Medical School --> Nursing School?

Music in My Heart · Jun 19, 2008

I am presently in my second semester of nursing school at the age of 43. I have not chosen to go to nursing school BECAUSE I didn't get into medical school in 1998. I've chosen to go into nursing because it makes the most sense for me at this stage of my life and it certainly is much easier and shorter than medical school. I recently did some soul searching and concluded that, even if I could get into medical school at this point, I don't think I would. It's too bad because medicine really does appeal to me much more than does nursing. That said, I don't view nursing as my "consolation prize" -- it's the right career for me at this stage of my life. Were I starting over and able to get into medical school, I certainly would. At the age of 43... no freaking way.

RN1982 · Jun 20, 2008

I'd rather be a nurse than a doctor. I don't want to be on-call 24 hours a day. I like going home after my 12 hour shift and having no one bother me. The things that docs go through in their residency such as having to be on call for 30 hours just doesn't appeal to me.

tachybradyRN · Jun 20, 2008

I'm in nursing school because I want to be a nurse. Honestly, if I wanted to be a doctor or a PA, I'm sure with the same effort it took to get into school, I could probably get into med school somewhere. Nevertheless, I *personally* find the role of the nurse to be more satisfying (to me), and that's the reason I chose the path.

Thornbird · Jun 20, 2008

I think that overall nurses are in nursing because that's what they want. I have only known one person ever who went from nursing to med school. There is an entire different philosophy between nurses and doctors. Nursing is holistic and patient centered whereas medicine is based on science and disease processes.

I would also disagree that Advanced Practice Nursing programs are "easier". There is a lot to learn in a short time. There are also now the DrNP programs which I think are going to gain popularity as nurses do want to do more for their patients and may be limited by the MD approach. :twocents:

RN1982 · Jun 20, 2008

That's crazy! Who said advanced nursing degree programs are easy? Because that is not true at all.

CHATSDALE · Jun 20, 2008

i agree with the idea advanced here there is so much difference in the mindthink between mds and nurses..it may be frustrating when working with an incompetent doc but you do your job and go on

cherrysky · Jun 20, 2008

I also agree that advanced practice is not "easy" but I certainly don't think it's as hard (and NO WAY harder) than getting into or completing med school

VivaRN · Jun 20, 2008

I also agree that advanced practice is not "easy" but I certainly don't think it's as hard (and NO WAY harder) than getting into or completing med school

It's not a question of which is easier or harder. It's apples and oranges, different philosophies and a different role in the system. Getting into a spitting match with medicine doesn't do any more good for patient care... which is why we're here, right?

It's all relative - what you want out of life, how you want to approach your career, and where you want to be. Personally I find nursing to be a great fit.

Music in My Heart · Jun 20, 2008

I would also disagree that Advanced Practice Nursing programs are "easier".

I don't see where anybody said that. I did say that nursing school is much easier than medical school but I didn't say anything about advanced-practice programs. I don't know anything about AP programs and therefore could not render an informed opinion.

oohnurse · Jun 20, 2008

Yes. I wouldn't say medical school specifically. I would rather go to dental school or pharmacy school. Back then, I was very poor and I had non-US-resident status. Therefore, paying out-of-state tuition at that time was out of question! And many dental schools and pharmacy schools did not accept non-immigrants.

To be honest, if I had legal immigration paperwork to be eligible for federal loan or have money back then, I wouldn't have gone to nursing. ..Don't get me wrong.. It's a great career and I know what we do is important.!! But I could not find my niche in here.. I appreciate all of us who take good care of patient.. I am applying to dental school next year.. got accepted to pharm school but may change plan.. wish me luck..guys!!

cherrysky · Jun 21, 2008

Wow, that's pretty awesome! I would be REALLY happy with the pharmacy school acceptance. You work great hours with great pay and it's not that stressful...even better than dental school, I'd say! Do you prefer dental school? I hope it works out well for you. Good luck!

I am applying to dental school next year.. got accepted to pharm school but may change plan.. wish me luck..guys!!