Hey everyone, I'm currently in nursing school trying to figure out where to go from here. What I want to eventually end up doing is working for an NGO or something similar trying to promote reproductive health in developing countries. My current dilema is trying to figure out where to go after I get my RN.
On one hand from what I understand MDs are a fairly universal degree with very little restrictions that won't vary as much when compared to trying to work overseas with an NP or PA. I assume I will learn more practical skills and less nursing theory, something especially DNPs are notorious for. The downside is a considerable more time in school, especially where I am already spending longer on my bachelors than average because I wasn't originally a nursing major, and am having to grapple with the bureaucratic obstacles in the way of people who change their path in college. I would likely go for a post-baccalaureate program to bridge the gap in med school prereqs, which will be another 1-2 years, plus any extra time for an MPH.
The benefits of an NP would obviously be less time, but there are possibly some practical advantages that I was hoping someone could clarify for me. First of all, I'm more interested in spreading birth control and other preventative measures than delivering babies. I contacted Planned Parenthood a little while ago, and they informed me that they really didn't use doctors, except for in executive positions. Considering the current head of Planned Parenthood is a history major with no formal medical training, it's hard not to wonder if the extra time would be worth it. This of course could be something unique to a country like the US, and shouldn't be generalized to less developed countries. What is the roll of MDs in preventative reproductive health? I'm not necessarily that concerned with owning my own practice, and the research I'm interested in is more epidemiological than developing treatments. I guess the best way to sum up my interest in research is applying and finding ways to implement what we already know to places that desperately need it , rather than come up with new treatments. If the main perks of going through med school would be executive positions, I would rather do patient care. My main concern is that is seems that higher level nursing is starting to push towards DNP degrees, and a 4 year degree of mostly theory seems very unappealing to me. I also don't want solid opportunities to fall away because I chose the wrong degree.
While I'm sure either path would provide a fulfilling career, I have already invested enough in this dream that I do not want to be held back, even if it means giving up the next decade of my life. Thanks in advance for any and all advice you can give me, I greatly appreciate it
On one hand from what I understand MDs are a fairly universal degree with very little restrictions that won't vary as much when compared to trying to work overseas with an NP or PA. I assume I will learn more practical skills and less nursing theory, something especially DNPs are notorious for. The downside is a considerable more time in school, especially where I am already spending longer on my bachelors than average because I wasn't originally a nursing major, and am having to grapple with the bureaucratic obstacles in the way of people who change their path in college. I would likely go for a post-baccalaureate program to bridge the gap in med school prereqs, which will be another 1-2 years, plus any extra time for an MPH.
The benefits of an NP would obviously be less time, but there are possibly some practical advantages that I was hoping someone could clarify for me. First of all, I'm more interested in spreading birth control and other preventative measures than delivering babies. I contacted Planned Parenthood a little while ago, and they informed me that they really didn't use doctors, except for in executive positions. Considering the current head of Planned Parenthood is a history major with no formal medical training, it's hard not to wonder if the extra time would be worth it. This of course could be something unique to a country like the US, and shouldn't be generalized to less developed countries. What is the roll of MDs in preventative reproductive health? I'm not necessarily that concerned with owning my own practice, and the research I'm interested in is more epidemiological than developing treatments. I guess the best way to sum up my interest in research is applying and finding ways to implement what we already know to places that desperately need it , rather than come up with new treatments. If the main perks of going through med school would be executive positions, I would rather do patient care. My main concern is that is seems that higher level nursing is starting to push towards DNP degrees, and a 4 year degree of mostly theory seems very unappealing to me. I also don't want solid opportunities to fall away because I chose the wrong degree.
While I'm sure either path would provide a fulfilling career, I have already invested enough in this dream that I do not want to be held back, even if it means giving up the next decade of my life. Thanks in advance for any and all advice you can give me, I greatly appreciate it