by Rosabel Zohfeld, APRN, MSN-Ed, FNP-C
One day, I wanted to know how chat GPT works, so I wrote the following on the conversation:
The day I graduated with my BSN in nursing, someone attending my graduation party said: I think you are so smart. Why didn't you go to medical school?
Chat GPT answered:
"It is, unfortunately, that someone's comment at your graduation party left you feeling that way. It's essential to remember that choosing a career path, like nursing, is a significant accomplishment and a matter of personal choice. Nursing is a highly respected profession that plays a critical role in healthcare, and it requires its own unique set of skills and knowledge. Both nursing and medical school are valuable in their own right, and your decision to pursue a BSN in nursing should be celebrated. Your dedication to patient care and the difference you'll make in the lives of those you care for is something to be proud of. Don't let one comment diminish your achievements and the important role you'll play in the healthcare field."
I was like, wow. Chat GTP said in a few words what I've wanted to hear from a human being. For the longest time, I've been asking myself if I could make a difference in my current role as a nurse practitioner. I know deep inside I can; it's just that some days, I perceive myself as somehow not being good enough. Honestly, I cannot blame others in charge for making me feel that way because we are the ones who allow things to get to us.
It is easier said than done. Now, how can someone like me feel "not good enough"? I am an immigrant from Colombia, and English is my second language. I wanted to be a physician since age 5. I lost my mother at age 17; being the only child and not having any family support, I started medical school in Colombia but couldn't continue beyond 2nd year due to financial difficulties. I could not continue to pay for my education alone, so I came to the U.S. when I was barely 21, dreaming of continuing my studies. Once again, all I could afford was to go to nursing school. Well, let's rephrase that. I fell in love with nursing while working as a cardiac stress technician at a busy cardiology practice in Florida. The community college was right across the street, and it was super convenient to work during the day and go to school at night (so I finished my pre-requisites); finally, after so much work, I completed my BSN, and my dream of becoming a provider grew stronger. I admired my instructors for being great teachers and working at the same time as nurse practitioners in different medical practices. I got married, became pregnant, and there I was, working on my MSN in nursing education, but the dream did not end there. I had to complete my family nurse practitioner program, which I proudly did during the middle of a world pandemic. Here I am 3 years later, loving what I do but still hearing echoes of how smart I am and why I did not attend med school.
Are you becoming a doctor any time soon? I hear the question often. Deep inside, I think: Am I not good enough as it is? I am trained to provide comprehensive primary care to all ages. This reminded me of when I went back and forth with a patient, asking where the doctor was. I am here. I am the provider that will be taking care of you, but where is the doctor? She kept asking. I am the provider that will care for you today, but you said you were a nurse? So where is the doctor -she replied... I am a nurse practitioner, and this is what I do; finally, after much explanation of my credentials and my job description, she hinted: I thought I was making an appointment with a doctor; it is ok. I will let you take care of me this time.
So, I asked for more time. Hey, chat GPT, I am a nurse practitioner; should I go to medical school?
Chat GPT: "The decision to attend medical school is significant and should be carefully considered. As a nurse practitioner, you already have a valuable and respected role in healthcare and can provide a wide range of primary care services. Medical school would require substantial time, effort, and financial resources.
Chat GPT went on and highlighted some factors to consider when deciding whether to pursue medical school.
Well, chat GPT, thank you! Indeed, it was a pleasant conversation. I will consider the above advice. For now, I will continue to celebrate and embrace my current achievement of being a nurse practitioner.
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