Should I become a doctor or nurse?

[WayOutWestMom]

<p>Both nurses’ and physicians’ roles are changing.</p>

<p>Nurses are taking on more primary care responsibilities (as advanced practice nurses–Nurse practioners, Nurse anesthestists, Nurse midwives). I think most nurses will tell you that if you want an intellectual challenge, you can find it in nursing. </p>

<p>In my mind, the biggest difference between being a nurse and being a physician has to do with who has the ultimate responsibility for patient outcomes. (The physician.)</p>

<p>I think this excerpt from US News pretty well sums the differences up:</p>

<p>

Role differences</p>

<p>• Physician: As a physician, you would play a role in a patient care team more as a thought leader, examining the big picture diagnostically and guiding the healthcare team toward implementing a treatment plan for each patient. Though face-to-face time is important, the volume of patients limits the amount of contact time. Physicians, in many cases, are ultimately held responsible for patient outcomes. Many jobs also involve being on overnight call (depending on specialty).</p>

<p>• Nurse: Nurses work more closely with patients and play an important role in educating patients and families about their illnesses and best ways in which to manage them. They are also important “eyes and ears” for physicians in alerting them to potentially problematic changes in a patient’s condition.

</p>

<p>Here are some articles that discuss the differences.</p>

<p><a href=“The only thing that truly separates doctors from nurses”>http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2013/04/separates-doctors-nurses.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“The Gulf Between Doctors and Nurse Practitioners - The New York Times”>The Gulf Between Doctors and Nurse Practitioners - The New York Times;

<p><a href=“http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa1212938”>http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa1212938&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/medical-school-admissions-doctor/2011/08/29/should-you-go-to-medical-school-or-nursing-school”>http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/medical-school-admissions-doctor/2011/08/29/should-you-go-to-medical-school-or-nursing-school&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>You should probably do some job shadowing of both nurses and physicians to see which role appeals to you the most.</p>

<p>Becoming a physician is the longer and (much) more expensive route.</p>