RN to MD

[takeonme]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hello SDN. I frequently searched forums to seek out situations similar to my own which has lead me to create my own thread. I am a new nurse slowly but surely going down the premed route. First of all, I understand the difference between the two professions and I understand the uphill battle I will be fighting to get into med school. Unfortunately, I would have majored in Biology for my UG but for various reasons, I could not and I needed to help my family financially. With that being said, I guess I am reaching out to SDN for advice and support.

I know the nursing prerequisite courses do not cover the requirements for med school. I have managed to fit some in during my UG, but I do need approx. 1.5 year(s)? left in requirements due to the chemistry sequence. What I would like to know is how I can make myself stand out. I intend on continuing working as a nurse full-time but with the budget cuts and lack of classes, I might consider switching to part-time in the future so I can take the classes I need. Along with working as a nurse, for as long as I can, I will also continue volunteering at an ALF. Do I need additional volunteer work? Research? I plan on shadowing, as well.

I graduated with a 3.72 (w/ several of the premed reqs under my belt). Will it be frowned upon that I take the remaining classes at CC? Does anyone have any stories or experiences to share?

 

[SeekerOfTheTree]

So you are going to get a lot of terrible advice on the forum like I did as a non trad and I will tell you what I have learned on my journey.

1) Research helps at high tier school. Most don't really care.

2) We volunteer to get experience in the medical field. You would have been working as a nurse for 2 years almost before applying. I think that is more than enough.

3) Your GPA is sexy. Don't sweat it.

4) I took most of my courses at a CC due to money and convenience. That is a hotly debated topic on these forums. For non trads the adcom gods understand why we take courses where we do.

5) be sure this is what you want. It's a tough journey.

Feel free to contact me. I am just getting into residency and looking back it was a quick ride but I wouldn't do it again.

 

[SeekerOfTheTree]

Also just curious why not NP?

 

[takeonme]

Also just curious why not NP?

For me, it's the approach to patient care as well as the knowledge base. I've considered both options and ultimately, I have decided this is the route I want to take, no matter how risky or difficult it may be.

 

[SeekerOfTheTree]

For me, it's the approach to patient care as well as the knowledge base. I've considered both options and ultimately, I have decided this is the route I want to take, no matter how risky or difficult it may be.

You can do it! I knew an ortho resident that was a nurse at the same program. You can work a shift a week during the first 2 years in my opinion.

 

[takeonme]

You can do it! I knew an ortho resident that was a nurse at the same program. You can work a shift a week during the first 2 years in my opinion.

Thanks! Wow... that's pretty inspiring. It's nice to hear about others who were once in the same profession getting into med school and totally rocking it!!!😳

 

[panamishe]

I did exactly what you're attempting to do with no problems and a lower gpa, no research, and no volunteering. Just do well on your MCAT and you'll be fine. I'm currently interviewing for residency now in a very competitive surgical subspecialty! If you search my responses you'll see some advice I've given others in your shoes or you can PM me. Good luck!

 

[i5hina]

Hey takeonme,

I thought I was the only one, but we're both in the same scenario. Nursing major, 3.9 GPA, Heart Failure research at a top hospital, a few shadowing experiences here and there, and some healthcare volunteering even though most of my volunteering is peer tutoring. I graduated this past may with a BSN and I'm working full time on a tele floor. I took off this past fall semester off because my job wasn't entirely flexible with my schedule, being that I had to orient for 3 months. With that said, I'm taking a few classes next semester, and I'm also studying for the MCAT. I'm about 3 courses away from fulfilling my pre reqs, so I'm applying this next cycle. It's tough nonetheless, but its doable. Just stay focused and be positive. Feel free to message me, if you have any questions or advice.

It's always good to know you're not the only one going through this crazy process.

 

[vietdoc77]

Me: > 5 years CICU RN prior to med school. One of my classmate is an ICU nurse for whatever yearsss that I can't even remember. Here is my thought:
- First: like other member said, your GPA is sexy... keep up the good work on the remain classes. If you feel overwhelmed with nursing job sometimes (for me- most of the time) then take one or two classes at a time or switch to per diem job to pursuit your dream which I did. Most of people think we only work 3 days a week, we will have lots of time to do whatever we want, and that is not true. After I worked 3 days, it took me at least another 2 days not just lying but laying in bed or back and force from bed to couch to recover. So, what out for your health lols.
- Second: Being a nurse is a HUGE advantage for you when you apply to med schools, especially DO schools, if you are interested. The interviewers were very impressed by my RN thing =)
- Third: Reqs at CC are not getting frowned, most of the cases.
- If you ace the MCAT, I am sure you will get in either MD or DO schools with your stats.