You should never ask a nurse this question.

[Nurse Yoni, BSN]

Why didn’t you become a doctor?

This question is, by far, one of the most provoking questions you should never ask a nurse.

Nurses are wired; differently, we have different goals and different backgrounds.

Not every nurse’s dream was ever to become a doctor. There are people whom I work with that I always wanted to become nurses for so many reasons.

Some say they became nurses because they’ve always had the desire to take care of the sick. By the way to nursing means caring by definition.

Some say they got into nursing because a parent, relative, spouse, or friend introduced them into their career.

Others say they became nurses because they were sick and were impressed by the level of the care they got from nurses.

Others say they wanted a career that was more fulfilling and rewarding and thought that nursing was worth it.

Others reveal that the path to becoming a nurse is way shorter than medicine.

Others would say medicine was harder for them, and they wanted something achievable without having to go through the stress of medical school.

See! Not every nurse wanted to be a doctor.

We are professionals that play a vital role in the business of caring for people, and we deserve some respect.

A better way to ask would be, “why did you decide to become a nurse?

[GrumpyRN, NP]

I'm curious, what is the point of this...?

[Guest219794]

It's a silly question generally asked by a clueless person who means no harm or offense.

Yoni- I am not sure why you are explaining this to a bunch of nurses. Any context here?

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

Since the vast majority of people who visit this site are nurses or nursing students, the message is probably being delivered to the wrong audience.

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

I'm interpreting this as more of a vent than of an idea to convince nurses of...

[nlkimmel, MSN, PhD, RN]

Great thought provoking question. I love being a nurse first and foremost. It is very rewarding. However, I can say first hand that my experiences with physicians have not been pleasant. I know that I'm preaching to the choir, but how many times have we had to correct their mistakes, reduce the IV fluid rate so our patient didn't go into cardiovascular overload or shock and have to justify with a litany of reasons for calling them at 2am just to get our patient pain medication or something to sleep. Very frustrating. Let us not forget some of the nurses aides who flatout refuse to help us. It takes a strong nurse to stay in nursing and a strong nurse to stand up to physicians. Being a patient advocate and protector is what we do. May God give us strength.

[beachynurse, ASN, BSN]

I actually don't think that this is a silly question to ask "a bunch of nurses". I had actually had some serious conflicting thoughts about going pre-med, and on to medical school, or going to nursing school. It was not an easy decision for me to make, and I was very fortunate to have a family member that was a physician that I was able to shadow that actually helped me make my decision. Watching him spend so little time with the patients, getting his inrormation from the nurses which along with lab values and vitals helped him make the decisions about what changes needed to be made about the patients medical treatment.

it was the nurses that spent the time with the patients, providing the care, getting the information that the MD's need, being at the bedside holding the patients hands while dying, listening to family members. Nurses are the true primary caregivers, and that is what drew me to nursing. I wanted to be at the patients bedside providing care, getting to know them, not in and out, depending on others for their knowledge.

[AlwaysLearning247, BSN]

I agree. However, many patients don’t understand. I’ve had patients think we can go from a tech, to a nurse, NP, to MD. I kindly explain to them the difference and how it takes a team to care for the patients. You might find it rude when in fact some patients and their families just aren’t educated on how healthcare works! They usually don’t mean anything by it. I’ve had many people tell me “you’re great, you should be my doctor” and I kindly tell them why I chose nursing and what a registered nurse does. Some people think that the doctors give all the medications, teaching, etc.

[labordude, BSN, RN]

What about us nurses that do want to be doctors and are applying to medical school? Do you feel differently about us? I happen to think my nursing experience is going to make me a better physician.

Also, asking people questions is a way to know any understand them. People outside the profession can't know your motivations until they ask. Stop taking offense to everything. In the words of Steve Hughes, "do you know what happens when you're offended? Literally nothing."

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

39 minutes ago, labordude said:

Stop taking offense to everything. In the words of Steve Hughes, "do you know what happens when you're offended? Literally nothing."

I'll have you know that I find righteous indignation both gratifying and addictive!!

[Nurse Yoni, BSN]

3 hours ago, labordude said:

What about us nurses that do want to be doctors and are applying to medical school? Do you feel differently about us? I happen to think my nursing experience is going to make me a better physician.

Also, asking people questions is a way to know any understand them. People outside the profession can't know your motivations until they ask. Stop taking offense to everything. In the words of Steve Hughes, "do you know what happens when you're offended? Literally nothing."

Great!!

3 hours ago, labordude said:

What about us nurses that do want to be doctors and are applying to medical school? Do you feel differently about us? I happen to think my nursing experience is going to make me a better physician.

Also, asking people questions is a way to know any understand them. People outside the profession can't know your motivations until they ask. Stop taking offense to everything. In the words of Steve Hughes, "do you know what happens when you're offended? Literally nothing."

Thanks for your comment. I do not feel different about nurses who are pursuing or envisioning to become doctors. I think people like you will change the narrative.

I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

[Nurse Yoni, BSN]

5 hours ago, AlwaysLearning247 said:

I agree. However, many patients don’t understand. I’ve had patients think we can go from a tech, to a nurse, NP, to MD. I kindly explain to them the difference and how it takes a team to care for the patients. You might find it rude when in fact some patients and their families just aren’t educated on how healthcare works! They usually don’t mean anything by it. I’ve had many people tell me “you’re great, you should be my doctor” and I kindly tell them why I chose nursing and what a registered nurse does. Some people think that the doctors give all the medications, teaching, etc.

I could not agree more with you. Thanks for your comment.

6 hours ago, beachynurse said:

I actually don't think that this is a silly question to ask "a bunch of nurses". I had actually had some serious conflicting thoughts about going pre-med, and on to medical school, or going to nursing school. It was not an easy decision for me to make, and I was very fortunate to have a family member that was a physician that I was able to shadow that actually helped me make my decision. Watching him spend so little time with the patients, getting his inrormation from the nurses which along with lab values and vitals helped him make the decisions about what changes needed to be made about the patients medical treatment.

it was the nurses that spent the time with the patients, providing the care, getting the information that the MD's need, being at the bedside holding the patients hands while dying, listening to family members. Nurses are the true primary caregivers, and that is what drew me to nursing. I wanted to be at the patients bedside providing care, getting to know them, not in and out, depending on others for their knowledge.

Agreed. Great thought!

On 11/12/2019 at 12:30 PM, GrumpyRN said:

I'm curious, what is the point of this...?

You just read it. Thanks for your comment