I'm currently a Year 2 nursing student who is due to graduate next year.
I have decided that i would like to continue my studies in the medical area by attending Med School, after completing my Post Graduate year.
Has anyone on here done this before? Upskilled to become a doctor after training to be a nurse? If so, how did you find it?
Here in New Zealand, it is a 7 year degree. I have talked to the head of the Med School and on the basis that i acheive a B+ average over the 3 years [i'm currently on A-] then i can possibly take 1-2 years off the degree.
I dont want to give up my dream of nursing as it has always been a passion of mine but i've been told that at 19 years old, if i want to continue my studies into that field, to go for it while i'm young.
Thoughts? Am i absolutly crazy?
I have had nothing but positive feedback and encourangement from those i have talked to about this idea, would be interested to hear thoughts from RN's worldwide.
My sister was a Peds ICU nurse for 1 year before going back to med school. She is now an ENT, and never looked back. She did, however, give up a lot she didn't expect to miss (like a life). For example, she's been married to another doc, and they didn't want children, but now she is 41, and wants a baby. She realizes there's a lot she missed and gave up in order to be a doc. The lifestyles of nurses and doctors can vary greatly, so maybe you should anticipate your 'life's' plan before making a decision.
Have you really done your homework in looking at what medical practice in "real life" is like in your home country?
Here in the states, it used to be a doctor was fairly autonomous. But in the last fifteen+ years, due to federal and thus "employer" mandates, they are more and more limited and relegated. They are "told" what to do, and how to do it and in how much time to do it... as much as any RN.
Can't tell you how many docs I've worked with over the years that are truly professional, caring, and brilliant intellects have confided that they wished they'd chosen a different path in hindsight. The cost is dear.
If you specialize in certain areas (say vascular or cardiovascular surgery), you can bypass some of this. However, your investment in terms of dollars, your life to prepare (pre-med, med, internship, residency) and actual practice...will be a great sacrifice.
However, if human medicine is your passion, then that's what you follow.
SkateBetty
191 Posts
My sister was a Peds ICU nurse for 1 year before going back to med school. She is now an ENT, and never looked back. She did, however, give up a lot she didn't expect to miss (like a life). For example, she's been married to another doc, and they didn't want children, but now she is 41, and wants a baby. She realizes there's a lot she missed and gave up in order to be a doc. The lifestyles of nurses and doctors can vary greatly, so maybe you should anticipate your 'life's' plan before making a decision.