RN school during unexpected gap years?

[EMTinside]

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Hi all,

MD school hopeful here that has to put applications on hold for a while. I’m wondering if I’m on the right track.

A little background: during my undergrad, both of my parents were diagnosed with terminal cancer. I made the commitment to care for them both while their illnesses run their courses. After my dad died I finished my neuroscience BS, while my mom was stable. Originally her prognosis was poor, but she got an unexpected remission with chemo and surgery. Her remission is expected to last anywhere from 1-10 years. I don’t feel applying to medical school now would be wise with that looming ahead.

With the uncertainty of that timeframe, I decided to take a step-wise entry to medicine: I’m almost through paramedic school and am considering a paramedic to RN (flight nurse) bridge program next.

I’ve found EMS work unexpectedly fun and (sometimes) rewarding. Most of all it’s made me certain that patient care is my calling. Becoming an RN would mean a huge pay increase, more scope of practice, and a chance to improve my GPA.

However, I’m concerned about how Ad-coms will perceive my “adventurous” path. Would it make my history/intent confusing? Any ideas on how to spin it favorably?

Any general thoughts on doing this or other suggestions to use this time to strengthen my application?

 

[Talkbirthytome]

First off - condolences. What an awful time you all have been through. I work under oncology. Unimaginable course.

Your story doesn't need any spinning. It sounds like you're being strategic and that's a huge plus. There is no confusion in waiting until things settle down and pursuing other healthcare avenues in the meantime. Flight nursing is not easy to get into and that will set you apart - as will your family history.

When you write your personal statement in the future, you'll have a lot of things to write about. Your blurb above is the beginnings of an honest, touching, strong and admirable personal statement.

You're going to have a multitude of experience in patient care. Your heart is in the right place. Being an EMT and RN are both great careers that will be looked upon favorably.

Hopefully your mom's prognosis remains positive. Keep on your path if that's what you feel is the right thing to do. No negatives there.

Add some volunteering and shadowing of physicians if you can. If this comes with flight nursing, even better.

Good luck!