Any RN to MDs on this forum?

[HopefulRN2MD]

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I went back and forth in college between premed and nursing. I really wanted to be a doctor but wasn't sure if I wanted to be in school for almost a decade. I was eventually talked into nursing, "Oh but you CAN diagnose (except that they're nursing diagnoses)" and thought I could be happy with interpreting things lab values and doing a lot of hands-on care. Well, I'm not. Deep down I really love medicine...how far it's come, how much is still unknown, and everything in between. I love what it can do for people. I thought about a PA program, but I want the whole enchilada, even if it means dealing with a whole lot of bureaucracy and dedicating 1/2 my time to paperwork with the future of healthcare. I want to teach, to learn, to be able to save lives. I truly believe it's the greatest form of trust to know that people put their lives in your hands. Sometimes you'll fail, but often (I hope!) you'll win. So, long story long, I've decided to go back. I recently emailed a bunch of area schools about the best way for a nontraditional student to go about obtaining premed reqs. I don't know if I should enter Bio/biochem undergrad program for a second degree, or if I should just take the prereqs on their own. For those nurses or other allied health professionals, I would love to hear how you did it and what you feel works best. Thanks in advance!

 

[Electronegative]

There is a social group on sdn called RN to MD.


EN

 

[Duluth]

Do you have an associates or a BS?

If you have an associates you should do a ASN>BSN and then grab your pre reqs while working. I know this seems strange but it is your fastest path to a bachelors. I would also suggest working in emergency as a nurse as this gives you a nice broad experience. You will also have the widest scope of practice and fulfill some of your desire to be the one in charge.

If you have a BSN already just do the pre reqs separately. There is absolutely no need to get a second bachelors. Physicians come from all sorts of interesting backgrounds be it academic sciences, the arts, nursing, whatever. There is no requirement to have a degree in science.

I want to teach, to learn, to be able to save lives.

I am confused by this. Nurses do this every day. What area of nursing are you in that is leaving you so unfulfilled? How do you know that a PA path is not the right one? You sound a bit inexperienced. I would highly suggest shadowing some MD's, DO's and PA's before you set your path.

 

[The right Path]

I am confused by this. Nurses do this every day. What area of nursing are you in that is leaving you so unfulfilled? How do you know that a PA path is not the right one? You sound a bit inexperienced. I would highly suggest shadowing some MD's, DO's and PA's before you set your path.

Agreed. Don't have time to answer in detail right now. But yeah, take the time to figure out exactly what you are getting yourself into, and be prepared to demonstrate that you have given it serious thought and that medicine is a good fit for you.