What is the main difference between how doctors and nurses care for patients?

It's hard to compare and contrast because a "doctor's" job can be so different. Are you talking about your family care doctor or are you talking about a neurosurgeon? A huge difference is that doctors can prescribe medicine and a RN can't. A nurse practitioner can (an extra 2-3 years of schooling), but they are limited to that they can prescribe (antibiotics,etc) A doctor can prescibe controlled medication such as vicodin, valium, and with an additional license can prescribe heavy duty narcotic pain relivers (percocet,etc)

Another main difference is that doctors actually diagnose a disorder and then is the person that plans the treatment. An RN would be the one to administer that treatment and will help monitor the progress. A nurse can help perform diagnostic tests, check and administer IVs, take patient history, etc

An RN makes on average about 50-70k a year, and a doctor much more, but again this depends on what kind of doctor you are. A family care doctor can make 145,000 a year while other specialties can make 300k-500k.

Both jobs are stressfull, but a doctor does have more responsibility, and has to be much more careful about patient care. A physician's liability is greater. Malpractice insurance is also at an all time high, which is something you definitely want to consider.

If you are interested in a health care field, I would really suggest a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant. They are very similar. It's an awesome job with great pay, less stress than a MD/DO, and way less schooling.

Thank you! That info was really helpful! :)

Doctors and Nurses work differently. You say that you have seen the doctors just sitting around waiting. In most cases they are thinking. what can I give the patient that is the best for him . Let's see I put him on this med because I have to try and get rid of his high lipids so I want to put him on this new one that just came out that says.. no wait a minute he has a tendency to bleed.. This goes through the mind of a doctor. I have had doctors call at three in the morning saying, " I was thinking that new medicine I put Mr. Jones on to day, I don't think he should be on it . Just cancel that order. Now nurses have a more practical attitude they don't prescribe the drugs by themselves a doctor still has to review the order at least here in Jersey. While the doctor is busy thinking we care for the patient. We most of the time have direct care of the patient. We giver him the medicine answer the questions, and are a like between the patient and the doctor. Both disciplines have it's ups and downs

Thank you for putting out that different point of view! :)

are nurse practitioners and doctors treated the same? my vote would be no.

if you work in an ER then most people aren't going to care that you're a NP. if you work in a clinic there are people who will want to see a "real doctor." i'm guilty of favoring the MD after a couple of unpleasant experiences with NP's. once, i had to return 3 times with my son and he only had strep throat! the first time i saw a NP....the second time i saw the same NP...the 3rd time i requested to see a DOCTOR!

i have a friend who is a NP and she has told many stories of doctors being disrespectful to her. many of them don't approve of NP's apparently. if you want the 'prestige' of a doctor then i would say be a doctor, but if that's not what you're going for then it doesn't really matter.