As one of the most respected and important professions in the world, healthcare professionals have a wide range of career paths to choose from. On one hand, you have nurses who provide patient care and support. On the other hand, doctors are responsible for diagnosing and treating illnesses. Of course, there are many nuances between the two, but there are also some distinguishing differences between a nurse and a doctor when managing your career path.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, it’s essential to understand the differences between a nurse and a doctor. To this end, we’re exploring the key elements of each role in order to help you decide which career path is best suited for your ambitions. So, keep reading to get an insight into the differences between these two vital roles in healthcare.
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Differences in Degrees and Education
There are many different types of nurses and doctors, each with their own unique set of skills and knowledge. Perhaps the biggest defining difference between a nurse and a doctor is the type of degree and education each one must achieve in order to practice in the medical field.
For instance, a doctor must obtain a Ph.D. or MD in order to practice medicine. Factor in an undergraduate degree, medical school, residencies, internships, and licensing – an individual may expect to invest 10 – 14 (or longer) years in becoming a licensed medical doctor or physician.
Alternatively, a nurse is required to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in order to achieve a license to practice as a registered nurse. However, there are lesser stations of nursing that may only require an associate’s degree (depending upon the employer), such as LPN or CNAs.
Furthermore, a nurse may want to advance their education and their earning potential by acquiring a DNP degree, which is a Doctor of Nursing Practice. This does not mean a nurse is a doctor, but it does allow a nurse to act as a nurse practitioner, which entails far more responsibility (and earning potential) than an RN. Education and training could take anywhere from 16 months to eight years depending upon the type of degree obtained for nursing.
So, we can already see the difference between a nurse, and a doctor varies significantly just in the realm of education. Let’s take a look at other dissimilarities in these two professions so you can make a more informed decision about your career in the medical field.
Different Disciplines
Both nurses and doctors provide vital care to patients, but they do so in different ways. Here’s a look at the key differences between these two disciplines.
Nurses: Nurses provide direct patient care. They work closely with patients to assess their needs and provide them with treatments and medications. Nurses also educate patients and their families about their health conditions.
Doctors: Doctors diagnose and treat patients’ illnesses. They order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, and in some instances, they may perform surgeries. Doctors may also conduct research to develop new treatments for illnesses.
Differences in Medical Regulations
Medical regulations are different for nurses and doctors. Variations occur depending upon what state a nurse or a doctor is practicing in the medical industry. However, by and large, doctors must be certified by the national board representing their field of expertise. National regulations require doctors to pass a medical exam and recertify to maintain their license every six to ten years. Doctors are also required to be licensed by the state in which they are practicing medicine.
Nurses must pass a national board medical examination – just like doctors. But the regulations get a little bit more complex from state to state for nurses. Furthermore, medical regulations vary from state to state depending on whether or not you are an RN, LPN, CNA, or DPN (doctorate of nurse practitioner). This is why it’s crucial to research your particular state to understand the requirements when practicing as a nurse in your location.
Understanding Different Expectations Between Nurses and Doctors
Both doctors and nurses are subject to rigorous hours, incredible responsibilities, and massive patient loads. But these work expectations and obligations have different nuances between doctors and nurses.
For instance, nurses typically have more direct contact with patients than doctors do. This means that they’re often able to form deeper relationships with their patients and get a better sense of their individual needs. Additionally, nurses usually have more flexible schedules than doctors, which can be a big advantage if you have other commitments outside of work.
Alternatively, doctors (depending on their field and type of practice) may not have the flexibility or the time to form strong relationships with their patients. Because the medical industry has fewer doctors than nurses in the field, doctors are often a high commodity – therefore, their time is often very limited.
Making the Right Choice for You
Choosing the right medical career path can be a difficult decision. There are many factors to consider, such as your interests, skills, and values. But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing between becoming a nurse or a doctor.
If you’re interested in a career that allows you to directly impact the lives of others, then nursing may be the right choice for you. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional medical career with set hours and higher salary potential, then becoming a doctor may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what’s best for you and what will make you happy in your chosen profession.
