2BArmyRN

I've met a number of physicians and med school personnel who are excited at the prospects of my attending medical school, and I have met many - many - excellent physicians who were once nurses. In fact, when I discussed nursing school with the medical school adviser of my first-choice institution, I was lauded for that choice (in light of circumstances I've previously described). According to my adviser, RNs in medical programs contribute unique perspectives about patient care and practical implementation of medical therapies. In an age when medical schools intend on making patient care the nexus of medical intervention, I believe RNs who aim to bridge that gap have much to offer. I am sure some are thankful for the concern of nurses on this site who think someone like me can't make it, but I am relatively sure individuals with nursing backgrounds who make medical school their next goal are inclined to achieve that. Frankly, I am quite disappointed and rather hurt by the suggestions of some posts on this thread that it is somehow a betrayal of sorts to go to nursing school and then consider, or wish to pursue, medical school. I understand how nurses want to defend their professions, but I don't think anyone is necessarily attacking one's choosing a career in nursing. The fact of the matter is nursing and medicine and complementary - you simply don't have one without the other. Medical schools are now recongizing this - first-year students are exposed to patient care within the first month at most (and better) schools. Nurses I've discussed this issue with have noticed the change over the last few years - new doctors are better equipped to communicate, seek counsel, and collaborate with nurses. New doctors understand the inherent value of nurses. I didn't, nor did I necessarily ever know anyone who did, use nursing school as some sort of "stepping stone," or preparatory course for medical school. But I saw an opportunity and I took it. It would appear that, from some of the vitriol that seeps into some posts on this site, that some individuals are less inclined to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. To that I have no reply. Life in America is a series of personal choices. Those who have the ability to accept a challenge take it, and their lives are duly enriched for it. What the rest do with their frustrations...well, I think that's becoming increasingly clear.

I will be 30 years old in January -- six months into my nursing career (I graduate in ONE WEEK!!!). And, my original intention was always to go to medical school. But, coming from a family of nurses and wanting to make a meaningful career change (I worked in Philadelphia high schools - meaningful enough, already! But of a different caliber of stress) I spent the past 14 months in an intense second degree program. I also finished the prerequisites for medical school and sat for the MCAT. When I met the man of my dreams and decided to get married, I signed a three year contract with the Army Nurse Corps, and I am slated to begin their critical care course in about a year's time. I can't think of a better way to be prepared for the rigors of medical school (at the ripe old age of 34!) than to have been a no-nonsense, critical care RN with the US Army. Many times in nursing school I have had to reconsider my quest to become an MD. The importance of nursing as a profession is underrated and frankly cannot be overstated. For me, however, the challenges of advanced science studies draw me to medicine. So, this for me is a personal call. I do think, however, that as a nurse-doctor (which, for me, is how it's going to be - I'll always be a nurse first) I can make great contributions to the ways in which these two professions interact. The way I see it, nursing and medicine are like dance partners, engaged in a very complex routine - and frankly, at the moment neither is very graceful. But persons trained to do both can be amazing coaches to other "dance partners," if you will - and I hope I am blessed to be able to do that. I worried that I was too old to go to medical school at 34, truly. But everyone I've talked to (with the exception of another 29 year old who's freaked out about the big 3--0!!!) thinks it's silly - you're never too old to follow your dreams. This past year alone, UPenn School of Med accepted a number of people 30+, and a few 40+ were thrown in there, too. Plus, I have a husband who supports my dreams wholeheartedly. And that alone makes me feel like a young kid! Anyway, that's my perspective on this issue. It's an interesting one, but I also agree -- "going all the way" is the wrong way to approach this issue (again, not very graceful!!!). To go all the way in nursing is to excel in the world's best caring profession - for some, that might mean earning the Ph.D, or the DNSc. Medicine is a wholly different creature - and docs who really know what they're doing understand the true value of nurses: in the majority of situations, they know RNs are better at leading on the dance floor, and they trust their partners.

It sounds like you need a research project! Develop a project that demonstrates the utility of this computer program -- set it up to work in practice against a control group that's not using the program. Then, publish your findings and get your findings into all the trade mags! I'm a HUGE advocate for Nursing Research. I like the idea of letting the evidence speak for itself!

Check out this website from the Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs035.htm I've considered EVERY healthcare career imaginable...but you should definitely emphasize that nursing is the BEST!

Hey, everyone -- I just found this thread, and thought I'd respond. I graduate from the BSNExpress at Villanova in THREE MONTHS!!! The program is really great, but it is fast and you are going to feel like you're not learning everything you should be. DON'T FREAK OUT! Just take a deep breath, and remember that even when you only have, like, 30 hours of clinical in a semester you're going to have HUNDREDS of hours once you find a job and get settled into an orientation (this is something my classmates freak out over all the time - and I always tell them "don't do it!"). Really try to read your textbooks in advance of lecture - you'll be golden on exams if you do this. And study in groups, when you can. You'll get a lot more out of it. DON'T BUY an expensive PDA! My whole class bought super-expensive PDAs and we never use them. Buy a cheap one, just in case you find you're really not into it. (The PDA is for drug programs you might use in clinical. I NEVER use it - I prefer the Davis Drug Guide instead. Just a personal preference.). You're paying for the Pepid program in your tuition, though. The uniforms are horrible. You'll wear it and find yourself randomly asking people, "Do you want fries with that?" (You'll see what I mean.....) Join SNAP and NSNA! You'll get a lot out of your Villanova experience if you do. The underclassmen that are coming up and running the Student Nurses Association of PA are awesome! They have great ideas, and they really respect second degree students' opinions. The conferences they attend are terrific for networking, or getting into nursing advocacy (which is what I do). Last, but not least, HAVE FUN! Don't freak out over grades or schoolwork - try to maintain some semblance of a life. You'll have a better time of it if you heed this advice, trust me! If I can answer any more questions, please let me know! I have loved my time as a BSNExpress student at VU....I hope all of you do, too! :nuke:

I just got back from the NSNA 56th Annual Convention on Saturday - it was one of the most important things I've done in my life, actually. I served as a delegate for the state of PA, and spent a lot of time debating the resolutions brought to the floor with my fellow students (who are all younger than me, by the way - I'm an adult student in an accelerated program). Thinking about these issues, debating them, hearing lots of other points-of-view, all helped me finally decide where I really want to take my nursing career -- to the advocacy and legislative level. Granted, not everyone will have this experience. But, if all nurses are patient advocates by nature, then I think being involved in professional organizations (even if just to stay on top of the issues) is really important. And, who knows? Participating in an NSNA conference might just help you further define where you want to take your nursing career. I'm just sorry I didn't consider nursing when I was doing my first undergraduate degree! I'd have gotten really involved in NSNA then. As it stands, I graduate in July, so this was my first and last convention. But I will have the lessons I learned this past week with me for the rest of my life, I think. So, I would recommend to any nursing student - get involved at some level. You might get a lot more out of it than you think!

Hi! I am a military wife -- my husband is currently serving in Iraq...it's been just about 7 months since I've seen him, and I can hardly believe the time is flying the way it is... I suppose it helps that I'm still working on my BSN...that definitely helps! How I get through this: I keep my chin up, I think a lot on the future (we'll be purchasing our first house when he gets home, and PCSing to a new post, so lots of exciting things!), and I talk to friends A LOT. Just staying busy, really. I also think a lot on how PROUD I am of my husband! And I talk about him constantly...carry around a photo book to show people. This always brings me immense joy - and people love seeing pictures! It makes me feel like he's always with me, even when it's been forever since I've talked to him...:redbeathe I hope this was worth the read...take good care and all the best to you and your husband!!!