RN to MD anyone? Feeling unsupported.

labcat01, BSN, RN · Aug 19, 2006

You do need to stop listening to other people! If this is what you want then embrace it! You absolutely can be an MD if that's what you want. I think it is good for your kids to see you going after your dreams. Don't get discouraged! You can do it!

Ok..enough pep talk...i'm getting tired :)

JazzyRN · Aug 19, 2006

I agree, dont listen to the critics. someone is always going to be there to tell you that you cant do something. you just have to believe in yourself and get encouragement from those that believe in you also. Personally I started out premed in college for 2 year, then i swtiched to nursing. lately ive been considering finishing pred med and taking the MCAT. Im not sure yet myself, but if your sure thats really what you wanna do , give it your all. if it doesnt work out, then you always have nursing.

WVUturtle514 · Aug 19, 2006

Do you have a BSN already? Because if you do, then I don't see the need to go pre-med/Biology. I know that if I decided to go to med school right now, the only classes I would need to apply would be organic chemistry and physics. Then I would meet all the requirements to be able to apply (apart from taking the MCAT). See what the requirements are at the med school you're planning on applying to. It might save you a ton of time and money if you already have your BSN. Best of luck to you!!!

lovemyjob · Aug 19, 2006

I know two residents who are former nurses and I think they are going to make excellent docs (pediatric.) I wish you the best of luck!!!!

Trauma Columnist · Aug 19, 2006

I too have worked with several former RNs who are now MDs and they are wonderful! Best wishes.

arelius · Aug 19, 2006

If your looking for support you have mine. But I would suggest that you disregard all of the negative things people are telling you. You have the support of your family so there is no need to get support from anyone else even though it would be nice for your classmates and coworkers to also show their support. Plus, a lot of those people who tell you that going to med school will take forever, it will be too hard, you won't have time for your kids, etc...are saying these things based on themselves. They think that it's too hard to do, so they assume the same about you and they possibly think that they are giving you "good" advice.

Annabelle57 · Aug 19, 2006

I agree with the above posters - don't listen to the naysayers! You will make a fantastic MD with your nursing background.

Not that you don't have our support, but there is a forum for pre-med/med students at the Student Doctor forums at:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/

Do a little searching, and there are lots and lots of people who made the switch from nursing to medicine - a friendly bunch, on the whole. I haven't seen too many RN-to-MDs on this forum (at least not ones who have already completed the process) but there are many on those forums. Many started "later" in life, many did it while raising children, many did it on limited resources and less than perfect 4.0 GPAs.

I hope this helps! Best of luck to you - following your dream is ALWAYS worth it (for everyone involved, too).

imenid37 · Aug 19, 2006

We have a "new" hospitalist. She has been away from our hospital for 20 years and living in New England. She is not new to us completely. She is returning to the area 20 years after she last worked in our hospital as an ICU RN. She left to go to med school in Philly and then practiced medicine in several areas in New England. I would say this lady is in her mid 50's. She was probably right around your age when she started med school. If it what you want, you can do it. Be your own best friend and your own best cheerleader. It will be very hard, anything worthwhile is. Best of luck to you! I admire your ambition.

Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN · Aug 19, 2006

when she went to nursing school who went back for her MD and is a cardiologist. My son was treated in a local ER when he crushed his finger and his doc had gone to med school in the early 80's after she was outsourced as an RN. So its been done. Be proud of yourself for taking such a risk. I opted not to do it - for the kids and loans reason - but don't let that stop you. In fact, I'm so proud of you and maybe a tinge jealous. (But in a good way! LOL)

I love nursing, but I'd also love to be an orthopedic surgeon! :lol2:

Blee

Hi guys
I'm 31, originally from Moscow, Russia, in USA 12 years. I became an RN in 2005, currently I work on med-surge floor.
I was preparing for medschool as a highschool student in Moscom, but my life has not turned out exactly as I wanted it to go, so I just now decided to go back to school.
I graduated Nursing school with honors, AS and now I am starting in SUNY Albany this fall with pre-med/ BS of Science/Biology major. I have at least 45 credits so far, need 120.
My problem is that I don't know anyone who is doing this, especially being a) foreginer b) over 30 c) RN D) mother of 2
I basically feel "different", most people ask me what am I going to school for , expecting - PA or NP, then they hear the answer and say things like : it will take forever, you will never have time for your kids, you will be exausted in residency, it is expensive..etc. Also, the other day I applied for tuition assistance at work ( only 500$) and they called me and left a message questioning how going to school for pre-med/Bio applies to my career and that they need clarification of my goals.
Everyday I try to pump myself up and convince myself that I will be fine and going to school with 20 year olds is not a big deal. I feel a constant struggle with "reality" presented by other people and attemts to go after my career dream that I've had since I was 5.
My husband is fine with it, althrough he knows all the pros and cons, kids are little, but they are OK.
Maybe I just feel insecure and need to stop listening to other people.
thanks for letting me vent

rn2md2b · Aug 19, 2006

I agree with all the previous posts. I am taking upper level physics and biology classes with the hopes of getting into med school. I've met with a few advisors and was told that most medical schools are looking for a diverse population of applicants. I also have worked with a former RN now MD and she has told me on several occasions that her dream of being a doctor would not have materialized without the support of her family and friends. It seems to me that you have all the key ingredients to make this plan happen. I've been told that the hardest part is making it through residency but only because of the pay and long hours. Best Wishes To You!!!!!!

pacific · Aug 19, 2006

hey guys ,

I am new to this forum....I m a rn in canada graduated in 2004 back home and doing my first job here since 6 months .Though i m enjoying ma job and learning lots of stuff still i have a interest in medicine.I m 24 years old ..I have no idea how and where to start preparing for med school admission.I have heard that there is a med school in florida which gives admission to RN's only for MD programme .though i m not sure which school.....if any one has any info on this,kindly reply soon........

Thanks in advance.......