Ready to go MD... but actually chose nursing!

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Oct 16, 2009

Well, I certainly prefer the nursing model over the medical, but I must say, were I young enough to do it I would opt for medical school in a heartbeat. Autonomy and money,

RNBelle · Oct 16, 2009

A few years ago I was in the same spot. I was finishing my bio degree, took the MCAT and could not bring myself to fill out the application for med school. I was burnt out from my bio degree so I went to nursing school. I love nursing. I work L&D. I personally am happy that I did not go to med school. I like to clock in and clock out at work. I like to wake someone else up to come catch the babies. And I work with a good group od doctors who value my opinion and allow me to work with autonomy. I am planning on starting my MSN in January so I don't always have to pound the floor.

DuluthMike · Oct 16, 2009

This seems to be quite the rash decision. Nursing is not medicine and medicine is not nursing. Have you shadowed a physician? A NP?

You state you love learning, but feel you could learn more via the NP route? An NP is not a physician, nor a just a junior doctor. An NP is a NP. I would strongly suggest putting lots of thought and research into going down either of these paths. Do some shadowing if you have not yet. Talk to both types of practitioners. Explore the NP curriculum. Explore DO schools if you feel that the allopathic route is not holistic enough for you.

You will not get the same education in nursing school as in medical school. Medical school and Nursing school are entities entirely of their own.

If after contemplation you do decide to pursue nursing, do it because you love nursing, not with the expectation of becoming a junior doctor.

Best of luck.

caliotter3 · Oct 16, 2009

This seems to be quite the rash decision. Nursing is not medicine and medicine is not nursing. Have you shadowed a physician? A NP?
You state you love learning, but feel you could learn more via the NP route? An NP is not a physician, nor a just a junior doctor. An NP is a NP. I would strongly suggest putting lots of thought and research into going down either of these paths. Do some shadowing if you have not yet. Talk to both types of practitioners. Explore the NP curriculum. Explore DO schools if you feel that the allopathic route is not holistic enough for you.
You will not get the same education in nursing school as in medical school. Medical school and Nursing school are entities entirely of their own.
If after contemplation you do decide to pursue nursing, do it because you love nursing, not with the expectation of becoming a junior doctor.
Best of luck.

Well said.

ok2bme · Oct 16, 2009

I wish I would have gone the med school route..you have a great opportunity, one many dream about but don't have the potential and/or drive to pursue. I hope you re-consider. Best of luck.

Mollypita · Oct 16, 2009

Maybe nursing is the way for you to go then. I can't imagine anyone being successful at medical school without really, really wanting it!! Still, I would advise taking a year off to explore your options. You're young, smart and there's no need to rush things. I'm not an expert at what NPs do, but I would imagine they too are overworked, have to be on call at times, and the office ones probably have to see patient after patient after patient like MDs do. For significantly less money, of course. You just need to figure out what your priorities are. But just a word to the wise- if you want to have your own life, and time to yourself, think very hard about medical school and all that it entails. Good luck!

silentRN · Oct 16, 2009

Become a physician.

LuxCalidaNP · Oct 16, 2009

I chose NP over MD, and (was ready to go to med school) for these reasons:

1. almost identical role (FNP) in outpatient, sooner

2. more time for family (less time in residency,etc)

3. staged education: you can take a break after your BSN, MSN or before DNP.

4. more clinical experience from work. (our nurses SCHOOL the interns on the floor)

5. Don't want to belong to the boy's club.

6. Desire for power, money and prestige is a DANGEROUS reason to be responsible for human lives.

tencat · Oct 16, 2009

If I had thought of the medical field when I was younger, I would have gone for MD. Much more autonomy and respect. I'd recommend MD if you've got the time, the inclination, and the drive. Nursing is great, but you're not truly autonomous, and the respect factor is pretty low....

JomoNurse · Oct 16, 2009

if you are capable of getting through medical school then you must do that route. you will kick yourself in the butt if you pick nursing over being an MD. you'll be able to function independently and you will be compensated generously. you'll also have a life time of admiration from others for being something so prestigious as being a doctor.

now, back to the capable comment. the reality is *most* people in nursing are not capable of getting through medical school. you must be genuinely smart and motivated. average, motivated people do not make it. unfortunately that is not enough. or maybe it's really foruntate since one day that person could someday be guiding medical care? don't waste your money and time if you don't have the smarts to finish. only you truly know that. There's nothing wrong with being a nurse, but the pay isn't that great and you will never function independently as an RN.

andpeggy · Oct 16, 2009

Have you thought about PA school? It would allow you to be a mid-level provider, and would conceivably be quicker than getting your RN and then your MSN/DNP...

I don't wish that I had gone to med school, but sometimes I do wish I had considered PA school more seriously...