So Undecided

allnurses Guide · Dec 17, 2014

Really the only one that can tell you what is right for you is you.

I can tell you with certainty that none of the jobs you listed are low-stress jobs. None of the education paths are low stress either!

So you know where I come from:

I was a biology major psych minor in pre-medical concentration in undergrad. I planned on going to medical school. Life got in the way and I was faced with the MD vs PA vs NP path in my late 20s.

I ruled out medical school because of the debt and because I wanted to have a family. I also had no interest in a surgical speciality. My biggest concern was most MDs I talked to worked long hours and liked their jobs but wouldn't do it over again if given the opportunity.

I chose NP over PA because I liked the theory/model better and I wanted the ability to practice independently in the future, should I desire.

I love my job. I don't regret it at all. I still get twinges every now and again where I lack the clout a physician with my experience would have, but it's better and better the longer I practice.

I work great hours in a great practice and I make a lot of money. Most important I love going to work each day. If I have a day off and no plans I often go in to work to help put. That's the kind of satisfaction I have.

I have colleagues that don't love their jobs. They get "used and abused" and are essentially money makers for their physician "bosses".

I know lots of MDs that hate their jobs. I also have a very close friend that did the military route and ended up doing four tours over five years and coming out with no benefit to his medical career other than the GI bill.

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djk883 · Dec 17, 2014

Thanks for the reply! I really do appreciate someone taking the time to help me out. If you dont mind me asking, what specialty do you work in and what pay can one expect to make in that area. I am leaning towards the FNP track so I can work in a broad spectrum of specialties.

kbrn2002, ADN, RN · Dec 17, 2014

My personal family experience is with my son. He decided to pursue a PT degree. It was six years of school for his PhD with pretty high student loans. The plus side is PT's are in very high demand and he is young with no family to support so he opted to work for a travel company for a few years. The money is great and he is enjoying the work in different environments. Four states so far with average of about six months in each. He has always had the option to extend his contract each place, but decided not to because the whole point of being a traveler is to travel.

Just because that was the right thing for him doesn't mean it will be for you, so research your options [especially job market] before committing. Whatever you decide, just make sure it will be something you can enjoy making a career of!

mintygirl · Dec 17, 2014

Your age is a contributing factor.

I know, I know. Many here will stand up and argue, "ageism" until it is in the dirt, but you have to look at the facts. If you are 18-22 then MD it baby. The ugly truth why many PA's dont become MD's is simply time over money. Considering residency for them is anywhere between 7-9 years and x amount of schooling, many MD's graduate at 29-35. With heavy debt. We're talking triple digits here. And you go into the hole deep from the start, "flunking" out isn't an option nor is any other sudden career change.

And don't get me started on the MCAT. You pretty much have to spend a whole year after your B.S. to study for this, which will then determine if you even get into med school, let alone a good one. And then guess what? More student loans! Woo. Yeah.

So yes, age is a factor for the MD route. The older you are, the later you have to wait to start earning money and having a life.

NP's cannot alter between specialties either - despite what people will lead you to believe. You will take pay cuts as its not a one or all sort of experience that caries over.

In order to go the PA route, many require "clinical hours" which have been accumulated by those who are EMTS, CNAs, LVNS, RNS or some other open field. They expect you to get your feet wet and from what I can hear in your post, you really are "undecided" as your title says.

Your honest to best bet is to ask to "shadow" a MD and find a way to get into a hospital to oversee what people are doing on a day to day basis, to get an understanding if that is something you will like personally.

allnurses Guide · Dec 17, 2014

NP's cannot alter between specialties either - despite what people will lead you to believe. You will take pay cuts as its not a one or all sort of experience that caries over.

I am not sure what your experience is, but NPs can easily change practice areas with ease, both within their boarded speciality and between boarded specialities via a post-masters.

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Guests · Dec 17, 2014

do you think it is worth going the medical school?

Why are you asking this of nurses? The ones who can comment on medical school are those who've done it... that is, the physicians.

I work with residents and am on very friendly, social terms with many of them. Likewise with many of our attendings. Only a couple have expressed any misgivings about their decisions.

Personally, I would choose to be a specialist physician as they are the best trained, most expert providers -- and they are the most portable.

Given your interest in holistic care, you would likely be very interested in integrative medicine. I did a rotation at an FP residency where several of the docs were integrative medicine physicians. One practical aspect that several expressed about their chosen specialty is that it is a cash-based business.

So Undecided

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