HELP: Nurse -> Dr. ?

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I want to work as a nurse for a year and then apply to medical school. I love the medical field and nursing, but my dream has always been to be a doctor. I recently got an opportunity that has given me the chance to apply to medical school. What is the best way to do this? How should I let future employers know without coming off as arrogant or seeming like I have contempt for nursing? I really need this job to put my little sister through college, and the experience could help me be a better physician later on. I am also considering working weekends and holidays through medical school.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Your post is unclear. Are you already a nurse? If not, you will be wasting your time in nursing school if your real aim is to become a physician. Nurses are not "junior physicians". Two separate professions entirely - intersected by patient care collaboration.

Based on the limited amount of information you've provided I would urge you to put family first. If you need to take steps, including modifying your employment plans, to do so... go for it. It will be worth it in the long run.

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Dear HouTX,

I understand your point. Family definitely comes first.

I will get my ADN in May, and then begin working on my bachelors. I had given up on my dream to become a doctor, but recently my grades became a lot better and I learned about some medical schools that I could get in to. I really love nursing, and I need to work while I get my bachelor's degree. I would like to be upfront with future employers about the fact that I might be going to medical school in a year, but I don't know how to approach the topic.

Thanks,

Nhopeful

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Specializes in PDN; Burn; Phone triage.

I wouldn't bring it up at all since it doesn't seem that you've been accepted into medical school.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

I wouldn't bring it up at all, employers may not hire you knowing you are leaving soon.

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Letting potential employers know that you might be leaving in a year for any reason is pretty much "the kiss of death" for your appeal as a candidate. Employers are looking for people who are going to stick around and work.

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Specializes in ED,Ambulatory.

Don't tell employers anything. They don't need to know and you may change your mind.

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Wow, thanks for your input everyone!

I am actually really surprised by the overwhelming response here. I thought it would be more mixed. I will definitely take this advice, thank you!

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Specializes in ICU, Postpartum, Onc, PACU.
Wow, thanks for your input everyone!

I am actually really surprised by the overwhelming response here. I thought it would be more mixed. I will definitely take this advice, thank you!

Of course it's possible and probably a good thing to do, if you really want to. I had a few friends (back when I was pre-med HAHA) who did that and they felt it made them better doctors. Kind of like how PAs tend to be more respected by nursing staff if they were a nurse (or some kind of other healthcare job) beforehand, even though they don't even have to have a science degree to qualify.

If you wait until you've got a year or so of nursing under your belt before going to med school (and all that entails), it would be better because you don't want to be a new nurse at the same time you're having your brain tear-gassed with med school coursework. That would be suicide, in my opinion.

However, it's definitely not out of the question and more people have done it than you may think (or even CNA jobs, but that's less likely as nursing is a good fall back career if you don't get into med school).

Take it easy, do one thing at a time, and see what happens. You'll have to get nursing school grades and also do well in the pre-med pre reqs (which I did until I hit Physics...yuck) so bear that in mind. That will also leave you with virtually no social/family life, but it's short term.

Definitely don't even bring it up at med-school interviews;)

Good luck to you and I hope you do well!

xo

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Maevish,

Thank you very much for your support. Even thought this time is filled with opportunities for me, it is still filled with choices which bring tons of stress. It is good to have someone say "You can do it!". I think that your advice was sound.

Can you tell me more about medical school interviews? Is it bad to let them know that I have experience as a nurse?

Gratefully,

Nhopeful.

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