Nursing, physician's assistant, or doctors

[newbie_clinical]

Hello everyone,

I am currently a clinical researcher and for the past few years I have been contemplating a transition into an applied clinical career. I've gone through too many years of education so I want to be sure of the direction I am heading towards. I have worked with nurses and physicians in the research setting, and after looking at data for almost 10 years I am craving the satisfaction that these practitioners get from working with people. I am willing to go back to school again, but I don't know what is the best decision for me. I know that some of friends who are nurses are frustrated at the treatment they get at times from some physicians (lack of respect etc - but I know that there is variability depending on the institution). I am 35, and am not sure if I can commit to the many years of medical school (let alone get in to medical school). I am not sure I want to go back to college to get a bachelor's degree in nursing either. I've talked to some PA that are really happy in their jobs, but I don't quite get the difference between being an RN/NP vs PA. At the end of the day, if the career is right I am willing to put in the work.

I apologize for the long post, but I would appreciate any feedback. At 35 (have no kids and no plans for any) what makes more sense - Med school, nursing programs or PA programs? Thanks!

[RunningRNBSN]

They are all different careers -- you really need to do some soul searching and decide which route is best for you. I am an RN and do not particularly like being a bedside nurse because despite the progress of our profession, there is very little autonomy. I sometimes feel like a robot following orders. Yes, I am expected to think critically and the physicians I work with expect me to think about a situation before calling them; however, in the end, I am expected to follow their orders. However, being an RN gives you many different options and opens many doors.

A PA is very similar to an NP (both mid-level practitioners); however, the PA is taught using the medical model. In some states PA's are not allowed to independently practice whereas the NP is essentially able to.

You obviously know what an MD/DO is -- requires many years of committment of schooling and training. I am unsure if you have a bachelors degree already, but if not, you are looking at a long road ahead of you. I've met plenty of physicians who returned to school in their 30's, 40's and even 50's.

You also need to think of lifestyle. Are you accustomed to having a set number of days off every week and being home at a certain time of the day? Do you want an 8-5 job? Do you want to work three 12-hour shifts? Are you willing to work 80+ hours a week?

Also, if you pursue the MD/DO route, are you financially prepared to forego a salary for 4 years during medical school? Are you prepared to take out a lot of $$ in student loans?

Many many things to consider...

EDIT: I also wanted to mention that I really *wanted* to pursue medical school when I first started college and even during nursing school... however, as a practicing nurse, I am glad I chose to not pursue medical school. I have met very few happy physicians. Those physicians who are not office based spend at least 70+ hours a week in the hospital.

[klone, MSN, RN]

I don't think anyone can answer this question for you. Honestly 35 is relatively young for any of those careers. I certainly wouldn't let the age of 35 hold me back from pursuing med school or nursing school.

There is a very good thread in the "advanced practice nursing" forum about the differences between NP and PA. A lot of it depends on what state you live in, with regards to your autonomy as an NP vs. PA. For example, in AZ you could hang a shingle independently as an NP. As a PA, you could not.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

My physician friends are encouraging their children to go to nursing school.

Figure that.

Many of them do not like having "spent" years in Med school.

[newbie_clinical]

Thank you for all your responses to such a broad question. I have PhD, which means I went to college eons ago so I'll have to find out which course(s) I would have to take again. As a researcher, I only interact with research docs & nurses which I think is probably very different from their jobs in the clinical setting. I'm thinking of shadowing a doc, nurse and PA sometime to figure out which is the best route for me - if any. I've a lot to think about...and thanks for telling me 35 is not too old to think about pursuing a career in these fields. It's hard to think that way when all the MDs that comes through our department are younger than me!