DGabe24

Ah Higgs Boson, amazing stuff! Another particle is the Kaion (not sure if you're interested in particle physics), a fun read if you get a sec. I agree though, at the end of the day nursing is a "safe" investment to me, and I've always believed in taking risks and making sacrifices to achieve anything worthwhile in life. I don't have posters of great scientists in my room just so I can ignore my passion. Very interesting personality types explanation, and your analogy made quite a bit of sense to me. This is simply confirming what I am beginning to realize in my heart of hearts, that this may not be the road of least resistance, but perhaps the one of happiness and fulfillment.

Well thank you for sugar coating your opinion, as it really doesnt do me any favors. While it's a bit frustrating to read, I think you are spot on. I was just too immature and unfocused during undergrad and I'm paying the price now. I've developed into a very focused and driven individual, and I'm trying to make up for lingering poor performances. I dont have much interest in PA school, and it was never really in the picture to begin with. I agree that I am unfortunately seeing bedside nursing as a bit of a stepping stone, and as much I as I want to admit that its terrible to view it that way, its just the cold truth. That fact alone is what makes me realize perhaps nursing isnt for me. If the very core of a career is being viewed a stepping stone, that definitely raises a red flag to me. Thank you for that Saucony. Anyways, at the end of the day, the fact of the matter is, reading about genetics and neuroscience is the type of stuff I like to do for fun, and I'd do for free if I could survive financially somehow. So I think I''ll go for a masters in science while I work, and then use those grades to hopefully launch me into a nice career, or open a window for entry to a phd program possibly. Thank you all for your thoughts and considerations. Taking the time to help me smooth things out in my own head speaks volumes as to the type of individuals that go into nursing, and this community right here exemplifies just that.

My one friend is in ICU in a major hospital in NJ, and another over in neonatal ICU in Pennsylvania. They both said knowing me, how I would present myself in an interview, and being a male nurse with good grades and healthcare experience I will basically be able to pick where I want to work. Both went right into ICU after graduating. This forum had me pretty discouraged from reading a lot of the disgruntled posts of people not finding jobs, etc. etc. but the real world anecdotal feedback seems to be quite the contrary, so thatss a good thing. Not that I"m that positive I'll get a job, I just mean there's a decent possibility of it happening. I can't go straight into PA school cause of a 2.9gpa and a measly 1100ish GRE. At least after the ABSN program I can show them more recent grades that present a more accurate assessment of my current focus and dedication to my career. These grades + experience will give me a much better shot of getting into an NP/CRNA program. The program I'm going to has early assurance into any of their MSN programs (including CRNA), so it is quite in fact much more favorable for me than if I were to try and go to PA school.

Perhaps not scientifically stimulating, and just like any other job, I'm sure MDs have their inevitably monotonous days as well. The sheer intellectual challenge can be definitely far beyond the call of most other jobs though. I understand your point Saucony, but perhaps I am not being clear enough. It is a bit tough to fully explain my thoughts and motivations, so it is of no fault of your own. I definitely do not have the grades to go straight into a PhD in neuroscience program, I've already contacted a few schools. I can get an MSc and concentrate in neuro, get some experience, and then apply. However to make $40k roughly until I'm 33 and then perform experiments for other people until I become PI....makes me realize that perhaps it is the outcome of the research in these sciences that I have a passion for , more than the application. As a CRNA or NP, it may not be the "mental stimulation" that we have been constantly alluding too, but I do feel it will most definitely allow me to push my own limits and boundaries which is something I am striving for, first and foremost. I understand your point, but your post leads me to believe that I have not adequately portrayed my interest in being a caregiver for others. I have always been known as a "sensitive" and "empathetic" guy, and although these traits can often be a weakness, I can only imagine the human interaction in an ICU is something truly intimate and memorable. Of course you have your boneheads that you cannot wait to forget, but any job will have its ups and downs.

Thank you NurseVisionary, I have definitely considered this, as I realize the institute that awards you your BSN seems to matter very little. Drexel does offer some benefits that I consider to be of significant value. It is 11 months (yes, rigorous, I'm aware), which will allow me to begin working on an RN salary that much sooner (compared to 16month-2year programs). Also the early assurance option for students that excel to have a guaranteed spot in MSN programs very attractive.

Wow! I would first like to take a moment to thank all of you for your wonderful contributions, and it makes me feel great that there are others in here who are able to benefit from the questions as well. I thought about quoting everyone individually, but since every post offers such quality insights, it may be more effective to just post a more general response. A few things come to mind. One, I agree that bedside nursing will most likely be short lived chapter to my career, and this is not to downplay the importance, but simply just acknowledging how I personally function and what motivates me. One of my biggest fears in life is undermining my own intellectual capacity to contribute and do something great. Don't get me wrong, I'm no Watson and Crick or Einstein, and I'd argue I'm just above average, with way above average work ethics and passion. The point that still leads me to believe that nursing will be a solid investment and fruitful venture, is the amount of opportunities it opens. Just in this thread alone I've discovered the genetic research unit and medical science liason options which I had never heard of, and quite frankly think I would thoroughly enjoy! On top of that, I didn't want to mention the CRNA route, mainly because it seems to be very trendy as of late, and didnt want to fall into the category of one of the oblivious posters drooling over the salary and ignoring the ridiculous course workload and demands of the programs. The fact of the matter is though, CRNA is probably my dream job when it comes to taking my nursing career to the very limits, simply because it does seem to be so elegantly tied in to the deeper sciences. The ACE (11month BSN) program at Drexel that i was accepted to has early assurance to their CRNA program which is a huge reason I am considering going there. At the end of the day, being an RN with my BSN (and BS in Biology) will allow me the opportunity to pursue NP, CRNA, Genetic research unit, MSL....and to be quite honest, I'm not opposed to going back for a Masters in Science with a concentration in neuroscience or genetics to attempt to take the plunge into industrial research. I'll look into infection control nursing. Yes I've considered clinical research, and work at the same facility as some of the best reproductive medicine researcher in the world. The weary part about reserach is that, yet it will provide me that 'mental masturbation' as someone so gracefully posted, but will also be extremely taxing mentally, mundane in its everyday tasks, and often times produce less than encouraging results. So my hesitations goes both ways, and are NOT limited to nursing in any way, shape, or form. A PhD in nursing seems like it would just allow me to do more patient care / healthcare based research in certain settings, which is not what I'm looking for. Certain things like; what is a memory, the theory of consciousness, epigenetics and meythlations in the DNA, etc. are the topics that I find absolutely fascinating. GrnTea, would you mind expanding a little bit more on some of these positions that you have held, or that you feel I would be interested in? Thanks again everyone, can't wait to see what we are able to continue to collectively come up with and brainstorm.

Yes, it's that big tent that makes me think I will find a position that I am very content with. By asking questions and thinking outside the box, I was referring to the research definition of it. As in, the theoretical questions you ask that lead to your research design and hypotheses. Nurses ask more clinical/diagnostic questions. I'm starting to think that if intellectual stimulation is one of the "deciding factors" thats making me hesitate to fully commit to being a nurse, than that's a rather hollow reason. As you said, nursing can be as stimulating and demanding as you allow it to be, and I've always been a firm believe in getting out what you put in. So if I dedicate myself to it, there will be plenty of information for me to struggle to wrap my mind around I'm sure. Again, thanks elkpark, I know my situation may seem somewhat trivial...but as you said, I would much prefer to choose the correct path initially than try to turn around later down the road.

I work in an andrology lab as a tech (probably going to the ACE at Drexel in the spring)...and I get that from the MDs after we chat a bit, "Why didnt you go to med school Dave?" Blah blah, dont get me wrong, I have no intentions of being bedside my whole career as a potential nurse, and like you want to specialize eventually, but yeah it gets a little old. I agree with where you're coming from, but you can also take it as being a little flattering that she feels you're quality enough to suggest such a challenging route. What type of NP are you shooting for?

Yeah that is sound advice, and I appreciate you taking the time. I do agree that the more I'm willing to dedicate myself to the science behind what nurses do will only lend itself to making me a better nurse. I am just hesitant that perhaps down the road I will miss the necessity of thinking outside the box and asking the right questions (I know nurses do this, but I'm referring to a much different context). I try to maintain some sense of objectiveness thoughout and I do realize a lot of the higher end research does involve pipetting everyday nonstop, which in and of itself is going to be mundane and boring, until the point in time (if ever) I became the PI of a lab. As of now, I do believe nursing will keep me happier and interested longer, and the amount of doors open to a motivated BSN-RN seem to be almost limitless. So that is a huge consideration, and the room to specialize and grow with a strong sense of autonomy is definitely important.

The insurance battles, the churn and burn mentality....the healthcare provided in the US at this point in time does no appeal to me to be honest. It's lost its MD/patient intimacy, we over medicate, etc. Unfortunately, this question is often asked by many MD's that I work under at this practice, after some very short conversations with me, they too wonder why I am not pursuing the MD route. I have a truly deep passion for science, but the idea of directly helping others in some of their most dire moments seems like something very few people will have the good fortune of experiencing. I am going into nursing with the mindset of taking it as far as I possible can, whether that is an NP of some sort, CRNA, etc. etc. So I was just wondering if there are any fields in nursing, or possibly available progressions/options that I may consider to still get my intellectual "fix." This is not meant to downplay or demean the RN and their vital role in the system, but in all honesty I do not feel it is academically challenging/stimulating as some of the fields aforementioned, and this worries me a bit. I have very limited experience with the world of nursing, and acknowledge this, so please feel free to open my eyes if you deem necessary.

Hey everyone, So after scouring the internet and as much of AN forums as I possibly could, to no avail, I've come to you all with a question. I currently have my BS in Biology and work in an andrology lab at a major reproductive medicine. I've been considering two routes. One is to pursue a Masters in Science concentrating on genomics or neuroscience, and going on to do research in industry. Two is to matriculate into one of the ABSN programs I was accepted to and be an RN in an ICU (ideally). I enjoy them both for very very different reasons, and these reasons admittedly may appear to be naive and ignorant to some, so do not hesitate to correct me. The research provides the deep intellectual stimulation that I seek, answering the "why" I so often ask myself in my head. Genetics and neurology have been passions of my since undergrad. The downside is often times the day to day tasks in research are extremely mundane, and this raises a quality of life issue in my book. The RN side has the awesome patient care everyone is aware of, and I am extremely excited about this. On top of that, the extensive knowledge of the human body and its intricasies can only help one become more competent and efficient at providing quality care as well. So I pose this question to you all. Are there any fields in nursing that eventually bring you deeper into the science of a certain field? Requiring you know the pathophysiology of certain diseases, etc. etc.? I know research nursing requires you to know the protocol, and the study in its entirety, but I mean delve really deeper into the science and literature. Thanks for your time, and looking forward to hearing any insights you may have to offer! -Dave

Lourdes is double the price of UMDNJ, I wonder why NJ residents consider going there? Thoughts?

This is exactly why a CRNA calls an MDA when **** hits the fan. They have a much more understanding systemically due to their years of training. CRNAs know anesthesia as well one would argue, however that's about it.

You're definitely not alone....it seems like everyone and their mother wants to be a CRNA these days.

I have my BS in Biology, and will be going for my BSN (accelerated this Fall)...I'm just curious how hands on nurses are during the research. Also, is it out of the realm of possibility that an RN will go on to get a PhD and actually conduct the research? I've always had such a passion for cognitive sciences, behavioral neuroscience, genomics, proteomics, and I feel like being a research RN will only be a daily tease of that passion! I do however love the idea of knowing the drugs, protocol, patient education etc... Any advice you guys are able to offer me is greatly appreciated. I'm currently working in an Andrology lab in a reproductive medicine practice, so I feel like this will be pertinent experience if/when I pursure a career in research (either as an RN or Researcher).

Looks like Family PMHNP may be the way to go for anyone entering the field, as a way to avoid collateral damage of the pending changes. I'm entering my accelerated BSN program now (BS in biology, working in reproductive medicine lab currently)...would anyone be willing offer me some insights into the world of mental health nursing? So far most of what I've read has been about state facilities, how dangerous patients are, dont let them get between you and the door, etc. etc. and while that's fascinating, I have no personal desires to work in that sort of environment. I'm more curious of the dynamics of the patient interaction. With your PMHNP are you able to have a sit down and try to delve into the patients connection (or lack thereof) with reality, underlying mechanisms, trigger points, and explore the state of their psyche? Behavioral science and cognition has always been a passion of mine, so I'm very interested in what you all have to say. Thanks! -Dave

Rest assured, you're not the only male. Now let's just hope we're not the only two males lol Shoot me an email [email protected] we can talk about books, studying, stuff like that. I'm looking for some people to study with for sure.

Starting an accelerated BSN program this Fall, and this thread really confirms my current beliefs that I will pursue becomming a CRNA down the road. I've considered PharmD, or research in genetics/proteomics but I would miss the human/patient interaction far too much. Much like you, my passion for science and medicine is what ultimately leads me to want to venture a bit deeper into the profession. I'm guessing CRNA will be more than sufficient patient interaction like you mentioned, and also provide that "science-fix" that I need. Great stuff, and thanks for your time and willingness to share.

I got into FDU and Marymounts accelerated programs, still on the waitlist for Drexel. They contacted for more info, just waiting on a response to the material I submitted. FDU is the 2 year program, but I can work while I go, and also have clinicals at hospital in North Jersey where I live. Drexel is still probably my #1 though, great name, good affiliations, and has a CRNA program with early assurance.

Congrats! I received my acceptance yesterday as well. I wonder how many other males will be in the program lol I've also been trying to find some of the more affordable areas in VA to live. Looking for anything under $1k/month, I guess maybe a studio somewhere?

First post on the site, long time lurker! I was wait listed for the Spring 2013 ACE program...which was a little discouraging however recently I was contacted asking for more information. They wanted a personal statement explaining a few grades (chemistry from fresh/soph year) and how I feel I will do in the program. I sent back an email within a few days, which was very well written, and it was forwarded to admissions. My naive and optimistic half wants to believe that this inquiry on their behalf is a sign of a possible interest in my acceptance to their program?? Can anyone offer some insights? Does the email from them asking me for more information mean little, to nothing regarding acceptance? thanks!!