NP vs MD

[ERGirl83]

I am currently in the process of deciding whether or not to apply for my BSN program, and then go on to become a NP, or to bite the bullet and finish a BIO degree and apply to med school and get my MD.

I was planning on being an RN, but I feel as though I would be frustrated with my limited scope and practice, and the necessity of calling an MD for every order, especially the ones I know I could write myself (if it were allowed). I feel like I would outgrow my RN fairly quickly, and that my personality is more suited to diagnosing patients and writing orders than, the day-to-day care and communication involved in floor nursing.

Can anyone explain some of the fundamental differences in the scope of practice of a NP and an MD. What my options are as far as NP specialties, and what the benefits of being an NP v an MD are?

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

Those are great questions. I moved your thread to the Nursing Career Advice Forum so that you get the most relevant responses.

[hopefulnurse123]

I've debated the same thing for a long time. I'd love to go for a MD, but at this point in my life, I'm not sure if I'm willing to devote so much time to school, although in the end, I'll either be a NP or a MD so it might be better just to go all they way and do a MD now. What I can tell you is that once you decide which one is better suited for you, go for it!

[Halinja, BSN, RN]

As far as scope of practice of an NP, that varies from state to state. You'd need to check with your board of nursing to see what NP's are allowed to do in your own state. Some states allow NP's very independent privileges.

To me, a big difference between NP and MD is mind-set. MD's are very disease focused. In my mind, at least, nursing is more wholistic, person focused rather than problem focused. I personally like the philosophy of nursing better than the prevailing philosophy in medical practice.