Just an annoyance I'm sure you all can relate to.

Kitiger, RN · Aug 11, 2016

I'm a pretty reserved person, but I mustered up some courage, looked her in the eyes and said "I don't want to be a doctor. I want to be a nurse. That's why I'm in nursing school". Politely as I could of course.

Great answer!

Extra Pickles · Aug 11, 2016

You shouldn't expect to have to get used to hearing this a lot. Some people are rude or thoughtless but most people once they hear you're a nursing student say something along the lines of That's Great! and leave it at that.

Someone wants to suggest that being a nurse isn't enough, that we need more doctors might want to learn that it's pretty hard to get into medical school for all the people who want to become doctors! and that you like the idea of not having to work for peanuts for years on end during internship, residency, fellowship and so on when you could be making a good living as a nurse all that time!

Sour Lemon · Aug 11, 2016

People say those types of things no matter who or what you are. They're not trying to be offensive, they're just making conversation. Before I was a nurse, people constantly told me I should do something "better" with my life because I was "too smart" to stay in various positions. I always perceived it as being a little insulting, but came to realize that they meant well.

cardiacfreak, ADN · Aug 11, 2016

I can't recall ever being asked that question... except from family.

FurBabyMom, MSN, RN · Aug 15, 2016

My grandmother (dad's mom) insisted I should go to medical school. I think she died disappointed in me for my willingness to "settle" for nursing. I have no doubt I could have went to medical school. I didn't want it. I found something I like and I like the flexibility that nursing overall offers. I have found my next step too which is why I'm going to grad school. Meanwhile, my mom's mom is just happy I went to a 4 year college and passed in 4 years (more than anything I think is that I set goals and achieved them). Most of my cousins tried and quit college (the ones who have finished it took 5+ years off and finished an associate's degree which is still awesome). Mom's mom is absolutely thrilled that I'm going to grad school (it's been the thing my grandma has bragged about to her friends, and I'm happy to give her something to brag about).

People say things that aren't always kind. I'm guilty of it. Just find what makes you happy and you're fine. Sounds like you're well on the way.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Aug 15, 2016

I've never heard this myself, but loved your answer. :up:

ClaraRedheart, BSN, RN · Aug 15, 2016

I've had patients ask me this. "Well, do you want to go back to school to be a doctor?". My answer is always "No, I don't want to be a doctor. They work too hard". They really do. Most of the doctors at the hospital that I know work at least 5 days a week. Long hours and they get called in for occasional nights. The surgeons are the same, except they get put on call at home too. Nope nope nope. I like my three days and done. It enables you to maintain some semblance of a family life.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 15, 2016

Sigh. I guess I'll have to get used to hearing this a lot.

No, you probably won't hear this all that much...

Look at the source...this statement came from a dentist with a professional doctorate whose annual salary probably exceeds $150,000. Her job is highly autonomous and financially lucrative, so she's probably lost the objective ability to step into the shoes of someone who would willingly sign up for a role with an hourly wage, backbreaking labor and lack of autonomy.

Again, pay attention to the source. She meant no harm by the comment, but it is evidence that some layers of society are clueless about other peoples' day to day existences. For instance, I was a 20-year-old factory worker back in 2001 when my manager (an engineer) said, "Why do people work here for $17/hr when they can just earn an engineering degree and make twice the money?"

I remained quiet, but really wanted to reply that (1) not everyone has the intellectual aptitude or desire to earn an engineering degree, and (2) $17/hr is good money to a huge segment of society, including someone like me who comes from a family of low to moderate wage earners.

Anyhow, good luck to you!

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Aug 15, 2016

Have not ever had one person say that to me. Your dentist is right that there are not enough doctors right now, in certain specialties. Family practice doctors are one. Most medical students right now want a certain specialty, like cardiac or neuro.

I think your answer was very appropriate. I would never want to be a physician. Being paged all day and night. Never getting 5 minutes to yourself to think. They work crazy hours. Nope. No way. I get to clock out and go home and not have to bring my job with me to my family.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 15, 2016

Moved to the General Nursing Student forum for more replies.

PHorvath · Aug 17, 2016

I went to see a new dentist today, and in the usual conversation with new patients she asked what I was studying. I told her I was a nursing student. And she said, "and then you'll go to medical school right?" and proceeded to tell me about how nurses do all the hard work, and we need more doctors, and that I'm smart for going to nursing school so I can "work while in medical school".
I'm a pretty reserved person, but I mustered up some courage, looked her in the eyes and said "I don't want to be a doctor. I want to be a nurse. That's why I'm in nursing school". Politely as I could of course.
I suppose that's a shocking thing to hear? Regardless, she's a very good dentist. Gave me interesting information of fetal tooth formation.
Sigh. I guess I'll have to get used to hearing this a lot.

Yes, I've heard this also...from doctors only. Especially foreign doctors.