[medeirosaurus]

Hey,

I'm new here. As the title of my post says, I'm interested in going into nursing, but my desired end result is to get into medical school. Obviously, I don't expect anybody to have much insight into medical school, and I've been doing my research into it. But, nursing school is a horse of a different color. The job of a nurse seems so much more intense then that of an MD.

Anyway, as a nurse, is there any time available to go to school to pursue a more advanced degree? I intend on getting an associates and moving to a four year degree. From there, that's when I would try to apply to medical schools. But, that's another story.

Anyone have any suggestions, comments, beratements, etc? Thanks.

[BeachyCEN]

Hi,
While doing your research have you looked into Nursing Advanced Practice Degrees? Years of schooling wise I am not sure it is too different depending how many classes you take...but there are Master's Degrees in Nursing that are advanced such as Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Practitioner and work with doctors and do a lot of advanced procedures. As far as the med school goes, I am unfamiliar with the chances of getting in with a nursing degree...my only comment regarding that is that nursing school is a lot of work not to have a career in it...

Good Luck,

~KelRN24

~ Panic plays no part in the training of a nurse. ~ Elizabeth Kenny

[medeirosaurus]

I have considered an NP track, and certainly haven't ruled it out. I do agree that nursing is a lot of work to jump ship after a few years, but regardless of which direction I go in, I'm still going to be doing A LOT of work. In regards to your degree when applying for medical schools, it's irrelevant. In fact, some medical schools like to see concentrations in the humanities. My intention in going to nursing and then to medical school is two fold: to gain experience in the medical field on a first-hand basis, working with other medical professionals, and side-by-side with doctors. Also, I'm not exactly rolling in the dough. I have a wife and a kid, and I'm the only one working. It seems that nursing provides excellent work stability, salary, and benefits and I can't ignore those factors.

All-in-all, my position is that nursing seems like an excellent field to work in, what with job availability, salary range, etc. It also seems to fall in line with my long term goal of becoming a doctor. My biggest concern is the ability to actually go to school while a nurse. I won't have a 4-year degree, which is required for medical school, and apparently for more advancement within nursing. And then, I also need to complete several pre-requisite courses and the MCATS.

Does anyone have any feedback on the the realistic expectations I should have in working in the field and going to school?

[hsrealinvest]

I am completing my MBA concentration in healthcare management (I will be 96% complete by summer of 08). I am Asian Indian and previously owned a real estate business for 10 years. My hobbies are improving historic houses, Koi ponds (built 3 so far), landscaping, nature, traveling, natural food, cooking, traveling and making new friends. I am scared to death to apply for the MSN program since I have not seen any Indian male nurses. I am not sure how minority male nurses get treated during the process in the nursing school. Also with MBA/MSN, can anyone decide to go into administration without practicing clinical aspect of it? What are the benefits of having MBA and MSN instead of just having an MBA with healthcare administration? Are there any Indian male nurses in this field? I would also like to get some information to the universities that are two year program for non-nurses and enjoy a diverse body of students. Preferably a nursing program, where 50% are males instead of only 10 to 11% standard male enrollment in most universities.