The 5 differences between Medicine and Nursing

2. Philosophical approach

The medical career is focused in an analytical way, that is, future doctors are instructed so that they are able to detect the signs and symptoms of a disease in order to find what is the cause of this medical problem. For this, it is necessary that the doctor is as objective as possible.

It could be said that the approach that doctors approach to the health status of patients is scientific, posing the disease as a problem that must be solved taking into account its causes, evolution, medical history and signs of improvement.

Although nursing training is similar to that of the physician in that both touch both theoretical and practical aspects, the intervention of nurses is oriented to the most emotional aspects and related to the patient’s well-being, although without neglecting the analytical vision.

Nursing professionals, in addition to being aware of what the patient’s problem is and what type of treatment is the most appropriate to guarantee its improvement, must work on empathy, care and respect for the person admitted.

These professionals spend many hours caring for patients, for this reason they fulfill a function of healers and caregivers, being necessary that they have a great emotional intelligence.

3. Drug prescription

Doctors have the ability to prescribe drugs, whereas as a rule this is not the case for nurses.

It is true that some countries are encouraging changes in legislation to allow nursing professionals to have the ability to prescribe some drugs for mild diseases but in which a prescription is required, such asanalgesicsoranti-inflammatories.

4. Surgical interventions

Among the many knowledge acquired in the medical career is to be able to surgically intervene patientswhen necessary.

It should be noted that surgical interventions should always be carried out by a professional in this field, that is, a surgeon, who will have specialized in this type of intervention after having completed his medical studies.

However, some doctors, as long as there is no surgeon nearby and the intervention is urgent, have the ability to perform surgeries, always within their means.

This is not the case for nurses. They cannot intervene surgically, with few exceptions. In the case of Spain, specifically in six autonomous communities, nurses have the capacity to perform minor operations.

They can intervene surgically in cases that usually do not require anesthesia, such as ingrown toenails, boils, cysts, warts, abscesses and other superficial operations.

It should be noted that nurses play an important role in the operating room, assisting surgeons while operating, however, they cannot intervene in the operation. They help the surgeon to have the tools, light and attention necessary to be able to carry out the intervention satisfactorily.

5. Autonomy and patient care

Doctors have, in general, better prestige and are seen as more apt to treat various aspects, although they usually require specific training.

Thanks to this fact, doctors have a greater degree of freedom when working in a center, whether public or private, or even in their own personal practice.

If they want to work independently, given the good reputation of medicine, it is quite likely that they have a higher chance of success than other healthcare professionals.

In the event that the doctor works in a hospital with other professionals, it is usual that he has better access to patients, without the need to request permission from other health workers.

On the other hand, although nurses can also set up their own practice, this decision is much riskier, since patients generally turn directly to a doctor or hospital rather than to a nursing professional.

If he works in a hospital, rarely will a nurse have the autonomy to be able to consult without having to resort to the permission of a doctor or other nurse, given the usual hierarchy that exists in medical centers.

Doctors vs. Nurses: A Classic Debate

Although both disciplines have all these differences, it is this fact that makes them complementary to each other. We must not fall into the error that medicine is above nursing, since both are necessary university disciplines in the field of health. Both are focused on ensuring the improvement and well-being of the patient, which is what is really important.

There is often a situation in hospitals and other places where doctors, especially the most veteran and “old school”, look with an air of superiority at nurses. Despite this fact, the opinion that doctors and nurses have among them is quite positive today, and in practice it is very common for doctors to need the practical knowledge and emotional skills of nurses when dealing with patients.

One of the great advantages offered by studying medicine is that the profession implies high economic benefits, however, nursing has as a positive aspect to be able to meet people, be close to the patient and help both in their medical recovery and be an emotional support.

References

• Avila, Esther. (2018). “The great job opportunities of nursing specialists”.
• Nightingale, Florence (2003). Notes on Nursing: What It Is, and What It Is Not. Barnes & Noble Publishing.
• WHO Dept. of Essential Drugs and Medicines Policy (2002). “Traditional medicine: growing needs and potential”. World Health Organization.