Consider one of the following online programs currently taking applications now:
School Level Program Admissions
Ohio University Master MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Website
Seton Hall University Master MSN: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Website
Georgetown University Master Online Master's in Nursing Website
George Mason University Master MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner Website
Sacred Heart University Master RN to BSN to Master of Science in Nursing Website
Campbellsville University Bachelor RN to BSN Website
Campbellsville University Master Online MSN with FNP Track Website
Sacred Heart University Bachelor RN-BSN - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Website
Sacred Heart University Master MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader Website

View more online featured programs:

School Level Program Admissions
Campbellsville University Bachelor RN to BSN Website
Campbellsville University Master Online MSN with FNP Track Website
Sacred Heart University Bachelor RN-BSN - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Website
Sacred Heart University Master MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader Website
Sacred Heart University Master MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner Website
Sacred Heart University Master MSN - Nursing Education Website
Sacred Heart University Master RN-BSN-MSN - Clinical Nursing Leader Website
Sacred Heart University Master RN-BSN-MSN - Nursing Education Website
Sacred Heart University Master RN-BSN-MSN - Nursing Management & Executive Leadership Website

View more online featured programs:


I was a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force Nurse Corps when I began working on a medical oncology floor.  Still a novice, I had moments of feeling overwhelmed by my responsibilities, but I was  proud of my progress, enthusiastic about learning, and constantly seeking out ways to improve my practice.

During one particularly busy shift, I suspected one of my patients developed an acute upper gastrointestinal bleed.   After completing my assessment, I called the physician to report my findings and suspicions.

People with upper GI bleeds may have black, tarry stools; bloody emesis; alterations in their vital signs; and cool, clammy, pale skin.  They typically require intravenous fluid and insertion of a tube through the nose and into the stomach.  In this case, the patient required lavage, or irrigattion of the contents of the stomach; the administration of blood products; preparation for an upper GI endoscopy; and transfer to the Medical Intensive Care Unit for closer observation.

Working calmly, but hurriedly, I inserted the nasogastric tube and began lavage while another nurse prepared to start a second intravenous line on the patient.   I explained to the patient what we were doing and attempted to reassure him as best I could.  Together with the physician, we were ultimately able to stabilize the patient and transfer him to the ICU.

Once the crisis had passed, I quickly rounded on my other patients and sat down to catch up on my charting.  Standing at the other side of the nurses’ station, the physician said, “You know, you really should have gone to medical school.”

Initially, I took this as a compliment.  I respected this physician, and reasoned that he must think I’m smart if he thinks I should have gone to medical school, right?  It was only later, as I became more confident in my role as a nurse, and developed a more sophisticated understanding about the difference between nursing and medicine, that I wished I had questioned him on his choice of words.

Today, I would not be complimented by the implication that being smart and competent are not essential attributes for nursing practice.  If I could replay that scene, I would take the opportunity to explain to the physician that my actions during the management of our patient were not extraordinary,   but typical of ordinary, qualified nurses. I would politely point out that without skilled and knowledgeable nurses at the bedside, our patient’s outcome could have been dramatically different.

I would make clear that, despite shared characteristics, nursing is a unique and distinct discipline from medicine—one that respects and works in concert with other health care professionals—but that offers a unique perspective to patient care.  I would explain that I was interested in focusing on the human response to illness, on spending time with patients and advocating for them, and helping them achieve the best possible state of health or a peaceful death. I didn’t want to be acknowledged for my potential as a medical student; I wanted to be acknowledged for my capabilities and value as a nurse.

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