RN to PharmD?

[K78]

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Hi, I have a B.S. in Nursing and 4 years experience as a registered nurse. I'm seriously considering pharmacy as a career. I like healthcare and want to stay, but after doing serious reflection, I realize that nursing isn't a good fit. I want something that is a little more cognitive, and a little less hands on (and I admit it, I'm tired of bodily fluids. ) Is there anyone else out there going down this same path? Any suggestions for someone in my shoes? Also, I started a pharm tech course, but I am wondering if I need a lot of pharmacy experience to be competitive, or is my RN experience enough? Thanks 🙂

 

[alwaystired]

Hi, I have a B.S. in Nursing and 4 years experience as a registered nurse. I'm seriously considering pharmacy as a career. I like healthcare and want to stay, but after doing serious reflection, I realize that nursing isn't a good fit. I want something that is a little more cognitive, and a little less hands on (and I admit it, I'm tired of bodily fluids. ) Is there anyone else out there going down this same path? Any suggestions for someone in my shoes? Also, I started a pharm tech course, but I am wondering if I need a lot of pharmacy experience to be competitive, or is my RN experience enough? Thanks 🙂

We have at least 1 former RN in my class at USN. I am sure you would just have to explain why you want to change fields. You probably do not need a pharm tech course....I bet a pharmacy would hire you as a tech in training. But boy, that would be a pay cut. Good Luck.

 

[K78]

Alwaystired - Thanks for your reply...that is very encouraging to know that there is at least one RN in your class at USN, especially since USN would be one of my top picks to go to school! Do you like it there?

 

[konkan]

Hi, I have a B.S. in Nursing and 4 years experience as a registered nurse. I'm seriously considering pharmacy as a career. I like healthcare and want to stay, but after doing serious reflection, I realize that nursing isn't a good fit. I want something that is a little more cognitive, and a little less hands on (and I admit it, I'm tired of bodily fluids. ) Is there anyone else out there going down this same path? Any suggestions for someone in my shoes? Also, I started a pharm tech course, but I am wondering if I need a lot of pharmacy experience to be competitive, or is my RN experience enough? Thanks 🙂

I also have bachelor in nursing, but I am already a P2. Suggestions? Good PCAT score. In my mind, it is way more important than good GPA. As far as pharmacy related experience, I had none before pharm. school. Good luck.

 

[konkan]

Hi, I have a B.S. in Nursing and 4 years experience as a registered nurse. I'm seriously considering pharmacy as a career. I like healthcare and want to stay, but after doing serious reflection, I realize that nursing isn't a good fit. I want something that is a little more cognitive, and a little less hands on (and I admit it, I'm tired of bodily fluids. ) Is there anyone else out there going down this same path? Any suggestions for someone in my shoes? Also, I started a pharm tech course, but I am wondering if I need a lot of pharmacy experience to be competitive, or is my RN experience enough? Thanks 🙂

I also have bachelor in nursing, but I am already a P2. Suggestions? Good PCAT score. In my mind, it is way more important than good GPA. As far as pharmacy related experience, I had none before pharm. school. Good luck.

 

[honeykrown]

I'm going to be receiving my AD in Nursing by May and i plan on applying to pharm school by June (i'd be gettign experience the one year in between while completing my classes. I've always wanted to be in the science field but didnt decide to do pharmacy till i started Nursing school. Do u think this is a good enough excuse for switching. Also i wanted to use nursing as a stepping stone to pahrmacy. I like being a nurse but dont think i would love it as much as being a pahrmacist.

Any advise. I'm open to all.

 

[K78]

I also have bachelor in nursing, but I am already a P2. Suggestions? Good PCAT score. In my mind, it is way more important than good GPA. As far as pharmacy related experience, I had none before pharm. school. Good luck.

Hey Konkan, thanks for the reply. Do you mind me asking where you go to school? (you can PM me about it if you'd rather.) Also, has your nursing background helped you in pharmacy school?

 

[konkan]

Hey Konkan, thanks for the reply. Do you mind me asking where you go to school? (you can PM me about it if you'd rather.) Also, has your nursing background helped you in pharmacy school?

Wayne State. As far as nursing background, it's hard to say. I already was familiar with some med. terminology - so yeah, but that's about it. Don't think that if you have a bachelor in nursing, pharm. school is gonna be so much easier for you.

 

[alwaystired]

Alwaystired - Thanks for your reply...that is very encouraging to know that there is at least one RN in your class at USN, especially since USN would be one of my top picks to go to school! Do you like it there?

yes i do like it...but my life is pretty dull and thankless at times. I work quite a bit in the pharmacy and, of course, go to school for lots of hours each week and try to squeeze in some study time. But this is what it takes and it's only 3 years. I'm also lucky to not have to study as much as most of my classmates, or else there would be a lot less working.

 

[ZpackSux]

Friend of mine is an RN/RPh. He is a director of pharmacy for a small hospital but works the ER as an RN to fill in.

As an RN, you actually administer the drug and directly observe the drug take effect. Most pharmacists don't administer and monitor like the RNs do.

I have a tremendous respect for nursing and the work you do. I work closely with Nursing administration and Nursing in general...because as well as you know, without nursing, there is no patient care.

Good Luck in Pharmacy, you'll do well.

 

[brethart]

Hello everyone! I am new here.. Anyway, I'm an icu rn who is seriously considering going to pharmacy school.. After 3 yrs of nursing I thought of doing more education.. Meaning masters or advanced nursing practice (crna, apn, etc)..
And then I considered pharmacy school.. I think being an RN is a noble profession but I think that I dont want to do it anymore when i hit 40s..
It's really challenging when you're in the front line..
I want to stay in healthcare and I'd like to see myself working in an outpatient pharcmacy someday..
I'd always wanted to discuss this with colleagues but I dont see a lot of RNs going this route.. So I hope you guys can help me out here..

1. I have a BSN, how much more schooling do I need? How long is PharmD plus internship? I plan on doing it part time while I'm working as an RN..

2. Any USN (las vegas) students here who can give me advice? I plan on taking the pre reqs at CCSN and then applying at USN.. Is this a good idea?

Thanks to y'all! 😀

 

[brethart]

Hello everyone! I am new here.. Anyway, I'm an icu rn who is seriously considering going to pharmacy school.. After 3 yrs of nursing I thought of doing more education.. Meaning masters or advanced nursing practice (crna, apn, etc)..
And then I considered pharmacy school.. I think being an RN is a noble profession but I think that I dont want to do it anymore when i hit 40s..
It's really challenging when you're in the front line..
I want to stay in healthcare and I'd like to see myself working in an outpatient pharcmacy someday..
I'd always wanted to discuss this with colleagues but I dont see a lot of RNs going this route.. So I hope you guys can help me out here..

1. I have a BSN, how much more schooling do I need? How long is PharmD plus internship? I plan on doing it part time while I'm working as an RN..

2. Any USN (las vegas) students here who can give me advice? I plan on taking the pre reqs at CCSN and then applying at USN.. Is this a good idea?

Thanks to y'all! 😀

 

[RedRN2009]

Hi Breathart! I have a BSN as well. I'm really thinking about FNP or Pharmacy school. I have same questions as you. I just don't know how long it would take if I want to become a pharmacist. I have been a nurse for 3 years. I've worked in ICU and OR. I really don't think I want to stay in nursing for the rest of my life. I like helping people but I don't like dealing with the dirty stuff. lol. I like ICU because it is challenging and I learn a lot but it's also very emotionally draining. How come you don't want to pursue an advanced practice nurse license btw? For me, I think it would be the same thing...you still have to deal with patients and their family. I would rather not be in the front lines either...

 

[medicalCPA]

Hi Breathart! I have a BSN as well. I'm really thinking about FNP or Pharmacy school. I have same questions as you. I just don't know how long it would take if I want to become a pharmacist. I have been a nurse for 3 years. I've worked in ICU and OR. I really don't think I want to stay in nursing for the rest of my life. I like helping people but I don't like dealing with the dirty stuff. lol. I like ICU because it is challenging and I learn a lot but it's also very emotionally draining. How come you don't want to pursue an advanced practice nurse license btw? For me, I think it would be the same thing...you still have to deal with patients and their family. I would rather not be in the front lines either...

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