becoming a doctor vs a nurse?
955987
I am currently in nursing school. I chose it over medical school because I wanted to earn my degree and get to work as soon as possible. So, I'm working on my BSN. It's a four year degree as opposed to medical school being twice as long. Once I graduate, I plan on trying to specialize in ICU and then, at some point, I plan on becoming a nurse anesthetist. Nurses are in high demand right now, pay is good, and you won't have as much to pay back in loans after you finish school. Plus, if you decide you want to go back to school, there are plenty of options for specializing - you can even be a Nurse Practitioner, where you'll be able to prescribe medications and treat patients.\n\nNursing school is challenging, for sure. I wouldn't recommend trying to do too much else while you're in school, because between course work and clinical rotations, there really isn't much time for a personal life. I'm sure that it will be well worth it in the end, though.\n\nGood luck to you, whatever you decide.
372875
Everyone has a different motivation for their career choice.  I had wanted to be a nurse since I was 3 years old.  I only wavered once...in 11th grade, I considered being a pediatrician.  Lasted only a short time and I was back to the idea of being a nurse again...and I did become an R.N.
446200
well, it's up to you. what field are you more interested in? people more likely suceed when they love what they do.\n\nbut when you graduate, i think you'll get a job faster in nursing..
300200
Nurse anesthetist would not be a good choice for someone who isn't into chemistry.  Plenty of nurses get through nursing school with a little hard work to get through the classes that trouble them.  There's always tutoring for the more difficult courses.  Nurses are currently being paid quite well.  Have you considered a careet in public health and epidemiology.  Math and biology strengths would do well in that particular field and that is truly where the greatest impact is made.
1182701
Please make sure you genuinely care for people if you choose nursing.\nIts wonderful having a caring nurse when you are needing care...They are much admired, much valued and much appreciated by the sick...\nWe take good health so much for granted...and we also take these service professions for granted too...\nIts not an easy job...but its very rewarding..if you care for people and enjoy looking after them...and I speak from a patients point of view...
852437
Nursing is definitely in the top FIVE, blissfully...\n\nThere's such a major shortage of nurses through out the country, it is unbelievable :-(\n\nAs a nurse you can go into Pediatric, Geriatric, Podiatric, Medical/Surgical nursing --there's even Forensic nursing.\n\nThe possiblilites are endless :o)\n\nI do hope you make the wonderful world of nursing your final decision!
1160726
hey girl -  yay for nurses! em, i would research the medical schools you would like to attend and see what they require. see, since you are getting an RN, some of your classes may be applied to your medical education. So yeah, do your research and you will have a better idea of what you need to do to prepare. dont box yourself in! you are unique and your program should suit your needs and aspirations. go girl!
842749
Wrong focus.  It's not like it's med school.  Just get into a convenient and decent nursing program.  It's what you do after getting your nursing degree and passing the boards that makes you a great nurse, or not.
372252
A pediatrician is a medical doctor.  The coursework is not the same as it is for a nurse.  You need a 4-year college degree.  The major you choose isn't really important but you will need quite a few prerequisites for med school (generally 1 year of general chemistry, 1 year organic chemistry, 1 year physics, 1 year calculus, and 1 year biology).  \n\nOnce you get these prerequisites in you can take the MCAT (medical college aptitude test) and then begin applying to medical school.\n\nOnce accepted it is 4 years of medical school and 3-5 years residency (internship).  I'm not quite sure of the residency requirements for pediatricians.  You'd have to look that up.  It's probably 3 years.\n\nYou will have to pass the licensing exam in the state you want to practice in.  After that there is additional licensing and continuing education that all doctors have to do.  \n\nIf you want to be a nurse that is a 2 or 4 year program and you go to nursing school.  Nursing and being a doctor are two completely different careers and require different coursework.
314502
Nursing School helps!  I recommend that you go for a Bachelor's Degree at an accredited Nursing School at a University, rather than a community college.  More and more hospitals are preferring a BSN to an ADN.  Plus, with a BSN you have SO many more choices!  You can do Public Health, any hospital nursing, get into management, and become a travel nurse.  You should research with you local colleges and universities, or whichever ones are nearby, to find a nursing program that will work for your schedule, budget (though I recommend financial aid or loans), and career opportunity aspirations.\nNursing school is tough, but so fun and rewarding.  So is being a nurse!
1175952
I have been a nurse for 26 years.  I also just got my Bachelor's Degree last month.  I work in gynecology.  It is a wonderfully rewarding profession!!  If you are considering nursing as a profession, I would say go for it!
973459
You have a leg up in some ways on those who weren't nurses. I know that in med school I have a huge leg up on other people because I not only have my BSN but also an AAS is Surgical Technology.  If you meet the prerequisite requirements for whatever type of program, be it MD, DO, or NP, you'll have little issue getting in.  However, med school is much harder in some ways than nursing school was.
810251
I am a nurse and I actually work with a doctor who was a mechanic and now is a ER physician.  He loves those old Volvo's and drives on to work daily. \nAny ways.  You can be an RN in 2 years or 4 yrs.  When I went to nursing school, they were encouraging everyone to get 4 yr degrees because they said the 2 yr degree would phase out and become obsolete. No way!!! There is such a shortage of nurses they are begging them apply for jobs.  The difference is about .20 cents an hour where I work between a BSN prepared RN vs a AAS nurse. \nI make about $26 an hour now and I have been in the same job for the last 11 yrs with no plans to leave. \nIf you want to be a hospital nurse, you have to be able to tolerate a lot of peoples differences and understand its not about passing out BonBons.  It is very hard work.  I dig out impactions, give enema's, I have had vomit splattered from my hair to my shoes and always keep an extra set of pants in my locker in case someone poops, pukes or bleeds all over me. We have patients who come in with pneumonia and their trachs are bubbling out yellow green mucus and everytime they cough, you are better off to have a pair of goggles on.  We take care of a variety of infectious diseases and see everything. I could go on and on and on. Just realize nursing is not the glamour, its very hard work and you work on holidays, weekends, and they say the older nurses tend to "eat their young".  \nWe would love to have you though. My favorite male RN left a degree in forrestry to do t his, and you can too.
938261
you need to decide fror yourself if you want to become an rn. it takes more education but pays better
848395
I am an RN, the advantages are amazing.  You have so many fields to choose from, if you do not like one specialty you can find another.  The possibilities are endless.  I love the care I can give to my patients.  Rn's can make a horrible experience less traumatic just by a touch or kind word.  Something patients ALWAYS need.  Off course all of the medications and equipment are great to use but the human aspect of this profession is truly profound. \n   The disadvantage is burn out.  You give, give, give and reach a point at times that you just have no more to give.  Rn's do not have the respect we deserve.  We do so much more then the public realizes.   If you are making a decision, go for it, it was the best choice I have ever made and I have never regretted it.   Good luck :)
106806
Um, yeah, that last guy is just a jerk.  There's no shame in wanting to be a surgical tech or a nurse.  Spending loads of money and several years to become a doctor isn't a trade-off everyone is willing to make.  Anyway, you could always put off nursing school and see how you like the field first.  My dad used to be an OR tech and loved it.  The hours are great and the pay could be worse.
704672
If you're going into nursing because you think it's profitable, you're probably not cut out for the job.  The clue there was when you asked which was better.  Nursing is a vocation - you have to WANT to help people, not just do the job for financial gain.  The training is not just for 3 years, it's a lifelong learning curve and once qualified you have to prove that you are keeping up to date with your education and practice, or face being struck off the register.  If you're prepared to study for the rest of your working life, work extremely unsocial hours including night shift, weekends, xmas etc then go for it.  Have a look at the link below for entry requirements - this is the organisation you must apply to in order to gain entry into nurse training.