NP or MD?

[hawaiianflowers21]

I am a nursing and music major planning on getting my BSN next year. I went into nursing because I liked the medical field. I am currently working on a pediatric intensive care unit, and I hate it. I don't like hospitals and I would much rather work at my own pace and tell myself or others what to do, not be told what to do. I have always liked the doctor end of things more. I like to diagnose health problems, prescribe medications, and basically be the best at my field regardless of what it is. I have thought about both the NP and MD route. I usually swing more towards the NP route because I want to be a full time mom. I don't want to go to medical school for the next ten years and miss out on my number one goal in life, which is raising my kids. Ideally, I want my job to be not in a hospital, I want flexibility in my schedule, and I want to work more by myself or with others equally and not take orders from anyone along with being respected. I would also love to travel with my job. Is this possible with a NP role? If not, could I get my PhD and obtain this type of role? Or is MD the way to go? Thank you!

[mrsalby]

I believe you can be a travel NP. I had a client that was a travel CRNA...she made bucks!

I have a friend that is an anesthesiologist (in case you are wondering LOL I am interested in CRNA) and I was discussing with her about MD or NP. Her advice was to go for NP because you make only a bit less money considering taxes, insurance, responsibility etc in some geographic areas. Also, she said the amount of money for education is less. She told me her med school debt was 200,000. Now, at 22yo you have a bit more time to pay that off, understanding of course different scholarships, funding and reimbursement options. But wow! what a chunk of money! She currently works for an Anesthesia group owned and operated by 4 NP's !!! The NP's hired the Doc! LOL

My friend also pointed out that the time frame to actually start working was different and while incurring more debt to become a doctor with more years of ed needed an NP is already out there making money and with the right investments, income VS debt for school it can all balance out. Of course understanding CRNA's make more $$ than FNP's. But there are specialties that increase amount of $$ made. Traveling increases the $$ too.

I am sure different specialties and schools cost less. She told me that some of her debt was living expenses because she couldn't work and school at the same time. There are so many options and things to weigh out.

Also, NP are becoming more in demand as more facilities are streamlining and utilizing this less $$ way of pt management. I know at the facility I work at, management is in the process of changing from doctors heading the different departments to NP being the directors (IE: emergency department exec. director).

Anyway! You are a bit younger with more long term options. I am almost 40 and have chosen to go the NP route. Autonomy and compassionate patient care without the big bill.

One more point. I don't think Med school is going to emphasize the compassionate care and all the other qualities that go along with being a nurse. NP's build on those caring aspects we all should have to be a nurse no matter what level of education. This was your "first" chosen profession or degree. What ever you choose don't let go of those qualities and you will make a difference in someone's life!

Good luck

[Jengirl18]

I think you should also ask yourself what type of learning would work best for you. If you enjoy learning with the nursing philosophy, go NP. If you prefer to learn from a medical philosophy, go PA or MD. It sounds like to me that NP is probably what you are going for. Good luck.