Stephanie
How do I know which career is suitable for me?
I am interested in pursuing a career in the medical field. Currently, my top three options are becoming a nurse, pharmacist and pediatrician. My heart is most set on becoming a pediatrician because I would love to help improve children's health but I don't know if I would want to go through so many years of school. I am also scared that I won't get into medical school because it is very competitive. I'm in 10th grade and I'm just exploring. What does it take to become a nurse or pharmacist? I have mostly researched about a pediatrician. #medicine #nursing #pediatrics #pediatrician #pharmacy #pharmacists
2 answers
Dianne Shayne King
Dianne Shayne’s Answer
As having worked with Medco a pharmacy company that filled prescriptions for pt. I would actually start there. It will give you a good back bone for working your way up. I have a close personal friend that did just this and is now a very successful RN at a hospital in Central Florida. By doing pharmacy first it gives you the ability to understand medications and the health issue. And give a great understanding on how important it is to know a drug before you prescribe to a pt. Case in point - my mothers dr ordered a med for her that had sulfur in it - she is HIGHLY allergic. The pharmacist is the one that saved my mothers life (actually several times) just by knowing the drug.
Karen Wise Jenkins, M.B.A.
Karen Wise’s Answer
You're at a great stage to explore and research career options! You are considering wonderful careers. The good news is that you are looking at careers that have a lot in common in terms of basic academic focus. For example, a pharmacist, nurse and pediatrician all will have exposure to math and science courses especially various biology related courses. All three help people especially a nurse and pediatrician. It's also normal to be nervous about being excepted into medical school but keep in mind that you have your remaining high school years along with college years to prepare yourself and to create options for yourself. It would also be helpful to identify mentors that work in these careers and ask them about their background, how they did in school and what they like/dislike about their jobs. Good luck!