I have been asked why don't I become a Physician rather than a Nurse.Itis so ....

nurse2be2008 · Aug 26, 2006

I'm not a nurse yet (just started nursing school) but I hate when people ask me that too. I've never even considered being a doctor. I don't want to be on call and I don't want to pay rediculously high medical malpractice rates! I want to have a normal life outside of work and be able to spend quality time with my family and still earn good money. I want to care for patients and build trusting relationships with them. I'm not saying that doctors don't do this too but with nursing it's just a different kind of relationship.

fleur-de-lis, BSN, RN · Aug 27, 2006

Ditto for me - I never had any desire to be an MD. The analogy I use when people ask me this is "would you ask a police officer who loves his job why he did not go to law school, just because he is smart?" People don't realize that Dr. and Nurse are completely different professions, yet on the same team.

JPaka · Aug 27, 2006

Ditto for me - I never had any desire to be an MD. The analogy I use when people ask me this is "would you ask a police officer who loves his job why he did not go to law school, just because he is smart?" People don't realize that Dr. and Nurse are completely different professions, yet on the same team.

I would love clarification on this, only because from what I have seen is that MD's have less contact with the pts and more liabilty but I am in a fog about the other responsibilities that are different. I'm sure it varies a bit depending on the floor, but I have often witnessed the RN's and MDs discussing pt conditions/options almost on the same level of knowledge. I have often wondered myself what the actual differences are and would LOVE some info. I have a long way to go before I am done school (for RN) but would appreciate your take on the two professions!

cookielady,rn · Aug 28, 2006

I couldn't wrap my brain around physics and attempted a bunch of science and math after being through a traumatic event a week before that semster started...coudln't sleep, eat, or pass classes for a year....gave up on that dream.

Gompers, BSN, RN · Aug 28, 2006

why do you or did you become a Nurse instead of a Physician??

Because I wanted to take care of people, not cure them. I didn't want to save the world - I wanted to make those that are sick feel better. It's just as simple as that. Many doctors think they can fix everything, cure everything, that they have the power to make miracles. I never wanted that kind of responsibility. I just wanted to take care of people. I wanted to be the one at the bedside at 3am making them feel better, not the one with the scapels and tubes trying to save their lives. Does that make any sense?

Besides, while doctors make more money, they work way too much. It's insane how much residents work, and even as attendings and family doctors they still put in a lot of hours, plus being on call. Nurses can work their scheduled shifts and GO HOME. We are DONE. We can have lives!

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Aug 28, 2006

as above poster said, doctors and nurses have different duties but are on the same team. When ever anyone asks me why I don't want to be an MD I tell them that I didn't want to be in school for 10 years. I want more pt contact.

Since I have been a nurse I am ever more sure in my decision to be a nurse and not a doctor. I have seen longtime nurses who can out diagnose doctors based on signs and symptoms. So after a while and with ongoing education nurses can earn the respect of doctors and have much input in caring for the pts.

Where I work ER our doctors take our suggestions and input very carefully and most of us feel we have a good relationship with the docs. We are not looked down on.

Montessori Mommy · Aug 28, 2006

I'm asked this often, especially since I began college a long time ago in a pre-med program. (I ended up with a degree in engineering - it's a long story!)

Honestly, I would love to attend medical school but I also want to raise our two little girls & have a relationship with my husband. Although people do it, I didn't see how I could have a family life and attend medical school. Nursing school is a wonderful way for me to follow my heart into healthcare, earn extra money and be there for my family.

A mother of a high school friend asked why I would take such a huge step down to become a nurse. I simply asked her if she has ever had to leave someone she loved with all her heart in the hospital in the care of a nurse. I explained that once you have, you'll understand how important nurses really are!!