Nursing and then Medicine: Wrong profession?

PMFB-RN, RN · Mar 7, 2008

Hello, all!
I'm a third year RN student working as an LPN. I"m thinking of going into medicine once I graduate with my RN degree, although I will need to return for at least two more years of pre-reqs for medical school. I'm starting to wonder why I am thinking of going into medicine.

*** Have you considered CRNA? MOre money than many MDs very independent practice, highly challenging and technical field. Plus it would be just two more years and a few months of school after your BSN. You would have to work in an ICU for at least a year though.

I know a married couple. He is a family practice doc and she is a CRNA. He has commented to often that if he had it to do over her would have gone CRNA. His wife makes $50K/year more than he does.

Apollorn · Mar 8, 2008

Thank you for all for being so kind to share your perspectives.

What exactly is a CRNA? I don't think we have those in Canada?

mouse_42 · Mar 8, 2008

Thank you for all for being so kind to share your perspectives.
What exactly is a CRNA? I don't think we have those in Canada?

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

http://www.aana.com/Default.aspx

MysticalSeeker · Mar 30, 2008

Hello, all!
I'm a third year RN student working as an LPN. I"m thinking of going into medicine once I graduate with my RN degree, although I will need to return for at least two more years of pre-reqs for medical school........

Ok, I know Im a girl and all, but I really wanted to contribute.

I am a soon to be LVN (I take my boards on April 22, woohoo, go me) and soon after that I will be take an RN bridge program ASAP. I have always wanted to be a physician. So why am I in nursing? Well life conspires and we arent always given the resources needed when we need them, so we open a window when a door is closed.

Truth be told, I was on major burn out, when I was in high school I did overkill, I was reading all the course curriculum that students in their 2nd and 3rd year med school was reading, as well as my high school courses and early college courses. I just couldnt get enough information, it was insatiable hunger. But I got burnt out soon after high school graduation.

I took nearly 10 years 'off' because of a burn out. I recently went into nursing school, and it was during this past year that the fire was rekindled, and thats really the best word I can use: fire.

Same thing for any profession, there is a fire or a passion for it.....you cant describe it, but it just overfills your spirit. So it was just during my schooling that I realized I love nursing, dont get me wrong.....but I knew if I never at least went to medical school, despite the huge debt I will be in, I would be missing out on something.

The main difference, between a physician and a nurse lies in their focus, obviousely. It shouldnt be about prestige, because there is no way you will be able to get through medical school and residency just for the prestige. Its like going into nursing strictly for the money....it wont work, you will be a terrible nurse to your patients. Theres got to be passion there, dedication. Anyhoo, nursing is all about patient care, they are patient centered....very holistic.

Physicians, on the other hand, are organ centered....they are more focused on the body systems, on disease, and on treatment and prevention. So if you like the idea, or are intrigued by the idea of focusing more on 'investigating" or on diagnosing and seeing it through on a medical management position, then medical school is the right area for you.

I think being a nurse is a huge asset to being a doctor, because you will be able to be a physician who is patient centered as well as organ centered, so your patient will be receiving holistic care, something rarely given by physicians.

Okay, I rambled on enough :mad:

Apollosn · Apr 3, 2008

Wow, that was an awesome post :yeahthat:. I contemplated going into medicine whilst in my third year of my BSN too. I, too, wanted the prestige that comes with being a physician. I've come to realize, however, that the prestige will only last so long and if I am only doing it for others then it won't be fulfilling. I'm only in my 3rd year but I enjoy going to work and learning. I love saying that. :)

buffscotty · Apr 8, 2008

I am going the same route as the original poster, not for the same motives though. I wish to become the largest part of a patients visit to the ER. I want to write scripts and really figure out what is wrong with the patient. If that does not work I wish to become a DNP. I don't think of this as an insult, if I did get into med school and became a Doctor, I would be glad that I would of had the years of nursing experience.

amzyRN · May 9, 2008

Hello, all!
I'm a third year RN student working as an LPN. I"m thinking of going into medicine once I graduate with my RN degree, although I will need to return for at least two more years of pre-reqs for medical school. I'm starting to wonder why I am thinking of going into medicine. I think a major influencing factor of going to the medical route is the stigma of male nurses and the prestige a physician has as opposed to a nurse. Do you think those are the wrong reasons of becoming a doctor? Thus far I've received a lot of positive feedback on my nursing and I agree, I am pretty good at it. It may seem arrogant but I am very confident in my abilities up to now although I am aware of the many things I have yet to encounter and learn.
So, I summarize, am I thinking of leaving the nursing profession and going into medicine for the wrong reasons?
Thank you for your input.

I think you should wait on your decision and find out more about medicine and advanced practice nursing. I wouldn't do medicine for prestige or money, but rather b/c you really enjoyed the science part of medicine and want to make a contribution to humanity. I am doing an accelerated second degree BSN after my first degree in molecular and cell biology. I really love chemistry (especially organic and biochemistry!), biology, physics, math, and making a difference in the lives of others. I thought nursing may be a better match b/c it seemed like nursing would allow me more time with patients and also is less of a time commitment. But, I may decide to go to med school after doing nursing for a while. I'm leaving the choice open. I strongly encourage you to do what you love regardless of the prestige, though I understand where you are coming from. And the pre-rec's for med school are not as difficult as people claim. You just can't be a slacker, if you study you'll be fine.

ERNURSE158 · May 10, 2008

When I started at my university I was pre med....I had a wonderfull advisor who told me to choose a degree in which I could get a job...so long story short I went BSN with the aspirations of completing my Pre-recs...and going to Med school...however...the more time I spend with doctors...The more I'm not so sure I want to be one. I'm about to start my MSN in the fall..and I'm so glad I didn't wast anymore time with the Med school classes...The nursing lifestyle works much better for me...and I just don't talk to many doctors who absoultly LOVE what they do.....so just some thoughts.

amzyRN · May 11, 2008

I spoke with a couple MDs during my critical care rotation, who said that they may have gone into nursing if they had to do it again. Maybe they were trying to make us feel better about their decision, but one anesthesiologist I spoke with said he spent 6 years training beyond medical school. I think it takes a very dedicated person to go that route, but if that course of study gives the person inspiration, than it is worth it. People that undergo that course of study for the money and prestige are more prone to unhappiness, because they see their time spent as a waste perhaps.

firecoins · May 11, 2008

I am a paramedic. After seeing with all the nurses have to put up with MD is looking good. :smokin:

catamounts303 · May 20, 2008

Hi appollo I think male Nurses are actually widely accepted and if anything are very much in demand. Having an all female floor of RN's isn't always the best thing for many reasons. I'd strongly consider looking into PA or NP school. Personally I feel if you won't be entering medical school in your 20's don't bother. Its just not worth it and I say that because of 100k's of debt, 3+ years residency working 80+ hours a week at 55k a year, and overall quality of life.

8mpg · May 21, 2008

This is a great thread because Im currently doing my premed prereqs while trying to get into an ADN program. My goal is a BSN w/ the chance to get into med school. From everything I have learned,all I can say is this...

You become a doctor because you want to be the person making the decisions. You want to help a person and see them on your way. You dont become a doctor to spend time with your patients. It is very different from nursing. Nursing is the true care for the patients. Nurses are by their bedside for just about everything. The nurses get the patient contact, not the doctors.

There are lots of reasons NOT to go to medical school... $250k in loans, 4 years of hell (school), 3+ years of crappy pay and 80hour weeks... New doctors drive older cars than the nurses It takes a lot of dedication and "want" to overcome all those obstacles.

I personally want to be an ER doc. I LOVE the thrill of emergency medicine (used to be an EMT) and I just dont see nursing being where I truely want to be. Now, Im doing my BSN so I have something to fall back on and so I can stay at my home of emergency medicine.

ER OR BUST

Tim