in there, too. Plus, I have a husband who supports my dreams wholeheartedly. And that alone makes me feel like a young kid!

Anyway, that's my perspective on this issue. It's an interesting one, but I also agree -- "going all the way" is the wrong way to approach this issue (again, not very graceful!!!). To go all the way in nursing is to excel in the world's best caring profession - for some, that might mean earning the Ph.D, or the DNSc. Medicine is a wholly different creature - and docs who really know what they're doing understand the true value of nurses: in the majority of situations, they know RNs are better at leading on the dance floor, and they trust their partners.

AtomicWoman · Jul 21, 2008

If you go the nurse-first-then-doctor route, cast your net widely when applying to med. school. I hate to say this, but SOME med schools will look down on someone trained as a nurse, no matter what your grades/MCAT scores are. They'll wonder if you'll be able to adjust to a different model of health care, etc. If they give you the chance to explain, you'll have to sell yourself. But a lot of them simply won't give you the chance.

It is extremely hard to get into medical school these days, and they seem to use any old excuse to winnow down the number of potential students they have to interview. (Drexel's medical school had 10,000 applicants last year!) I know someone who has a Ph.D. in a science field, and applied to dozens and dozens of medical schools. The ones who would actually talk to him told him they couldn't understand why someone would make a career switch, and they didn't think he was "serious" about medical school. He did finally get into ONE school in the 2nd year of applying.

So just be prepared that some schools won't be too enthusiastic about a nurse who wants to be a doctor. Ask around, see where there are other schools that have accepted nurses as med. students, etc. Maybe visit one of the student doctor forums online to see if you can find any nurses who are now med students and ask them what their experiences are like.

Good luck in whatever you pursue.

pezzy68 · Jul 21, 2008

I truly do not understand why some people feel nursing is a pit stop or short cut from being a Doctor.Being a nurse is it's own specialty, it has nothing to do with being or not being a Doctor.True, people may go to nursing school first, i think that is great, then they truly can know what pt care,pt education, pt management is.If i wanted to be Doctor, then i would have went to med school, i wanted to be a nurse, so i went to nursing school.It's quite ridiculous to think otherwise.It is quite obvious by this misinformation the persons do not have ANY clue as to what nursing really is about nor what it entails. :banghead:

2BArmyRN · Jul 22, 2008

I've met a number of physicians and med school personnel who are excited at the prospects of my attending medical school, and I have met many - many - excellent physicians who were once nurses. In fact, when I discussed nursing school with the medical school adviser of my first-choice institution, I was lauded for that choice (in light of circumstances I've previously described). According to my adviser, RNs in medical programs contribute unique perspectives about patient care and practical implementation of medical therapies. In an age when medical schools intend on making patient care the nexus of medical intervention, I believe RNs who aim to bridge that gap have much to offer. I am sure some are thankful for the concern of nurses on this site who think someone like me can't make it, but I am relatively sure individuals with nursing backgrounds who make medical school their next goal are inclined to achieve that.

Frankly, I am quite disappointed and rather hurt by the suggestions of some posts on this thread that it is somehow a betrayal of sorts to go to nursing school and then consider, or wish to pursue, medical school. I understand how nurses want to defend their professions, but I don't think anyone is necessarily attacking one's choosing a career in nursing. The fact of the matter is nursing and medicine and complementary - you simply don't have one without the other. Medical schools are now recongizing this - first-year students are exposed to patient care within the first month at most (and better) schools. Nurses I've discussed this issue with have noticed the change over the last few years - new doctors are better equipped to communicate, seek counsel, and collaborate with nurses. New doctors understand the inherent value of nurses.

I didn't, nor did I necessarily ever know anyone who did, use nursing school as some sort of "stepping stone," or preparatory course for medical school. But I saw an opportunity and I took it. It would appear that, from some of the vitriol that seeps into some posts on this site, that some individuals are less inclined to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. To that I have no reply. Life in America is a series of personal choices. Those who have the ability to accept a challenge take it, and their lives are duly enriched for it. What the rest do with their frustrations...well, I think that's becoming increasingly clear.

SharonH, RN · Jul 22, 2008

Frankly, I am quite disappointed and rather hurt by the suggestions of some posts on this thread that it is somehow a betrayal of sorts to go to nursing school and then consider, or wish to pursue, medical school.

Betrayal? No. I don't think anyone suggested that. Over and over folks are saying that if you want to go to med school, go. But considering the difficulty that many face getting a slot into nursing school these days, folks are rightfully irritated at the notion that someone who does not want to be a nurse is going to take a space from people who do want to be a nurse.

AlinaAnne · Jul 22, 2008

First of all, I don't think that you are crazy or belittling the profession of nursing because you want to go on to complete med school. I probably understand your reasoning better than most because I am doing the same thing. I am still working towards completing my BSN, and I plan to work as a nurse for a few years and then go onto med school at the ripe old age of 35!!! haha!!! I have thought about this for a long time and the reason I have chosen this route is because I love science, the field of healthcare, and I also want to be a doctor. I also realize that healthcare is a many faceted field and becoming a nurse and the experiences that will give along with future med school education I think will better prepare me for being a doc. I know that for me med school is going all the way, but many people don't see it that way especially nurses who love being nurses. I also know that medical schools want people that have had clinical experience and are accustomed to the hospital setting, and nursing gives me that. I know that being a nurse and being a doctor are very different philosophically, however, the bottom line for me is the patient, and I am pursing both. I don't consider nuring a sub standard position in medicing, but for me personally I look forward to my career in nursing as well the spring board it gives me for becoming a doc! Good luck to you!!! BTW you really don't spend that much more time in school. I have found that I am only taking an additional 25 credits a total of 5 classes to complete the additional med school pre-reqs that remain after my nursing degree is complete!!

Nurse4Christ,RN06 · Jul 26, 2008

I have heard of only a few nurses that changed careers to become a doctor.

It sounds to me like you want to continue your education after receiving your RN. Some great options would be NP, CRNA, Midwife, and CNS. With all of these careers you will have great autonomy and a major part in patient care outcomes.

Since you are still deciding on whether to go "nursing" or "medical" I suggest you make up your mind on which avenue you would like to pursue.

They are both very fulfilling careers and you will make a major positive difference in the lives of patients in both.

May the Lord bless you in whatever path He takes you on. :smiletea2: