RN Needing Opinions

[cacamilis222]

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Hello Errrrrbody,

I would like to start off by saying I have been an avid reader and appreciate everyones stories and advice that I have seen on here. It has helped me confirm the decision in my head to move forward with my medical plans.

My background is that I have worked in the healthcare field for the past 4 years, as both a CNA and a RN. I graduated from a university with my BSN and have been working as a nurse for over a year. I discovered about half way through nursing school that I had a constant desire to understand more about the procedures and a fascination with the way medicine interacts with the human body; a desire that would not be truly fulfilled by nursing. While working in the Emergency Department I have grown to love medicine even more and that desire to have a greater scope of practice has not gone away. So I have decided to take the initial steps into becoming an MD/DO. But before I do, I want to ensure that I do it right. So I have come to you all, seeking your advice.

I began my education at a community college where I fulfilled my prerequisites for nursing school. I took a year off and then transferred to a university where I graduated with a cGPA of 3.56. My sGPA at the CC before I began nursing school was 3.72 and included courses such as Chem I, Bio I, A&P I&II, Micro and Nutrition.

My dilemma is that I do not know how to get back in the game. Financially, I would like to go back to community college and finish off some of the pre-reqs and then transition in to a 4 year university that has some form of a post-bacc program. But a few more things arise.
1.) I want to be prepared for the dreaded MCAT, and do not know if I should retake my previous classes at a community college
A.) My science pre-reqs are coming close to being 5 years old and by the time I fully invest time into this will be 6 years. I understand that MD schools average the GPA and DO's forgive grades. This would mostly be for an MCAT advantage. What are your thoughts?
2.) I live in the Seattle area which does not have a great history of post-bacc programs and am unable to leave at this time due to financial constraints.

My goal is the University of Washington post-bacc program which I have found older threads on, but would still like some additional input on. To sum it up, finish the pre-reqs at a CC and do advaced classes at UW which I have read is an additional plus. I am weary of doing a 2nd undergraduate degree but would like to hear your thoughts on that.

So in a small nutshell, thats the plan, or idea anyway. What do you guys think? I know I will get stern opinions about community college but remember, finances are a priority and post-baccs are slim to none around here. This is what I desire and I am ready to hit the ground running. Again I want to thank you all for your stories and look forward to hearing from you.

 

[Echoseven]

You sound like me, meticulously reviewing all the steps before embarking on a different path. 🙂 I may not be in the majority, but I don't see a problem with getting your pre-reqs done at a community college, provided that the college is actually offering the level of course that you need. I am finishing up my BS at a 4-year state school that I am lucky enough to have in my hometown. My institution also has a nursing program. The classes are very different for biology majors vs nursing majors. Basically, the bio and chem required for nursing majors will not count toward a biology degree because the course numbers are lower. (Example, Chem100 vs Chem 115) I don't know if the content is really different, but the school does not treat them equally. I would check with your state med school (assuming you'd want to apply there) or other schools that interest you and discuss the specific classes you have under your belt and if they will count toward the pre-reqs for admission. I'd hate for you to find out later that your bio classes weren't counted or something.

Second question, why are you looking into additional classes past the pre-reqs? I have friends with BS degrees that just took their pre-reqs, MCAT, and applied. As a non-trad, I'm not sure extra courses are worth the time. You already have more practical knowledge as an RN than most of the other applicants, so I'd use that experience to your advantage. I'm a non-trad too, but from a different field altogether. In my interview and PS I played up the ways my skills acquired in my previous career would transfer to being a good physician. Apparently it worked and I'll be an MS-1 in August. You have even less of a leap to make there, so use it! 🙂

As far as the MCAT, I took an accelerated prep course in the evenings online for 2 months before the test. It helped not only with content but with structure.

I hope this helps. Good luck! It's a crazy journey but it is worth the work.

 

[9675309]

Hi I am an RN with a BSN also starting the whole pre-med process. You will need to transfer your credits to the college or university that you are going to do your post bacc at.
You can do a formal post bacc or a diy post bacc. I am doing a diy post bacc (informal...just taking the courses on my own) due to the cost of the formal one at our local university being more than I can afford right now since I have 3 kids (even though they are older -teens- they are still expensive LOL).
Once you get your transcripts transferred, you will have a better assessment of what you need to take.

I apparently took the correct Bio 1 course because I took a higher level bio than I needed for my BSN program. However, the chemistry I took wasn't, so I have to start at the beginning and take the pre-req to the Chem 1 chemistry course. I took my BSN in AZ but am in FL now so apparently the chem I took in AZ (which is still listed in that school's catalog as the pre-req to chem 1) somehow doesn't transfer to the school I am at here in FL as such! Furthermore, the College Algebra I took in AZ transfers at my current school as their OLD College Algebra course and they say I must take the 'New One" before I can even get into Chem 1...I tried arguing with them to no avail lol.
Soooo, I am currently taking the pre-req to Chem 1 at a night course and will review my algebra and re-take college algebra in the summer and start on the actual pre-reqs in the fall.
I am trying to look at the positive aspects: It really won't hurt me to review chemistry and math before I start my actual pre-reqs since it has been 15 yrs since I got my BSN 🙂

Like you, I took micro, A&P 1 &2, Pathophys, advanced nutrition, etc. They don't seem to be actual pre-reqs though.

You should look at the MD or DO schools that you would want to attend and see what they require and tailor your post bacc to that.

From what I hear, it will look good that you have an inside working knowledge of the healthcare field and lots of actual hands on patient care and experience dealing with families and critical situations.
Also, it may help you with doctor shadowing and getting a decent LOR since you work with them, if they are open to it.

Anyhow, I would just like to encourage you. RNs do not do enough of that with each other in my opinion lol. Lets keep in touch 🙂

 

[jl lin]

Get this book:


http://www.amazon.com/Medical-Schoo...?ie=UTF8&qid=1357843084&sr=8-2&keywords=AMCAS



The process is pretty much uniform for everyone, regardless of what you majored in in your undergrad.

Get the prereqs BCPM, score high in them and the MCAT, and do all the other legwork required. See the book noted above.

There is not much of a benefit to nursing as undergrad, unless maybe you have some strong acute or critical care experience over some decent years. I say this b/c if you have that you have some keen insights that other undergrads do not have into healthcare and medical processes, and the struggles of say residents, fellows, and attendings--IF you worked in an areaswhere you worked closely with them. That's a big if depending on what you worked and where as a nurse. Other than that, you are in the same boat as everyone else. I went into nursing b/c I believed it was what I wanted, until, even with working all kinds of critical care, I saw that it fell short for me in a number of ways. I certainly never went into nursing aiming for medicine. To me a better approach would be something like biochemistry major--> to med school.

Get the book and figure out what the hoops are. But other than clinical insights and proximity with physicians, depending. . . there is no easier in-road to medicine with nursing as an undergrad. I think it might be for some nurses and not so much for others--depends upon your experience. But the application process is what it is, so get the book and work on the hoops.

Good luck!

 

[candicen]

I am also a RN. I am having trouble at work because I am only available to work 4 days a week and according to my boss, it is not appropriate to have a set schedule (night shift by the way.) Does any other RN mind to share how you set your work and school schedule?

 

[cacamilis222]

Hello all,

Thanks for all your comments. It has been very much appreciated

Originally posted by Echoseven:
Second question, why are you looking into additional classes past the pre-reqs?[

I have seen when reading through threads that people recommend if having to go the CC route, try and head to the 4 year university at some point and try out some advanced courses which will show med schools that you are capable not only of advanced science, but at a university level. Its something that I can consider while moving through the CC. Right now my main focus is destroying the MCAT which I feel the CC classes and my own study methods will help with.

Originally posted by Echoseven:
Apparently it worked and I'll be an MS-1 in August.

That is very awesome. My congrats to you, you deserve it!

Originally posted by Echoseven:
I took an accelerated prep course in the evenings online for 2 months before the test. It helped not only with content but with structure.

What is the name of the program? I am very interested for future use.

Originally posted by 9675309:
Anyhow, I would just like to encourage you. RNs do not do enough of that with each other in my opinion lol. Lets keep in touch

I absolutely agree. There is no positive energy for nurses wanting something different in the health care field. But I think we need to change that.

Originally posted by jl lin:
I went into nursing b/c I believed it was what I wanted, until, even with working all kinds of critical care, I saw that it fell short for me in a number of ways. I certainly never went into nursing aiming for medicine. To me a better approach would be something like biochemistry major--> to med school.

I feel completely the same way. I went into nursing to do just that, be a nurse. But as I have grown to love medicine, my desire to know and understand more has surpassed my professional capabilities. I did not make this choice lightly, but I am proud of the background I am coming from. I feel that where I am coming from will one day make me a great physician.

Originally posted by jl lin:
Good luck!

Very much appreciated!

 

[9675309]

I am also a RN. I am having trouble at work because I am only available to work 4 days a week and according to my boss, it is not appropriate to have a set schedule (night shift by the way.) Does any other RN mind to share how you set your work and school schedule?

Hi,
I think it might depend on where you work. I have only worked in hospitals so we only have 3 12s a week (in theory lol) Of course they like you to be available to work overtime. I am only taking 2 days off per week for school right now, so there are 5 available days. If you offer to be available 5 days including every Fri, Sat, Sun they usually like that idea. This is good for me because if I only do school on say, Tues and Thurs or Mon and Wed then you have a lot of study time during the week unless you have to work a ton of overtime. If you work nights maybe it would be better for you to take evening classes in order to keep on the same schedule since you are used to being more alert at night and might study better that way? I guess this would depend on your family situation (kids etc).
Maybe working for a registry might be better too because you get paid more per hr and can pick and choose your hours more. I don't know, but I have been thinking of exploring that option.

I personally would keep it quiet about being pre-med. I would like to hear what the other nurses here think about that but I know nurses who went pre-med or even for nurse anesthesia and they often got very nasty attitudes from the other nurses where they work. I don't know why it has any affect on some nurses what others want to accomplish in their personal life unless its just professional jealousy but it is real. It seems like it is perfectly okay for a nurse to say, " I want to be a nurse practitioner' or "I want to be a nurse educator" but if you say doctor or nurse anesthetist, the fangs come out LOL! So sometimes I am feeling a little on the 'down-low' about the whole thing lol.

Some managers seem to be more supportive that others too. It probably depends on your work setting and other factors too. For now and probably all the way until I get through premed, I am just telling everyone that I am taking courses for personal enrichment and as long as it doesn't affect my job..its nobody's business what I do as far as school. I am not trying to get education reimbursement or anything and paying out of my own pocket.

 

[popopopop]

I am also a RN. I am having trouble at work because I am only available to work 4 days a week and according to my boss, it is not appropriate to have a set schedule (night shift by the way.) Does any other RN mind to share how you set your work and school schedule?

I moved four hours away from where I was living so I can even have a chance of taking college classes again, work is important but not a central part of my life right now. If you aren't the sole bread-winner, apply for a new hospital or switch floors, drop down to part-time (you can obviously work more if you needed to). I just got a new prn weekend position that I'm starting in a week. It was my only option if I were to take my classes and commit to my other obligations.

 

[takeonme]

I am also a RN. I am having trouble at work because I am only available to work 4 days a week and according to my boss, it is not appropriate to have a set schedule (night shift by the way.) Does any other RN mind to share how you set your work and school schedule?

I'm having a similar problem in that we were told we could not request certain days of the week off for school (hey, maybe they'll be more lenient towards nurses going back to school to become NPs?). Classes haven't started yet but I've tried networking with others who could potentially trade shifts with me. I can already tell it's going to be a challenge since I also work nights. With having to work every other weekend and classes typically being at least twice a week (likely MW classes), I know I will have to do some juggling and sacrifice a good amount of sleep. I have found many supportive SDN RNs pursuing their MD. Most people have recommended part-time RN jobs, if possible. Good luck!

 

[candicen]

I usually request to work fri-sun. Idk why my NM has problem with that since usually they are short on weekends...is it that why they require people to work on particular weekends? What do you say when you co workers know you are in school? I said I like science and they all think I am crazy🙂 I am fairly new nurseso Idk if prn will work out? And I want to network with other rns on same boat. You prefer private message?

 

[jl lin]

I am also a RN. I am having trouble at work because I am only available to work 4 days a week and according to my boss, it is not appropriate to have a set schedule (night shift by the way.) Does any other RN mind to share how you set your work and school schedule?

Um, yes. This is not uncommon in nursing. People assume it's great. You can make half-decent wages as a nurse while going to school. LOL. Many places have this sense of ownership over you and your hours. Maybe it's more specific to certain areas, like critical care; but it can be a pain. You have to do what is best for your life and goals. So that may mean you have to drop back and punt. Shoot I just worked three different shifts in three days, with little sleep, so that I can accomodate school. Per diem can be your friend, if you have other back-up--like benefits and so forth in place. But there is no easy way if you have to work. And as you know, nursing can be tiring in more ways that one, so. . .add kids and family and other stressors, well, you end up doing what you have to do.

 

[Temperature101]

I am also a RN. I am having trouble at work because I am only available to work 4 days a week and according to my boss, it is not appropriate to have a set schedule (night shift by the way.) Does any other RN mind to share how you set your work and school schedule?

Do what you got to do. I had the same problem and I told my boss that I could work every weekend and she was happy to let me since no one else wants to work very weekend and I was able to get my prerequisite for med school done. Now studying for the freaking MCAT.

 

[wholeheartedly]

Not a nurse, but work in a hospital diagnostic lab so I deal with scheduling issues too. I can't technically pick my schedule as everyone in my unit has a set rotation, but trading isn't a problem and I've had no trouble convincing people to let me take their weekend night shifts so I can go to school during the week. Works well for everyone. I do pick up some shifts if someone is sick or something.

Otherwise part-time, per diem, or switching jobs might be your best bet.

 

[Echoseven]

I have seen when reading through threads that people recommend if having to go the CC route, try and head to the 4 year university at some point and try out some advanced courses which will show med schools that you are capable not only of advanced science, but at a university level. Its something that I can consider while moving through the CC. Right now my main focus is destroying the MCAT which I feel the CC classes and my own study methods will help with.


That is very awesome. My congrats to you, you deserve it!



What is the name of the program? I am very interested for future use.

After I posted, I thought about that too. I can see that advanced classes at a university could be helpful, but I would still try to talk to admissions at the schools you're interested in to make sure it isn't a lot of work for little benefit. What one school values isn't always what another school does, so if you have your heart set on a particular school like I did it wouldn't hurt to consult with admissions. I found them to be really helpful and open.

Thank you! 🙂

It was the Princeton Review. It's pricey, but they do offer sales sometimes. I didn't find the cost to be awful once I broke down what I was getting. There was a giant box of review books that would've been hundreds on their own, access to a ton of online practice, access to I think 30 practice MCAT's, plus all of the online interactive classroom time. I didn't even get through all the online practice before I took the exam because there was so much available. They offered a 1 year guarantee that if you don't get the score you want, you can attend the class again for free and you retain access to all the online stuff during that year. If I hadn't done well on my first try, I don't know if I would have done the class part again, but the online practice was really awesome.

Good luck! 🙂

 

[drdoom12]

I am in a similar situation. I graduated with my BSN this past May and decided around senior year that nurse anesthesia was not something I wanted to do anymore. In fact, my decision almost made me switch majors completely, which I am glad I did not do. Currently, I'm working PRN in an ICU while taking the remainder of my prerequisites (I have this semester plus two more to go). As far as schedule goes, I let my boss know my plans upon being hired, although I told her I didn't know what I wanted to do as of yet. She hired me with the understanding that I could work no more than two days a week due to my school schedule. Of course, you may not be able to do this, as I am fortunate enough to still live at home.

As far as your plan goes, I would say to just take your prereqs and, if time permits, take extra courses. For example, my first semester doing an informal postbac consisted of a full-time course load just because I felt like there were courses being offered that would either fulfill certain medical school's recommended course lists or help me on the MCAT. I only did this because I was confident I could do well in them all(as in, A's). That's really the name of the game. As long as you feel comfortable and confident that you can maintain an A in the course, I would say go ahead and take it. This, of course, applies to courses like cell biology, genetics, etc. Prerequisites should be your first priority, though, as these are the ones that are vital to make A's in.

While I don't think the general consensus states that it is favorable to take prerequisites at community colleges, I think you have a legitimate excuse. If it is brought up during an interview, you could always relay to the adcom that it was a financially-based decision. I think you should at least try to get a few of them, like organic, at a four year university, though.

As far as retakes are concerned, I wouldn't worry about retaking biology 1. However, if you don't feel as comfortable with chemistry, it wouldn't necessarily hurt to retake it. As a freshman and not very serious student, I took chemistry 1 during a summer session and made a B. I retook it last semester, made an A, and feel amazingly confident about the material. This, of course, helps with chemistry 2, as well, since a lot of the material builds from the first semester. Plus, at least at my institution, you have to take a comprehensive final over both semesters.

I would also recommend trying to get some non-medical volunteering in. I'm sure it will be difficult with your work and class schedule, but even something like 3 hours a week would, in my mind, help you out quite a bit. Some may disagree.

 

[takeonme]

I am in a similar situation. I graduated with my BSN this past May and decided around senior year that nurse anesthesia was not something I wanted to do anymore. In fact, my decision almost made me switch majors completely, which I am glad I did not do. Currently, I'm working PRN in an ICU while taking the remainder of my prerequisites (I have this semester plus two more to go). As far as schedule goes, I let my boss know my plans upon being hired, although I told her I didn't know what I wanted to do as of yet. She hired me with the understanding that I could work no more than two days a week due to my school schedule. Of course, you may not be able to do this, as I am fortunate enough to still live at home.

Wow! You're incredibly lucky. As a new grad, being able to find a PRN job, esp in the ICU, congrats. The job market in CA sucks and you take what you can get... or move. AND being able to tell your boss about your plans?! I'm extremely jealous of you. My job is definitely the biggest obstacle in my pre-med journey right now. We can request days off but they like to really limit our requests and a lot of times you don't get it off (sucks that science classes are 2-3x week!). We have to find someone to trade which can be tough. I ended up with a W last sem d/t work conflicts with school😡

How many classes are you taking each sem?

 

[drdoom12]

Wow! You're incredibly lucky. As a new grad, being able to find a PRN job, esp in the ICU, congrats. The job market in CA sucks and you take what you can get... or move. AND being able to tell your boss about your plans?! I'm extremely jealous of you. My job is definitely the biggest obstacle in my pre-med journey right now. We can request days off but they like to really limit our requests and a lot of times you don't get it off (sucks that science classes are 2-3x week!). We have to find someone to trade which can be tough. I ended up with a W last sem d/t work conflicts with school😡

How many classes are you taking each sem?

I was incredibly lucky to find this opportunity. Part of it was due to my friend already working full-time in the ICU, so he put in a good word for me. Note, though, that this is in a pretty rural setting, and our ICU stays pretty packed. They want all of the help they can get, regardless of how many days a week someone might work.

Last semester I took 14, I think, hours, with cell biology, chemistry 1, and other classes. This semester I am only taking 4 hours (chemistry 2 and lab). I am thinking about taking Calculus 1 this summer. The next two full semesters will each consist of organic chem, organic chem lab, physics, and physics lab, as well as studying for the MCAT.