you’re wondering, “Should I be a doctor vs. nurse?” there are many factors you should consider. Some reasons why you might decide to become a nurse instead of a doctor include less rigorous education requirements, the ability to act as an advocate for your patients, and being able to enter the workforce faster.
Are you comparing becoming a doctor vs. nurse? While both are vital healthcare careers, their roles and education requirements are very different.
If you do decide that becoming a nurse is the right choice for you, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) can help. Through the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track, you can leverage your bachelor’s degree or college credits to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as few as 16 months.
Doctor vs. Nurse: What Are the Differences?
Doctors and nurses are both healthcare professionals who help their patients enjoy better health and quality of life. Doctors and nurses work collaboratively and are valued members of a patient care team; however, there are differences to be aware of.
Nurse or Doctor Education Requirements
To pursue a career as a doctor, you would need to do the following:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree
- Complete four years of medical school
- Complete a residency of three to five years
Compared to becoming a doctor, nursing offers a faster path into the workforce. You must earn a nursing degree, pass the NCLEX-RN, the nationally recognized licensure exam, then register with your state’s board of nursing to obtain a license. Some nursing degree programs include:
- An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, which typically takes two years to complete.
- A traditional BSN program, which typically takes four years to complete.
- An accelerated BSN program for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or 60 college credits, which can typically be completed in less than two years. At UIW, the ABSN track can be completed in as few as 16 months.
While both an ADN and a BSN qualify you to take the NCLEX, studies have shown that higher rates of BSN-educated nurses in a hospital setting lead to better patient outcomes.
Explore the many benefits of choosing nursing as a second career.
Doctor vs. Nurse Daily Job Responsibilities
Here’s a quick look at the general differences in job responsibilities between a doctor vs. nurse:
- Doctors perform procedures and physical exams, develop diagnoses, interpret lab work and imaging studies, evaluate patient recovery and develop treatment plans.
- Nurses perform patient assessments, take medical histories, administer medications, monitor patients, assist in carrying out treatment plans and provide additional patient education.
Should I Be a Nurse or Doctor? Here’s Why Nursing Is a Great Choice
Although both healthcare careers are worthwhile pursuits, explore a few reasons why you should consider becoming a nurse.
1. Nurses Practice on the Front Lines of Patient Care
From administering IV fluids to lending an ear, nurses assist in all aspects of patient care. In a hospital setting, they can serve as the liaison between doctors and patients, identify and alert doctors of critical situations and offer a holistic perspective to advocate for patients.
2. Nurses Possess an Incredibly Diverse Skillset
Nurses are caregivers, innovators, critical thinkers and patient champions. They understand the implications of short-term illnesses and chronic health conditions and have the empathy and interpersonal skills to bring comfort and reassurance to patients and their loved ones.
3. Nurses Act as True Advocates
In Gallup’s annual Most Honest and Ethical Professions poll, nurses have ranked number one for 25 years. This is partly due to their role as patient advocates. Nurses help ensure patients are safe, cared for and heard. They can act as a patient’s voice to their care team, promote patient safety, connect patients to resources, provide education and much more.
4. Nurses Can Choose from an Array of Specialties and Work Settings
Nurses can specialize by patient population, such as pediatrics or gerontological nursing. They can also specialize by condition, such as oncology nursing, and even by work setting, such as home health or emergency room nursing. With so many possibilities, you can find a specialty you’re passionate about.
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Start Your Nursing Journey at UIW
If you decide that becoming a nurse is right for you, you could start your journey with UIW. If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 college credits, you can earn a BSN in as few as 16 months through the ABSN track in San Antonio, Texas.
No prior non-nursing education is required; however, you may need to complete prerequisites before beginning your studies. Contact an admissions representative today to learn more.