The title of this article is wrong from the start "Nurses Are Not Doctors", because, in fact many ARE, having earned a doctorate in nursing, the title "DOCTOR" comes along with that. For example: Phd and DNP degree holders are called "Dr.". However, these folks are NOT asking to be called "physician", which is where the confusion may be.
NPs practice withing a scope of practice for their area. If there is a complication, then they have to refer to a specialist. It boils down to practicing within the specified guidelines of a particular state, many of which are similar, but there are also many differences across state lines.
The Institute of Medicine's report, The Future of Nursing, has a recommendation to expand the role of the nurse practitioner to include the fullest practice in the scope of practice. This article did nothing to promote that collaboration.I am hoping that someone writes a strong rebuttal piece back, representing the nursing profession, particularly NPs, as the professionals that they are.