Question about Medical Knowledge

You do realize that a nurse and doctor are two different things and we approach things with a different thought process?

I feel like you are trying to throw shade whether that is your intention or not.  Physicians are my colleagues.  The fact that they think differently and have a different approach is a positive thing as I hope they see my approach and different thought process as beneficial.  We work together and that’s what works for the patient.  Sometimes it’s hard for me to see what they think as I’m sure it is the opposite.  But the fact that we can collaborate and have a positive outcome for the patient is rust is important.

3 minutes ago, LovingLife123 said:

You do realize that a nurse and doctor are two different things and we approach things with a different thought process?

I feel like you are trying to throw shade whether that is your intention or not.  Physicians are my colleagues.  The fact that they think differently and have a different approach is a positive thing as I hope they see my approach and different thought process as beneficial.  We work together and that’s what works for the patient.  Sometimes it’s hard for me to see what they think as I’m sure it is the opposite.  But the fact that we can collaborate and have a positive outcome for the patient is rust is important.

I apologize for my ignorance! Thank you! 

You're comparing apples and oranges. They do blend well to make a tasty salad, but they're just not the same. Doctors by training are focusing on the disease/condition and nurses by training are focusing on the patients that have a disease or condition and how it is affecting them overall. 

I started out premed and decided not to become a physician. I have a master's degree in molecular biology and biochemistry and I worked many years in pharmaceutical research before I entered the nursing profession. I enjoy science and technology and I enjoy being a nurse. If you want knowledge in something, you can learn it. There are SO many resources available today you can study almost anything you want and it will augment your nursing ability in a way, but nurses that are not interested in that path are not missing something that they need to be a competent nurse. 

The only thing limiting your own knowledge is you. (I mean that generically). If you want to learn something, then do so. I have met many brilliant nurses who are specialists in their field, they absolutely have an understanding that supersedes mine/ many other nurses. 

Learning something and keeping it in your head are two different things.  Doctors learn more than we do.  And if you become  a neurosurgeon you will  know the  brain inside and out.   But you would probably be a nervous wreck if you had to deliver a baby. Nurses can learn as much as they want, but you will probably only retain what is  pertinent to your practice.  But if you enjoy learning, there is nothing stopping you.

No sarcasm: Do you feel that nursing is your calling?

On 3/15/2021 at 7:09 PM, premurse said:

I have read elsewhere that when asked about "why" a procedure is performed, a nurse wouldn't be able to tell you the scientific basis. Do you find this to be true or accurate?

Depends on the nurse.

My favorite aspect of nursing is teaching. Here's two good examples of how I've learned over time and pass along to my surgical patients. 

-Doc wants to place a wound vac on wound day after surgery. Patient says "whatever you think is best I guess?". Later I explain what a wound vac is, how it works, how he can move around, dressing changes, how it helps, why hes an excellent candidate. Doc decided to do it, put in order, but I make sure pt understands the process and why!

-Pt had abd surgery, pretty extensive. Feeling pain in different part of abd than where surgery was. She was worried something was wrong. I knew from listening to surgeons about visceral pain and how it's not good at localization. Explained to pt how this is different than say if you cut your hand, you know it's your hand. Your gut doesn't do a good job of telling you where its pain is. She was much more at ease that this was normal and thanked me for taking the time to tell her.

I listen and pay attention to all other disciplines: RT, PT, OT, physicians, PA, NP, RN, NA... and I learn from them. I synthesize the information to ensure my patients understand their plan of care and can make informed decisions. That is my #1 goal as an RN.

I would argue that the reason we wouldn't explain the "why" of a procedure is because that is the surgeon's job. If a patient asked us why they were having a procedure after the surgeon had explained it, we could discuss it with them. But it's the surgeon's' responsibility to make sure the patient is fully informed. And there's nothing stopping you from (or anyone else) from becoming a rambling, walking dictionary. There are so many classes posted for free online, that you would already be well versed in all the science courses if you actually wanted to.  Also, not to burst your bubble, but once you're interacting with doctors on a regular basis, you'll realize they're human and don't know everything. Just like everyone, they'll have to look something up on their phones or ask someone else and I've met some really dumb doctors. So, definitely don't think of doctors as God-like, all knowing creatures, because they are not. Lastly, if for whatever reason you think nurses are less than in some way, I would suggest you do some more research because this may not be the field for you. If you failed your pre-med classes and think nursing school will be a cake walk, then you're in for a rude awakening. 

Nurses treat the human, physicians treat the disease. Nurses are trained on treating the response to the illness, which has many physical and psychosocial facets. After all, a nurse was the one who determined light and air aided healing as well as washing hands prevents infection. So, I am happy to be an RN. 

Your knowledge isn't limited by a chosen career path.  It's only limited by your drive. 

As mentioned above, medicine and nursing are entirely different fields.  Neither is superior, and neither is interchangeable. We have different skill sets, a fair amount of overlapping knowledge, and a fair amount of role-specific knowledge.  A cardiologist couldn't step in and serve as a labor and delivery nurse just because he's a doctor.  Physicians need nurses.  Nurses need physicians.  Patients need both. 

There are some brilliant and competent physicians, and there are some ignorant and downright scary physicians.  There are some brilliant and competent nurses, and there are some ignorant and downright scary nurses.

Personally, I won't carry out procedures or treatments without understanding the clinical/scientific rationale.  Nurses aren't just handmaidens who carry out a list of tasks.  1. We can initiate a fair number of nursing interventions without an order. 2.  If there is an order, we should be asking "Why does this patient need this?  Does this make sense for this patient?  Is this safe for this patient?" You can't answer those questions without a good understanding of patophysiology, pharmacology, a holistic view of your patient, and an understanding of procedures/treatments. We are patient advocates.  If a painful/embarrassing/invasive procedure is not clinically indicated for a patient, that's reason to speak up.  Alternatively, if the physician has failed to order needed treatments, we speak up.