basic science PhD to NP for clinical research?

[Sonya]

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Hi,

I'm working on my PhD is physiology. I have always planned a career of research and clinical practice. I have my interests in basic science research, and enjoy it much. Clinical research sounds like it may be interesting for me, but I have limited first hand experience. But, I want to be working with patients. I dont want to sit with my cultured cells all day, I want to be able to do something for people who need me and see the impact of my work. In particular, I see myself working with people who have Severe mentall illness. So, my plan has been to finish my PhD, and then start medical school and go into psychiatry.

So, now why am I posting here. I'm wondering if I can acheive similar goals as a Psychiatric Nurse practitioner (and of course, with my basic science PhD). With this, can I be involved with clinical trials where i'm interacting with patients and providing care along with the research trial. Or, could I see patients as a NP part time and do my research part time? how about basic science research? Do you think I'm short changing myself by not doing the MD PhD? If I did go for a NP program, what training (years of school, what programs) would I need to do? How intense is the training going to be. If I do medical school, for 8-10 years i'll be working 80-120 hours a week and not have a life and time for developing my relationships, family, etc. Also, I think as a NP i may be interacting more with the patients rather then just med managment (i'm definetly going into psych regardless).

I certainly have the qualifications for acceptance to medical school, and the capability and drive to put up the effort if its the ideal way to what i want to acheive.

Comments, answers, opinions, etc very much appreciated.

Sonya

 

[DogFaceMedic]

Going to an NP program would likely be a step backward and take longer than acquiring an MD. Nursing programs have a lot of hoops to jump through before you could apply for an NP program, such as becoming an RN first. If some RNs know of some shorter routes to NP than through RN first, let us now.

A shorter route might be as a PA in 2-3 years. The MD degree allows far greater opportunities and independence in research. But, residency will be necessary for complete clinical independence. A PA/PhD will allow clinical work, but it would have to be with an MD.

 

[Sonya]

someone i work with told me about bridges program, which is three years to get a NP after some other BS degree. for instance, she majored in sociology and may go thru a bridges NP program and become an NP. I dont know much in terms of details, except the name bridges. But, thanks for explaining me that the standard way would be to get a BS in nursing first, i think your saying.

 

[deleted6669]

do a search for direct entry np. there are lots of programs that allow you to do a 3 yr program and get the bsn yr 1 and the msn/np yr 3 if you already have a bs in something.

 

[Farmer Jane]

Here's a link to UW-Milwaukee's direct entry program:
http://www4.uwm.edu/nursing/academics/master_directentry.cfm

This program seems to only offer a clinical nurse specialist program, and you may not wish to move into the land of sub-zero temperatures, but it should give you an idea about the structure of direct entry programs.

 

[Taurus]

If you're interested in clinical research, it's probably better to get the MD. I doubt that you would be able to obtain grants and be the principal investigator if you have an NP or PA. If you just want to help patients, then you can do the NP and work as one, but you wouldn't be able to take advantage of your PhD.

 

[PHealthMan]

Plenty of quality direct entry 3 year programs (yale and columbia included believe) exist for the Masters/NP. I think the answer to your question can only be obtained by reaching out to academics in the nursing field. Find a psych nurse practitioner at a university you are interested in and propose these questions to her in an email.

I have seen some great research come from NP/PhD's. However, I cannot recall any clinical trials. Most would be literature reviews or testing interventions that are more public health oriented (support groups, preventive medicine).

If you are interested in an MD/PhD route I would SERIOUSLY recommend talking to some people in that track of study. I have yet to meet one that seems satisfied. When I worked inpatient there was a senior resident assigned to the team who completed a PhD alongisde his medical education. He was mid 30's with kids he never saw and a wife on the verge of divorce. A PA colleague of mine who was much younger volunteered to work a xmas eve for him once. However, I do hear alot of buzz about changing residency. Soon this wont be the case .... maybe.