HIstudent808

What do you think about becoming an RN (BSN level) and doing that for a bit then transition to med school once I feel ready?? I know this is the longer route, but I suppose that if I step into the RN role, and like it, I might get comfortable and that'll be it. If I want more go MD...your thoughts?

Everything you've explained above helps me out SO MUCH! I would agree that the organization of the NP curriculum nationwide is flawed. The program you are in sounds WELL established and very organized. That sounds like a program that will prepare you well for what's ahead. Going the NP route scares me when it comes to job security. The fact that I would need to step out also scares me because I don't know if I'll have that same motivation later down the road and also, it might be harder to pick up the same scholarship that I have now. I'm wondering if I can finish the NP program but start as a regular floor nurse and then when I feel ready enough to take on more responsibility, apply for an NP role?

Thanks for answering my question! So if someone wanted to switch specialties, they'd have to go through the whole 3 years again? I suppose most people don't switch. SHUCKS, I really like mental health but Hawaii program does not offer that. I know I offended some people here with my question and with further research after I guess there's some sort of hostility between MDs and NPs? Not sure if that's really true, I've never seen that here in Hawaii

John Burns SOM, o-chem was EXTREMELY challenging. But I'm really leaning towards the DNP, but I'm wondering about the specialties as an NP. I like mental health. Do you know anything about certifications? Do RN certifications serve the same purpose if you are a DNP???

I'm sorry my OP sounds confusing, I also think it's because most people are under the impression that you NEED a bachelors before you apply to medical school (the one I'm applying for doesn't) AND the fact that I'm stuck between NP and MD is reliant on my undergraduate degree. Moving isn't an option for me. I'm really leaning more towards the NP route. It seems like there is more flexibility between specialties? Correct me if I'm wrong. However, it seems that if one wants to change specialties, it isn't easy. I'm interested in internal medicine and mental health. What are my options as an NP? The program here says it's focused on FNP but doesn't say much about other specialties...

The NP program that is offered here in Hawaii says it's focused on "primary care" for FNPs. Does that mean I cannot sit for the Mental Health certification?

I haven't taken the MCAT yet, but TEAS 6 overall is 92.7. I'm planning on doing MCAT in June.

That makes a lot of sense. how much years of experience is thought to be appropriate?

Please don't be rude, I'm simply asking for advice and guidance. just an FYI, you can't just get a bachelors degree and apply for (most) Medical Schools. There is (usually) specific coursework (the hard sciences) that go along with that. I'm just asking questions and want to get some 2 cents...

1 med school and nursing schools are plentiful but per location, there is only 20-30 spots available for RN program. over 150 people apply per year and only 20-30 make it per location (ADN and BSN levels) we don't enroll on a quarterly basis either, it's once a year. I'm just keeping my options open and because I don't know EVERYTHING about the profession I'm just reaching out for advice, I was discouraged when my counselor said I wouldn't be prepared for DNP if I went straight into it after finishing my BSN. I totally would agree it's for the experienced nurse...but that's when I started thinking about MD (only because there are no DO schools here) I'm just figuring out if it'll be worth the wait if I step out being that the job market is REALLY bad here for new grads.

admissions where?

Which programs are these? Those would be the ones I'd like to go to.

Please bare with me on this post, I'm considering going MD but time is of the essence and NPs here in Hawaii aren't really 100% autonomy (because the hospital/clinic you work at determines most of your restrictions) ALSO, I'd really like to have some insight from a current DNP or MS, NP. Someone who recently graduated and if you'd be able to share with me some of the curriculum. Also, I've been told by my counselor that I SHOULD NOT go straight from BSN to DNP without working first.....I really like the job of Doctors and have leadership skills that I'd really be able to implement in their roles, I just know that this is my calling, but I don't like the "synthetic" approach (what I refer to as "prescribing medicine for everything") I love DO! but there are no schools here, I need nurses insight on this from every aspect. To add, I want to apologize to anyone if my post is found offensive. Thank you in advanced. NOTE: I've completed pre requisites for both nursing (at ADN and BSN levels) and med school. EDIT!!!! - The pre requisites for BOTH the MD and NURSING PROGRAMS are NOT apart of my bachelors degrees. I only have ONE med school I'd be applying to, HERE in Hawaii and NO, you do NOT need a bachelors to apply but it IS recommended because most people do. I don't appreciate the HATE I'm seeing in some of these posts. For those of you who've responded to help me, thank you so much. It makes sense and I'd really like to get more insight on the NP profession. Additionally, how do you become certified in certain areas? Mental health, peds, etc?

Here in Hawaii, the shortage of EXPERIENCED nurses are true. I know of several nurses who've had to move away to secure jobs (mainland) and others who were able to get jobs, it's such a crappy experience when you can't find a job. I'd like to add, the majority of the new ADN graduates that I know were either working as CNAs prior to getting hired on as an RN in that unit OR they knew someone that pulled them in OR kissed a lot of behind during their clinical lol. It's not easy here, and to be honest, just to get into the program IS CRAZY COMPETITIVE! Everyone wants to do it and in hawaii, there is no interview process, solely based on grades. It's kind of discouraging...