RN vs MD

[GettingSomeWhere]

I am starting college this fall and I know I want to be in the medical field but I am unsure if I want to pursue a BSN degree or if I want to be pre-med. I have always wanted to be an ob/gyn and I want a degree I can be proud of and not have to worry about supporting my family. On the other hand I love how much more personal nurses are able to be with the patient. Also, I have put some thought into being a nurse anesthiologist, how close are they with patients? I want to show my family that I can do it, they have always looked with disbeilef when I would mention being a doctor and I know if I just get my BSN they will not think anything better about me than if I just had my CNA, but I want to be happy with what I do. Another problem I run into is how long medical school is, I have one child but I think I would like another one before I hit my 30s...I am 19 now so I would be in my mid-thirties before completly finishing school and my residency! ANY advice at all? Another thing I should mention is that I did get my GED instead of a regular high school diploma, I don't think med school will look back that far...anybody know if that will hurt me if I decided to go that route? I would like to talk to the advisors at my schol but I don't want them to look at me like I'm nuts if my past will affect my future, I know I can do the work, I was a good student grade-wise but I had family issues and lost the will to graduate but after having a child I want to give her a good future by bettering myself. Thanks!!

[MN-Nurse, ASN, RN]

I would like to talk to the advisors at my schol but I don't want them to look at me like I'm nuts ....QUOTE]

You would be nuts to NOT talk to the advisors at your school. That's what they are for and they are a whole lot better option than a bunch of random yahoos on an internet message board.

Definitely go see them and get some help addressing your preferences, priorities and immediate path.

Good luck.

[2bEsqtoRN]

1. Nurse Anesthetists often deal with their patients when they're sedated in an operating room. There is seldom any chance to interact and enjoy the company of your patient;

2. Medical school is a challenge in and of itself and leaves little room to procreate AND do well in your classes, exams, etc. In fact, most doctors I know do not start having children until after medical school when they are residents in a hospital setting. I'm not saying its impossible, but having a child during medical school would just be adding more strain to an already hectic schedule as a medical student;

3. High School/GREs grades need not matter for medical school. Just do extremely well in college/university and ace your MCATs. Medical school heavily look at your numbers when considering an applicant.

I think you should follow your heart and get a medical degree. While it is generally true that RNs are more personable than MDs, that's not always necessarily the case. You can eventually open your own medical practice and interact with many of your patients on your own terms. Anything is possible. Your focus right now, however, should be getting into a university/college and doing your best in school.