13 answers
Arianna
Student
San Miguel, California
2
Questions
Updated
807 views
Should I pursue nursing or become a doctor?
I’m a junior in high school, struggling to choose whether I want to be a nurse or doctor.
I’ve been looking into careers like an RN, Nurse Practitioner, PA, OBGYN, Internal Medicine, Neurology, and many more. I wouldn’t mind schooling and training for a few years because I enjoy learning about the body, and increasing my knowledge and skills. But I would also like to have time to start a family someday in the future, though education may interfere with that.
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13 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
619
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Arianna!
I totally get why you’re struggling with this decision—it’s a big one, and both paths are filled with amazing opportunities. But let me tell you, becoming a doctor is like getting the VIP pass to the entire medical world. You don’t just get to help people; you get to decide what’s going on with them, run the show, and even be the one calling the shots. (No pressure, right? 😅)
Now, let’s dive into the details with a little humor along the way. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Nursing:
Nursing is great—it’s like being a superhero, but with a really cool uniform and the power to actually save lives on a daily basis! 🦸♀️ You can start quickly and get right into patient care. You also have flexibility, which means more time to binge-watch your favorite shows and make a difference at the same time. Talk about multitasking!
Pros of Nursing:
Quick Entry: You can start working in a couple of years and be out there saving lives (while learning tons!).
Flexible Shifts: Shifts can be long, but they also mean you can have random days off to, you know, do normal things like nap or go to the beach.
Emotional Impact: You get to help patients through some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives—pretty rewarding, but also emotionally demanding.
Cons of Nursing:
Physically Exhausting: You’ll be on your feet, lifting patients, and hustling around—so yeah, maybe don’t expect to be relaxing in a hammock every day. 🏖️
Less Control: Nurses are incredibly important, but they follow doctors' orders, and if you want the power to make big decisions, nursing might not be your ideal choice.
Becoming a Doctor:
Now, becoming a doctor—ah, that’s where the magic happens. It’s not just about knowing what’s wrong; it’s about fixing it! You’ll be the one who gets to call the shots, make diagnoses, and lead teams. And yes, it takes longer to get there, but trust me, it’s totally worth it. 💥
Why I Lean Toward Medicine (Doctor):
Power to Cure: Doctors are the ones who diagnose, treat, and ultimately have the power to cure patients. You won’t just be handling what the nurse doesn’t—you’ll be taking the reins in situations where critical decisions need to be made.
Big Picture Impact: As a doctor, you’re not just responding to problems; you’re analyzing them, diagnosing them, and coming up with a treatment plan. You’re the detective, the planner, and the healer all in one. If you love learning and want to dive into complex issues, being a doctor will let you really flex those brain muscles.
Ultimate Job Flexibility: Even though becoming a doctor takes longer, the variety of specialties and career paths is amazing. Want to be a pediatrician? Cool. OB-GYN? You got it. Neurosurgeon? Let’s do it. Plus, the potential to work on your own schedule increases as you specialize, especially if you go into fields like dermatology or family medicine.
You Can Still Have a Family: Becoming a doctor means you’ll have to push through a lot of schooling, but the good news is that once you’re settled into your career, your flexibility in work hours and job location can give you a lot of time for family. Sure, those first few years might be a bit of a studious marathon, but once you’re done with residency, you’ll be in a great position to balance work and home life.
Pros of Medicine (Doctor):
Higher Earning Potential: Let’s face it, doctors do make a lot more money. If you’re looking to make an impact while bringing home a decent paycheck (hello, student loan repayment!), medicine is the way to go.
Leadership and Control: As a doctor, you get to call the shots—literally. From surgeries to diagnoses, you're the captain of your ship.
Job Security: Doctors are always in demand. Whether you're practicing medicine or teaching at a university, you'll have plenty of options.
Cons of Medicine:
Long Journey: It takes longer, yes. But every step you take will get you closer to being the one everyone turns to for answers. And let’s be honest—knowing everything about the human body will give you some serious bragging rights. 🤓
Stress and Hours: The stress is real, especially during residency, but once you’ve gained experience, you’ll be in a better position to create balance.
Why You Should Consider Medicine:
You’re not just looking for a job—you’re looking to be able to cure people, not just treat them. You’re aiming for the bigger picture: to have control over diagnoses, to work on complex cases, and to make decisions that truly impact lives. If that’s where your passion lies, then becoming a doctor is totally worth the effort!
Next Steps:
Shadow Both: You already know what nurses do (and they’re awesome!), but shadow a doctor or two and see what their day looks like. It’s like test-driving a career, but without the pressure. 🚗💨
Internships and Volunteering: Get involved in both fields to really see where you feel the most inspired.
Remember: You can still shift if you start one path and realize another might fit you better. And if you’re in doubt, you can always look into dual roles like a Physician Assistant (PA)—the best of both worlds!
In the end, Arianna, you’re looking for a career where you can be the one making those important calls. So, if you want to be more than just an awesome nurse, dive into medicine—you’re not just going to help people, you’re going to change their lives.
Stay passionate, and you’ll totally crush whatever path you choose! 👊
I totally get why you’re struggling with this decision—it’s a big one, and both paths are filled with amazing opportunities. But let me tell you, becoming a doctor is like getting the VIP pass to the entire medical world. You don’t just get to help people; you get to decide what’s going on with them, run the show, and even be the one calling the shots. (No pressure, right? 😅)
Now, let’s dive into the details with a little humor along the way. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Nursing:
Nursing is great—it’s like being a superhero, but with a really cool uniform and the power to actually save lives on a daily basis! 🦸♀️ You can start quickly and get right into patient care. You also have flexibility, which means more time to binge-watch your favorite shows and make a difference at the same time. Talk about multitasking!
Pros of Nursing:
Quick Entry: You can start working in a couple of years and be out there saving lives (while learning tons!).
Flexible Shifts: Shifts can be long, but they also mean you can have random days off to, you know, do normal things like nap or go to the beach.
Emotional Impact: You get to help patients through some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives—pretty rewarding, but also emotionally demanding.
Cons of Nursing:
Physically Exhausting: You’ll be on your feet, lifting patients, and hustling around—so yeah, maybe don’t expect to be relaxing in a hammock every day. 🏖️
Less Control: Nurses are incredibly important, but they follow doctors' orders, and if you want the power to make big decisions, nursing might not be your ideal choice.
Becoming a Doctor:
Now, becoming a doctor—ah, that’s where the magic happens. It’s not just about knowing what’s wrong; it’s about fixing it! You’ll be the one who gets to call the shots, make diagnoses, and lead teams. And yes, it takes longer to get there, but trust me, it’s totally worth it. 💥
Why I Lean Toward Medicine (Doctor):
Power to Cure: Doctors are the ones who diagnose, treat, and ultimately have the power to cure patients. You won’t just be handling what the nurse doesn’t—you’ll be taking the reins in situations where critical decisions need to be made.
Big Picture Impact: As a doctor, you’re not just responding to problems; you’re analyzing them, diagnosing them, and coming up with a treatment plan. You’re the detective, the planner, and the healer all in one. If you love learning and want to dive into complex issues, being a doctor will let you really flex those brain muscles.
Ultimate Job Flexibility: Even though becoming a doctor takes longer, the variety of specialties and career paths is amazing. Want to be a pediatrician? Cool. OB-GYN? You got it. Neurosurgeon? Let’s do it. Plus, the potential to work on your own schedule increases as you specialize, especially if you go into fields like dermatology or family medicine.
You Can Still Have a Family: Becoming a doctor means you’ll have to push through a lot of schooling, but the good news is that once you’re settled into your career, your flexibility in work hours and job location can give you a lot of time for family. Sure, those first few years might be a bit of a studious marathon, but once you’re done with residency, you’ll be in a great position to balance work and home life.
Pros of Medicine (Doctor):
Higher Earning Potential: Let’s face it, doctors do make a lot more money. If you’re looking to make an impact while bringing home a decent paycheck (hello, student loan repayment!), medicine is the way to go.
Leadership and Control: As a doctor, you get to call the shots—literally. From surgeries to diagnoses, you're the captain of your ship.
Job Security: Doctors are always in demand. Whether you're practicing medicine or teaching at a university, you'll have plenty of options.
Cons of Medicine:
Long Journey: It takes longer, yes. But every step you take will get you closer to being the one everyone turns to for answers. And let’s be honest—knowing everything about the human body will give you some serious bragging rights. 🤓
Stress and Hours: The stress is real, especially during residency, but once you’ve gained experience, you’ll be in a better position to create balance.
Why You Should Consider Medicine:
You’re not just looking for a job—you’re looking to be able to cure people, not just treat them. You’re aiming for the bigger picture: to have control over diagnoses, to work on complex cases, and to make decisions that truly impact lives. If that’s where your passion lies, then becoming a doctor is totally worth the effort!
Next Steps:
Shadow Both: You already know what nurses do (and they’re awesome!), but shadow a doctor or two and see what their day looks like. It’s like test-driving a career, but without the pressure. 🚗💨
Internships and Volunteering: Get involved in both fields to really see where you feel the most inspired.
Remember: You can still shift if you start one path and realize another might fit you better. And if you’re in doubt, you can always look into dual roles like a Physician Assistant (PA)—the best of both worlds!
In the end, Arianna, you’re looking for a career where you can be the one making those important calls. So, if you want to be more than just an awesome nurse, dive into medicine—you’re not just going to help people, you’re going to change their lives.
Stay passionate, and you’ll totally crush whatever path you choose! 👊
Cindy Muhonja
Registered Nurse
44
Answers
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
Hello Arianna
Looks to me like you are really set on joining the healthcare field and your question is more about where you would fit in best. Nobody can tell you that. Only you know yourself best (maybe people who know you well and aren't biased can advise you more. Do not ask relatives in healthcare. Some relatives do not want their people in healthcare based on their own experiences and this can be a burden. I know several doctors and nurses who put pressure on their kids not to join healthcare).
Let us talk about your options. Do you see yourself as a provider, leader or as a hands on person? Do you see yourself at the bedside holding someone's hand, or giving others orders to do so? Do you see yourself doing surgery? Do you see yourself coming into an exam room after a patient has settled there to examine them? Do you see yourself doing research to help future generations? Do you see yourself in charge of a patient care unit or a hospital? Do you see yourself catching the baby? Or helping the mother immediately after the baby is born? Do you see yourself giving a patient chemo in an IV? Do you see yourself pushing medicine into a patient's vein? Or ordering it so that a nurse can push it in? Do you see yourself going in when a patient is depressed and being their support for the day? Or ordering a medication for their depression? Do you see yourself cleaning a patient? Don't worry about the grossness or sticking a patient. We get used to it. And as for death, you can choose a field that fits you best. If you work in certain areas, there will be more death than in others. A long term care nurse or ICU nurse, for example, sees a lot of people pass away. The doctor comes in for a second after the patient passes away, but the nurse has to deal with a lot more including the family and the morgue. But a school nurse deals with children who are sick. A public health nurse sees people in a public clinic or deals with epidemic issues.
At the end of the day, there are many areas of nursing. Do you see yourself fitting in any specific area? Leadership? IT? Provider (NP)? Long term care? School? Jail? Pediatrics? Mother/baby? Labor and delivery? Public Health? Telehealth? Insurance? Primary care?
If your goal is to be a provider, you have many choices. You can be a Physician assistant, DO, MD, Podiatry or a nurse practitioner. If you are planning on specializing in surgery, you have to do MD. If you want to catch babies and take care of women, your choices narrow down to Nurse practitioner Midwife, PA or MD. If you want to be either primary care, pediatric care or urgent care provider, you choose between PA, NP or MD/DO. What do you see yourself doing?
My advise would be to go to youtube and watch professionals talk only about what they do. Let an OBGYN tell you about being an OBGYN; let a nurse tell you about their specialty. Do not take advise on a position from someone who has not performed it. Not even from different nursing positions. Many RNs will tell you being an LPN is a waste of time. Many LPNs will tell you being an LPN is very rewarding. I am able to talk about Nursing and provider because I have both nursing, supervisory and NP experience. Listen to what someone has been through, not what they think of other's careers. The timing of education varies for nursing, so you can only get timing of schooling from different nurses. Getting into and staying in nursing school and MD school is also challenging and you have to take this into consideration. Youtube is your best friend here.
All the best.
Looks to me like you are really set on joining the healthcare field and your question is more about where you would fit in best. Nobody can tell you that. Only you know yourself best (maybe people who know you well and aren't biased can advise you more. Do not ask relatives in healthcare. Some relatives do not want their people in healthcare based on their own experiences and this can be a burden. I know several doctors and nurses who put pressure on their kids not to join healthcare).
Let us talk about your options. Do you see yourself as a provider, leader or as a hands on person? Do you see yourself at the bedside holding someone's hand, or giving others orders to do so? Do you see yourself doing surgery? Do you see yourself coming into an exam room after a patient has settled there to examine them? Do you see yourself doing research to help future generations? Do you see yourself in charge of a patient care unit or a hospital? Do you see yourself catching the baby? Or helping the mother immediately after the baby is born? Do you see yourself giving a patient chemo in an IV? Do you see yourself pushing medicine into a patient's vein? Or ordering it so that a nurse can push it in? Do you see yourself going in when a patient is depressed and being their support for the day? Or ordering a medication for their depression? Do you see yourself cleaning a patient? Don't worry about the grossness or sticking a patient. We get used to it. And as for death, you can choose a field that fits you best. If you work in certain areas, there will be more death than in others. A long term care nurse or ICU nurse, for example, sees a lot of people pass away. The doctor comes in for a second after the patient passes away, but the nurse has to deal with a lot more including the family and the morgue. But a school nurse deals with children who are sick. A public health nurse sees people in a public clinic or deals with epidemic issues.
At the end of the day, there are many areas of nursing. Do you see yourself fitting in any specific area? Leadership? IT? Provider (NP)? Long term care? School? Jail? Pediatrics? Mother/baby? Labor and delivery? Public Health? Telehealth? Insurance? Primary care?
If your goal is to be a provider, you have many choices. You can be a Physician assistant, DO, MD, Podiatry or a nurse practitioner. If you are planning on specializing in surgery, you have to do MD. If you want to catch babies and take care of women, your choices narrow down to Nurse practitioner Midwife, PA or MD. If you want to be either primary care, pediatric care or urgent care provider, you choose between PA, NP or MD/DO. What do you see yourself doing?
My advise would be to go to youtube and watch professionals talk only about what they do. Let an OBGYN tell you about being an OBGYN; let a nurse tell you about their specialty. Do not take advise on a position from someone who has not performed it. Not even from different nursing positions. Many RNs will tell you being an LPN is a waste of time. Many LPNs will tell you being an LPN is very rewarding. I am able to talk about Nursing and provider because I have both nursing, supervisory and NP experience. Listen to what someone has been through, not what they think of other's careers. The timing of education varies for nursing, so you can only get timing of schooling from different nurses. Getting into and staying in nursing school and MD school is also challenging and you have to take this into consideration. Youtube is your best friend here.
All the best.
Cindy Muhonja
Registered Nurse
44
Answers
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
Hello Arianna
Looks to me like you are really set on joining the healthcare field and your question is more about where you would fit in best. Nobody can tell you that. Only you know yourself best (maybe people who know you well and aren't biased can advise you more. Do not ask relatives in healthcare. Some relatives do not want their people in healthcare based on their own experiences and this can be a burden. I know several doctors and nurses who put pressure on their kids not to join healthcare).
Let us talk about your options. Do you see yourself as a provider, leader or as a hands on person? Do you see yourself at the bedside holding someone's hand as a nurse, or putting in orders for others to do so (MD/DO/PA/NP)? Do you see yourself doing surgery? Do you see yourself coming into an exam room after a patient has settled there to examine them or being part of the process of settling them? Do you see yourself doing research to help future generations? Do you see yourself in charge of a patient care unit or a hospital (Medical Director, Chief Nursing Officer, Patient Unit Director)? Do you see yourself catching the baby? Or helping the mother immediately after the baby is born? Do you see yourself giving a patient chemo in an IV? Do you see yourself pushing medicine into a patient's vein? Or ordering it so that a nurse can push it in? Do you see yourself going in when a patient is depressed or psychotic and being their support for the day? Or ordering a medication for their psychiatric illness? Do you see yourself cleaning a patient? Don't worry about the grossness or sticking a patient. We get used to it. And as for death, you can choose a field that fits you best. If you work in certain areas, there will be more death than in others. A long term care nurse or ICU nurse, for example, sees a lot of people pass away. The doctor comes in for a second after the patient passes away, but the nurse has to deal with a lot more including the family and the morgue. But a school nurse deals with children who are sick. A public health nurse sees people in a public clinic or deals with epidemic issues.
At the end of the day, there are many areas of nursing. Do you see yourself fitting in any specific area? Leadership? IT? Provider (NP)? Long term care? School? Jail? Pediatrics? Mother/baby? Labor and delivery? Public Health? Telehealth? Insurance? Primary care?
If your goal is to be a provider, you have many choices. You can be a Physician assistant, DO, MD, Podiatry or a nurse practitioner. If you are planning on specializing in surgery, you have to do MD. If you want to catch babies and take care of women, your choices narrow down to Nurse practitioner Midwife, PA or MD. If you want to be either primary care, pediatric care or urgent care provider, you choose between PA, NP or MD/DO. What do you see yourself doing?
My advise would be to go to youtube and watch professionals talk only about what they do. Let an OBGYN tell you about being an OBGYN; let a nurse tell you about their specialty. Do not take advise a position that someone has not performed. I am able to talk about Nursing and provider because I have both nursing, supervisory and NP experience. Listen to what someone has been through, not what they think of other's careers.
All the best.
Looks to me like you are really set on joining the healthcare field and your question is more about where you would fit in best. Nobody can tell you that. Only you know yourself best (maybe people who know you well and aren't biased can advise you more. Do not ask relatives in healthcare. Some relatives do not want their people in healthcare based on their own experiences and this can be a burden. I know several doctors and nurses who put pressure on their kids not to join healthcare).
Let us talk about your options. Do you see yourself as a provider, leader or as a hands on person? Do you see yourself at the bedside holding someone's hand as a nurse, or putting in orders for others to do so (MD/DO/PA/NP)? Do you see yourself doing surgery? Do you see yourself coming into an exam room after a patient has settled there to examine them or being part of the process of settling them? Do you see yourself doing research to help future generations? Do you see yourself in charge of a patient care unit or a hospital (Medical Director, Chief Nursing Officer, Patient Unit Director)? Do you see yourself catching the baby? Or helping the mother immediately after the baby is born? Do you see yourself giving a patient chemo in an IV? Do you see yourself pushing medicine into a patient's vein? Or ordering it so that a nurse can push it in? Do you see yourself going in when a patient is depressed or psychotic and being their support for the day? Or ordering a medication for their psychiatric illness? Do you see yourself cleaning a patient? Don't worry about the grossness or sticking a patient. We get used to it. And as for death, you can choose a field that fits you best. If you work in certain areas, there will be more death than in others. A long term care nurse or ICU nurse, for example, sees a lot of people pass away. The doctor comes in for a second after the patient passes away, but the nurse has to deal with a lot more including the family and the morgue. But a school nurse deals with children who are sick. A public health nurse sees people in a public clinic or deals with epidemic issues.
At the end of the day, there are many areas of nursing. Do you see yourself fitting in any specific area? Leadership? IT? Provider (NP)? Long term care? School? Jail? Pediatrics? Mother/baby? Labor and delivery? Public Health? Telehealth? Insurance? Primary care?
If your goal is to be a provider, you have many choices. You can be a Physician assistant, DO, MD, Podiatry or a nurse practitioner. If you are planning on specializing in surgery, you have to do MD. If you want to catch babies and take care of women, your choices narrow down to Nurse practitioner Midwife, PA or MD. If you want to be either primary care, pediatric care or urgent care provider, you choose between PA, NP or MD/DO. What do you see yourself doing?
My advise would be to go to youtube and watch professionals talk only about what they do. Let an OBGYN tell you about being an OBGYN; let a nurse tell you about their specialty. Do not take advise a position that someone has not performed. I am able to talk about Nursing and provider because I have both nursing, supervisory and NP experience. Listen to what someone has been through, not what they think of other's careers.
All the best.
Margarita Mendy
orthoptist
13
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Margarita’s Answer
Hello.
Like many here mentioned, you need to realize the requirements for the education and demands of the career afterwards.
How many years you want to spend on education. Physicians require more years than nurses.
What kinds of responsibility you want and schedule. Depending on the fields, nurses usually have set schedule. Physician's schedule can be unpredictable and may include being on-call. That depends on their field of specialty as well.
Compensation is important. Physicians make more but they take on more responsibilities for outcome (good or bad), may have less work-life balance, etc.
I want to take this opportunity to advertise my profession, orthoptics. www.orthoptics.org
We are more like physician extenders in Pediatric Ophthalmology field. Very narrow specialty in ophthalmology, good prospects for growth and need in the future.
Like many here mentioned, you need to realize the requirements for the education and demands of the career afterwards.
How many years you want to spend on education. Physicians require more years than nurses.
What kinds of responsibility you want and schedule. Depending on the fields, nurses usually have set schedule. Physician's schedule can be unpredictable and may include being on-call. That depends on their field of specialty as well.
Compensation is important. Physicians make more but they take on more responsibilities for outcome (good or bad), may have less work-life balance, etc.
I want to take this opportunity to advertise my profession, orthoptics. www.orthoptics.org
We are more like physician extenders in Pediatric Ophthalmology field. Very narrow specialty in ophthalmology, good prospects for growth and need in the future.
Pamela Knight
Student
120
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Hello Arianna
Choosing between a career in nursing and becoming a doctor is a significant decision, and both paths offer rewarding opportunities in the healthcare field. Here are some key factors to consider for each option:
### Nursing:
1. **Education and Training**:
- Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) typically requires earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes 2-4 years.
- If you want to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), you will need to pursue a master’s degree in nursing, which adds an additional 2-3 years.
2. **Work-Life Balance**:
- Nursing often offers flexible schedules, which can be beneficial for family life. Many nurses work 12-hour shifts, allowing for several days off in a row.
- There are opportunities for part-time work and varied shifts, which can help accommodate family needs.
3. **Scope of Practice**:
- Nurses have a vital role in patient care and can work independently as NPs, managing their own patient caseloads.
- As an RN or NP, you can specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health.
4. **Career Advancement**:
- There are many paths within nursing, including clinical, administrative, and educational roles. You can also pursue certifications in specialty areas.
### Medicine (Becoming a Doctor):
1. **Education and Training**:
- Becoming a physician requires a longer educational commitment: a bachelor’s degree (4 years), medical school (4 years), and residency training (3-7 years, depending on the specialty). This can total 11-15 years of education and training.
2. **Work-Life Balance**:
- Medical training can be very demanding, often with long hours and a rigorous schedule, especially during residency. Balancing family life can be challenging during this phase.
- However, some specialties may offer better work-life balance than others, especially those that are outpatient-focused.
3. **Scope of Practice**:
- Physicians have the ability to diagnose and treat complex medical conditions and typically have a higher level of autonomy in medical decision-making.
- You can choose from a wide range of specialties, from primary care to surgery, and have the potential for higher earning potential compared to nursing.
4. **Career Satisfaction**:
- Many physicians find great satisfaction in diagnosing and treating patients, but the responsibilities can be high, leading to stress and burnout.
### Considerations:
- **Personal Interests**: Think about what aspects of healthcare excite you the most. Do you prefer direct patient care, or are you more interested in diagnosis and treatment planning?
- **Family Plans**: Consider how your career choice may impact your plans for starting a family and what kind of work-life balance you envision.
- **Shadowing**: If possible, shadow nurses and doctors to get a feel for their day-to-day responsibilities and see which role resonates more with you.
- **Financial Aspects**: Research potential earnings, education costs, and job stability in both fields.
Ultimately, both nursing and medicine are noble and impactful careers. Take the time to reflect on your values, lifestyle goals, and interests to make the best choice for you. It might also be helpful to speak with professionals in both fields for their insights.
Best Success!
Professional Pamela Knight
Choosing between a career in nursing and becoming a doctor is a significant decision, and both paths offer rewarding opportunities in the healthcare field. Here are some key factors to consider for each option:
### Nursing:
1. **Education and Training**:
- Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) typically requires earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes 2-4 years.
- If you want to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), you will need to pursue a master’s degree in nursing, which adds an additional 2-3 years.
2. **Work-Life Balance**:
- Nursing often offers flexible schedules, which can be beneficial for family life. Many nurses work 12-hour shifts, allowing for several days off in a row.
- There are opportunities for part-time work and varied shifts, which can help accommodate family needs.
3. **Scope of Practice**:
- Nurses have a vital role in patient care and can work independently as NPs, managing their own patient caseloads.
- As an RN or NP, you can specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health.
4. **Career Advancement**:
- There are many paths within nursing, including clinical, administrative, and educational roles. You can also pursue certifications in specialty areas.
### Medicine (Becoming a Doctor):
1. **Education and Training**:
- Becoming a physician requires a longer educational commitment: a bachelor’s degree (4 years), medical school (4 years), and residency training (3-7 years, depending on the specialty). This can total 11-15 years of education and training.
2. **Work-Life Balance**:
- Medical training can be very demanding, often with long hours and a rigorous schedule, especially during residency. Balancing family life can be challenging during this phase.
- However, some specialties may offer better work-life balance than others, especially those that are outpatient-focused.
3. **Scope of Practice**:
- Physicians have the ability to diagnose and treat complex medical conditions and typically have a higher level of autonomy in medical decision-making.
- You can choose from a wide range of specialties, from primary care to surgery, and have the potential for higher earning potential compared to nursing.
4. **Career Satisfaction**:
- Many physicians find great satisfaction in diagnosing and treating patients, but the responsibilities can be high, leading to stress and burnout.
### Considerations:
- **Personal Interests**: Think about what aspects of healthcare excite you the most. Do you prefer direct patient care, or are you more interested in diagnosis and treatment planning?
- **Family Plans**: Consider how your career choice may impact your plans for starting a family and what kind of work-life balance you envision.
- **Shadowing**: If possible, shadow nurses and doctors to get a feel for their day-to-day responsibilities and see which role resonates more with you.
- **Financial Aspects**: Research potential earnings, education costs, and job stability in both fields.
Ultimately, both nursing and medicine are noble and impactful careers. Take the time to reflect on your values, lifestyle goals, and interests to make the best choice for you. It might also be helpful to speak with professionals in both fields for their insights.
Best Success!
Professional Pamela Knight
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
452
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
Choosing between nursing and becoming a doctor depends on your personal goals and lifestyle preferences. If you enjoy hands-on patient care with relatively shorter schooling, nursing might be the way to go, especially as a Nurse Practitioner or PA. However, becoming a doctor involves longer years of education and training but offers a broader scope of practice and leadership opportunities. Both paths can offer flexibility, but doctors may have more demanding schedules. Balancing career and family is possible in both fields, but doctors may have more time constraints due to their longer training and responsibilities.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Arianna
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7223
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Arianna!
Choosing Between Nursing and Medicine: A Detailed Analysis
1. Understanding the Roles
Before making a decision, it is crucial to understand the differences between nursing and medicine.
Nursing: Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer advice and emotional support. Advanced practice nurses, such as Nurse Practitioners (NPs), have more responsibilities, including diagnosing conditions and prescribing medications.
Medicine: Physicians (doctors) diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and perform surgeries. Specialties like OBGYN (Obstetrics and Gynecology), Internal Medicine, and Neurology require extensive training.
2. Education Requirements
The educational paths for nursing and medicine differ significantly:
Nursing:
To become an RN, you typically need an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN can take about 2 years, while a BSN usually takes 4 years.
For advanced practice roles like Nurse Practitioner, additional education is required—usually a Master’s degree or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which can take an additional 2-4 years.
Medicine:
Becoming a doctor requires completing a Bachelor’s degree (typically 4 years), followed by medical school (another 4 years). After medical school, residency training in your chosen specialty can last from 3 to 7 years or more.
In total, pursuing a career as a doctor generally requires at least 11-15 years of education and training after high school.
3. Work-Life Balance
Considering your desire to start a family in the future is essential:
Nursing: Many nursing roles offer flexible schedules with options for part-time work or shifts that can accommodate family life. Advanced practice nurses often have more control over their schedules compared to physicians.
Medicine: While some specialties may allow for better work-life balance than others, many doctors face demanding hours during residency and even after completing their training. This can make it challenging to balance personal life with professional responsibilities.
4. Job Market and Opportunities
Both fields are experiencing growth:
Nursing: The demand for nurses is high due to an aging population and increased focus on healthcare access. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for RNs is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031.
Medicine: The job outlook for physicians also remains strong but varies by specialty. Some areas may have more competition than others depending on location and specialty choice.
5. Personal Interests and Skills
Reflecting on your interests is vital:
If you enjoy direct patient interaction, hands-on care, and holistic approaches to health management, nursing might be more fulfilling.
If you are interested in complex problem-solving, diagnostics, and potentially performing procedures or surgeries, pursuing medicine could be the right path.
Consider shadowing professionals in both fields or volunteering in healthcare settings to gain firsthand experience.
6. Financial Considerations
Financial implications should also be considered:
Nursing: Generally has lower educational costs compared to medical school; however, salaries vary based on specialization.
Medicine: Medical school can lead to significant debt but often results in higher earning potential over time compared to nursing roles.
Ultimately, both careers offer rewarding opportunities but come with different commitments regarding education duration, work-life balance potential, job market dynamics, personal interests alignment, and financial implications.
In conclusion:
If you value flexibility and wish for a quicker entry into the workforce while still having opportunities for advancement within healthcare without extensive schooling requirements—pursuing nursing may be ideal for you. However, if you are passionate about deepening your medical knowledge through extensive training with aspirations of becoming a physician—then pursuing medicine could be the right choice despite its longer commitment.
Based on these considerations:
Bold Answer: Choose nursing if you prefer flexibility with family planning; choose medicine if you’re committed to extensive education for higher earning potential.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Provides comprehensive data on job outlooks for various professions including detailed statistics on employment growth rates for nurses and doctors.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) - Offers insights into nursing education pathways along with trends affecting the nursing profession which helps inform decisions regarding career paths in healthcare.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - Supplies information regarding medical education requirements along with data about physician specialties which aids prospective students in understanding what pursuing a career as a doctor entails.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
Choosing Between Nursing and Medicine: A Detailed Analysis
1. Understanding the Roles
Before making a decision, it is crucial to understand the differences between nursing and medicine.
Nursing: Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer advice and emotional support. Advanced practice nurses, such as Nurse Practitioners (NPs), have more responsibilities, including diagnosing conditions and prescribing medications.
Medicine: Physicians (doctors) diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and perform surgeries. Specialties like OBGYN (Obstetrics and Gynecology), Internal Medicine, and Neurology require extensive training.
2. Education Requirements
The educational paths for nursing and medicine differ significantly:
Nursing:
To become an RN, you typically need an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN can take about 2 years, while a BSN usually takes 4 years.
For advanced practice roles like Nurse Practitioner, additional education is required—usually a Master’s degree or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which can take an additional 2-4 years.
Medicine:
Becoming a doctor requires completing a Bachelor’s degree (typically 4 years), followed by medical school (another 4 years). After medical school, residency training in your chosen specialty can last from 3 to 7 years or more.
In total, pursuing a career as a doctor generally requires at least 11-15 years of education and training after high school.
3. Work-Life Balance
Considering your desire to start a family in the future is essential:
Nursing: Many nursing roles offer flexible schedules with options for part-time work or shifts that can accommodate family life. Advanced practice nurses often have more control over their schedules compared to physicians.
Medicine: While some specialties may allow for better work-life balance than others, many doctors face demanding hours during residency and even after completing their training. This can make it challenging to balance personal life with professional responsibilities.
4. Job Market and Opportunities
Both fields are experiencing growth:
Nursing: The demand for nurses is high due to an aging population and increased focus on healthcare access. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for RNs is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031.
Medicine: The job outlook for physicians also remains strong but varies by specialty. Some areas may have more competition than others depending on location and specialty choice.
5. Personal Interests and Skills
Reflecting on your interests is vital:
If you enjoy direct patient interaction, hands-on care, and holistic approaches to health management, nursing might be more fulfilling.
If you are interested in complex problem-solving, diagnostics, and potentially performing procedures or surgeries, pursuing medicine could be the right path.
Consider shadowing professionals in both fields or volunteering in healthcare settings to gain firsthand experience.
6. Financial Considerations
Financial implications should also be considered:
Nursing: Generally has lower educational costs compared to medical school; however, salaries vary based on specialization.
Medicine: Medical school can lead to significant debt but often results in higher earning potential over time compared to nursing roles.
Ultimately, both careers offer rewarding opportunities but come with different commitments regarding education duration, work-life balance potential, job market dynamics, personal interests alignment, and financial implications.
In conclusion:
If you value flexibility and wish for a quicker entry into the workforce while still having opportunities for advancement within healthcare without extensive schooling requirements—pursuing nursing may be ideal for you. However, if you are passionate about deepening your medical knowledge through extensive training with aspirations of becoming a physician—then pursuing medicine could be the right choice despite its longer commitment.
Based on these considerations:
Bold Answer: Choose nursing if you prefer flexibility with family planning; choose medicine if you’re committed to extensive education for higher earning potential.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Provides comprehensive data on job outlooks for various professions including detailed statistics on employment growth rates for nurses and doctors.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) - Offers insights into nursing education pathways along with trends affecting the nursing profession which helps inform decisions regarding career paths in healthcare.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - Supplies information regarding medical education requirements along with data about physician specialties which aids prospective students in understanding what pursuing a career as a doctor entails.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
Kathleen Rezek
Laboratory and compliance
67
Answers
Stanwood, Michigan
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
There are many options in Healthcare. The first thing to do is focus on what you love to do. Do you like to workout and plays sports? Maybe physical therapy. Do you like experiments, solving puzzles? Maybe laboratory. If you love being around people , listening and guiding, nursing or clinical social worker might be your best option. The amount of study for various Healthcare careers varies, so if you want a good work- life balance, consider how each career would allow for that. At a minimum you'll need an associate degree for some technician types of careers, a bachelor's for the next level, etc. Most positions will require continuing education to keep up with the field certification and license, so consider that, too.
Best to you,
Kathie
Best to you,
Kathie
Thank you for the advice, Kathleen.
Arianna
Paul Treuhaft, MD, MA
Retired surgeon who replaced hips and knees
46
Answers
Santa Rosa, California
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Arianna, you have asked a complex question for which there is no simple answer. I can give you some general guidance, but you will need someone to help you organize all the information you will collect and guide you as you work through it. Good people to talk to would include your family doctor if possible, a nurse if your family knows one, and your guidance counselor at school for certain. It is possible to do any of the careers you mention, but it can be time consuming and difficult. A basic step for you would be to look at the time involved. A career in medicine will take 12 years or more after high school. It includes 4 years in college, 4 years in medical school, and 4 years or more of residency, depending on your specialty. As a nurse, a bachelor’s degree is 4 years, plus additional time for specialty training if desired. In terms of time at work, as a nurse your basic schedule will be 5 shifts per week, each 8 hours, plus occasional over time. As a hospital based nurse you will look at 3 shifts per day; daytime, evening, and night; and you will also look at weekend shifts. There are other variations that come up from time to time, as well. For doctors, the number of possibilities for specialties are numerous, and the time required for each can be highly variable. The only way to learn about all of this is to talk to people. Try to connect with doctors and nurses you might know, and ask them to help you as much as you can. I am a retired orthopedic surgeon, so I can tell you some basic things about medical and surgical practice. You can look me up on line and send me an e-mail if you wish.
Paul S. Treuhaft, MD, MA
Paul S. Treuhaft, MD, MA
Thank you, Paul!
Arianna
Hannah Stoltman
Nursing Assistant
4
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Hannah’s Answer
Hello Arianna!
I completely understand your struggle, as I faced a similar dilemma when I was deciding on my career path. I ultimately chose to become a PA, which fulfilled all my career aspirations. It's fantastic that you're open to furthering your education, as all the career options you're considering will need that. You could even delve deeper into a specific field and pursue a specialization, which would mean additional years of study. It all boils down to what's most important to you. When researching various careers, consider the years of schooling it will take and any specialties to gauge the additional commitment required.
Life is unpredictable, and we can't always plan when we'll start a family or have children. So, it's crucial to choose a career that you enjoy and then navigate the rest from there. I know many nurses, doctors, PAs, and nurse practitioners who juggle their career and family life successfully, so don't let the prospect of balancing both intimidate you.
While I can't dictate your career choice, I can share my personal approach. When I was in your shoes, I visualized myself in each role and assessed how happy it made me feel. Was it something I genuinely desired? Or was there another role that seemed a better fit? I also considered my interests and how far I was prepared to extend my educational journey.
I hope my experience provides some clarity for you!
I completely understand your struggle, as I faced a similar dilemma when I was deciding on my career path. I ultimately chose to become a PA, which fulfilled all my career aspirations. It's fantastic that you're open to furthering your education, as all the career options you're considering will need that. You could even delve deeper into a specific field and pursue a specialization, which would mean additional years of study. It all boils down to what's most important to you. When researching various careers, consider the years of schooling it will take and any specialties to gauge the additional commitment required.
Life is unpredictable, and we can't always plan when we'll start a family or have children. So, it's crucial to choose a career that you enjoy and then navigate the rest from there. I know many nurses, doctors, PAs, and nurse practitioners who juggle their career and family life successfully, so don't let the prospect of balancing both intimidate you.
While I can't dictate your career choice, I can share my personal approach. When I was in your shoes, I visualized myself in each role and assessed how happy it made me feel. Was it something I genuinely desired? Or was there another role that seemed a better fit? I also considered my interests and how far I was prepared to extend my educational journey.
I hope my experience provides some clarity for you!
Shelia Bereszniewicz
Seller enblement
98
Answers
Woodstock, Georgia
Updated
Shelia’s Answer
Hello Arianna,
Both nursing and medicine are truly fulfilling paths to take. Your choice will largely depend on your personal aspirations and the time you're willing to commit to your studies. Have you thought about volunteering at a local hospital? It's a fantastic way to get a real feel for what life as a nurse or a doctor is like.
To become a Registered Nurse (RN), you'll need a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, which typically takes four years at a university or college. Nursing is a competitive field, so strong grades and a good performance on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) are crucial for getting into a Nursing Program. Once you're in, you'll need to pass all your courses and gain practical experience through clinical rotations. After earning your degree, you'll need to apply for a state license and pass the National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to get your nursing license. It's also worth thinking about where you see yourself in the future. Do you envision yourself as part of a medical team or working in a doctor's practice?
On the other hand, becoming a doctor requires a longer educational journey. You'll need a four-year college degree, focusing on a variety of subjects that will be essential in medical school. Excelling in your studies, taking on leadership roles, and gaining experience in a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office are all important steps. For instance, my daughter worked as a medical scribe during her undergraduate degree. You'll also need to prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), aiming to score 510 or higher. It's wise to apply to multiple medical schools. The application process involves writing an excellent personal statement, getting letters of recommendation, completing both a primary and secondary application, and performing well in an interview. With luck, you'll get multiple interviews where you can really shine.
Once you're accepted into medical school, you'll spend two years learning all about the human body and how to diagnose patients (actors). Then, you'll spend the next two years on clinical rotations. You'll need to pass Step 1 to start your third year and Step 2 for your fourth year. Passing the medical boards is key to starting your residency. Depending on your residency, you could be looking at another three years for primary care or five years for a general surgeon. Here's to a successful journey ahead!
Both nursing and medicine are truly fulfilling paths to take. Your choice will largely depend on your personal aspirations and the time you're willing to commit to your studies. Have you thought about volunteering at a local hospital? It's a fantastic way to get a real feel for what life as a nurse or a doctor is like.
To become a Registered Nurse (RN), you'll need a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, which typically takes four years at a university or college. Nursing is a competitive field, so strong grades and a good performance on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) are crucial for getting into a Nursing Program. Once you're in, you'll need to pass all your courses and gain practical experience through clinical rotations. After earning your degree, you'll need to apply for a state license and pass the National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to get your nursing license. It's also worth thinking about where you see yourself in the future. Do you envision yourself as part of a medical team or working in a doctor's practice?
On the other hand, becoming a doctor requires a longer educational journey. You'll need a four-year college degree, focusing on a variety of subjects that will be essential in medical school. Excelling in your studies, taking on leadership roles, and gaining experience in a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office are all important steps. For instance, my daughter worked as a medical scribe during her undergraduate degree. You'll also need to prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), aiming to score 510 or higher. It's wise to apply to multiple medical schools. The application process involves writing an excellent personal statement, getting letters of recommendation, completing both a primary and secondary application, and performing well in an interview. With luck, you'll get multiple interviews where you can really shine.
Once you're accepted into medical school, you'll spend two years learning all about the human body and how to diagnose patients (actors). Then, you'll spend the next two years on clinical rotations. You'll need to pass Step 1 to start your third year and Step 2 for your fourth year. Passing the medical boards is key to starting your residency. Depending on your residency, you could be looking at another three years for primary care or five years for a general surgeon. Here's to a successful journey ahead!
Robert Brooks
project manager
1
Answer
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Robert’s Answer
My mother was a registered nurse and my mother in law also. It is a very demanding but rewarding choice. The pay can be almost as good as a Doctor but requires a bit less initial schooling. If your interest lies in patient care , this is the field for you.
Rita Chuang
Physician
207
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
Although both professions provide medical care, they are quite different. If you work as a nurse, most likely, you will be working in the hospital and take hospital shifts. You will need to take care of many patients, their families, and the doctors. As a physician, you make more money and the work is more cerebral in terms of making decisions but the road to get there is a lot more difficult. There are stresses in both. I think one of the difficulties is that the reimbursements for medical care is going down. There are more expectations as a provider and I know at least in the medical field as a physician, there is high burn out. I think the same may be true for a nurse.
I recommend everyone work as a medical scribe. You get to interact with the physician, possibly nurses and you can see what they do. See if you enjoy that they are doing. I also challenge you to start your shift when the doctor comes in, not when you start getting paid and leave when the doctor leaves. Depending on your field, you will start to realize, how many dinners or plans you will need to postpone or cancel. If you have a private practice (your own office where you are the boss), this will be for the rest of your career.
Each profession has their challenges. You just need to find out are the negatives worth the positives. Is the money worth it?
I recommend everyone work as a medical scribe. You get to interact with the physician, possibly nurses and you can see what they do. See if you enjoy that they are doing. I also challenge you to start your shift when the doctor comes in, not when you start getting paid and leave when the doctor leaves. Depending on your field, you will start to realize, how many dinners or plans you will need to postpone or cancel. If you have a private practice (your own office where you are the boss), this will be for the rest of your career.
Each profession has their challenges. You just need to find out are the negatives worth the positives. Is the money worth it?