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Upon completing my Nursing Pre-requisites, I began the road to my Biology degree having already taken Anatomy & Physiology. These two classes alone have made my undergraduate career so much easier. In classes such as Organismal Biology, Cell & Developmental Biology, Genetics, Comparative Anatomy, Histology, and Immunology, I find that I already know half of the material being taught.
It also gives me a unique perspective when viewing the "Health Care Profession" as a whole, which I'll be glad to talk about during the Medical School Interview and also something I intend to make a central point in my Personal Statement. For those that never really gave Nursing a second thought, I'll give you a little insight into that now because it really is a different point of view and much different way for caring for the sick & injured.
Most nurses are very good at what they do. But there is a fundamental difference between Nurses and Doctors. In addition to the daily needs the patient's health demands, Nurses are trained in using equipment to get specific readings from that patient. If that reading is above a specific value, the nurse does "Steps 1, 2, and 3." If that reading is below a specific value, the nurse does "Steps A, B, and C." This is an over simplified example, I know. But there is a point I'm trying to make.
I'm not trying to diminish the value of a nurse. It's a very important job, it's a very important skill, and it takes a very important person to take on this job. The fact is that some nurses (especially straight out of nursing school) only have a vague understanding of the science behind what they're doing. Some nurses are extremely intelligent, are fast learners, and educate themselves through experience about the science behind it all. I also believe that this is the major difference between nurses that have an AA, BS, or Masters degree in Nursing -- the level of understanding of the science behind what they're doing to the patient.
Doctors are trained much differently. There's a reason why it takes 4 years for an undergraduate degree, 4 years of Medical School, 2+ years of residency, and 1+ years of internship -- specifically to understand the science behind every action and decision taken. I tend to think of a doctor's job (more so in general practitioners & family doctors) as a detective.
Here is your patient: His signs & symptoms, family history, medications, last oral intake, personal history and record of all procedures, operations, and background information are before you.
Your job: What's wrong with him? Is anything wrong? How do I help him?
There is no instrument to give you a clear value that directs your attention to "Steps 1, 2, and 3." You're on your own. Sure, there are instruments & equipment at your disposal and there are procedures you can order if the patient's signs & symptoms demand it. But there is no standard "Steps 1, 2, and 3" to take for every single circumstance in every single patient.
You're a detective at work. You have all these jig-saw puzzle pieces in your hands and you throw them against a wall. It's your job to put the puzzle together, find out what's wrong, and decide what to do next.
Let's just hope you're prepared for the challenge and have learned enough in school to tackle the situation.
