The relationship between doctors and nurses...

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Ok, don't shoot me but I think for a long time I was under the mistaken impression that doctors are automatically nurses "bosses". I know, from reading allnurses for a few months now, that that isn't always the case. What I am wondering is, what exactly IS the relationship between nurses and doctors? Where does doctor authority end when it comes to nurses? I'm sure I will learn this as I go further into my studies. Please be patient with me.:chuckle

Specializes in Medical.

I am responsible for the care I provide. I answer, in the first instance, to the nurse in charge of the shift, and to the Charge Nurse. She answers to a Deputy Director of Nursing, who answers to the Director of Nursing. I do not answer to doctors, though I of course inform them of changes, and collaborate with them about care.

If I do (or fail to do) something a doctor is unhappy about, s/he can make a complaint, but s/he has no power over my employment.

Pets, computers, soldiers and servants are given orders. I do not follow doctor's orders - doctors prescribe medications and other therapies that I administer, provided I am happy to do so.

I like the analogy of siblinghood :) though I think that if anyone's the bossy oldest sibling it's allied health (the run-ins we've been having lately...!)

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