MD or RN/CRNA/NP? Or even PA?
I’m 18 and currently a first-year nursing student taking prereqs so I can start applying to nursing programs, but lately I’ve been really conflicted about whether I should stay on the nursing/CRNA path or switch toward MD/DO.
I work in an ICU as a PCT, so I’ve been around nurses, CRNAs, anesthesiologists, and doctors. What’s throwing me off is that a lot of the doctors and nurses I’ve talked to keep telling me to go to med school. That honestly surprised me because I always hear doctors complain about the long hours, debt, stress, etc. At the same time, I know nurses deal with a lot of bedside stress too, and doctors obviously have more financial upside.
My original goal was CRNA because it felt like a strong middle ground: good pay, interesting work, more independence, and a better lifestyle than some physician paths. But I’ve also had nurses tell me not to go into nursing only to become a CRNA, because it’s more of a path for people who already know they want nursing first. And if you think about it becoming a CRNA might end up taking as long as a typical MD path considering the ICU work experience.
One of my biggest concerns with premed is the risk. I don’t even know what I’d major in, and something like biology honestly sounds boring to me. Plus, if I don’t get into med school, I don’t want to be stuck with a degree that doesn’t lead to a stable job. That’s why part of me thinks nursing first makes sense because it gives me a reliable career, and maybe I could still try for MD/DO later if I really want to.
Another thing with nursing is the flexibility in comparison to the MD route. I can do management, IT, Travel, CRNA , NP. If one thing doesn’t work I can be flexible with what’s after. This builds onto my fear of being stuck if I don’t get into med school.
I know money matters, but I’m not only chasing money. I want financial freedom, but I also want to actually enjoy my life and not hate my job. I’ve shadowed CRNAs and anesthesiologists, worked with ICU nurses and doctors, and I still feel stuck between both paths.
Idk what to think I’m just really conflicted with my own thoughts. I’m open to any advice and private chats if anyone has the time and advice to spare.