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What is the difference between a doctor, a physicians assistant, and a nurse, from the point of view of day to day responsibilities ?
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Richard’s Answer
Of course it varies by subspecialty, but I will give my perspective as a radiologist.
In radiology, the nurses help with pre-procedure assessment, drawing labs taking vitals and preparing the patient. During the procedure, the nurse administers the sedation drugs ordered by the physician. Afterwards the nurse monitors the patient for recovery and is responsible for post procedure education.
The radiologist performs the procedure eg. biopsy, drainage, angiogram, tumor ablation etc. When not performing procedure, radiologist views and interprets medical images.
The PA performs some of the procedures under direct or indirect supervision of radiologist. These procedures include barium studies, PICC and central lines, paracentesis and thoracentesis.
In radiology, the nurses help with pre-procedure assessment, drawing labs taking vitals and preparing the patient. During the procedure, the nurse administers the sedation drugs ordered by the physician. Afterwards the nurse monitors the patient for recovery and is responsible for post procedure education.
The radiologist performs the procedure eg. biopsy, drainage, angiogram, tumor ablation etc. When not performing procedure, radiologist views and interprets medical images.
The PA performs some of the procedures under direct or indirect supervision of radiologist. These procedures include barium studies, PICC and central lines, paracentesis and thoracentesis.
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Lynsey’s Answer
I wanted to give more background on nurse roles… one poster already shared an bit about nurse practitioner so that was perfect. However there are registered nurses (RN) and licensed vocational or practical nurses (LVN or LPN). The main difference is levels of responsibility and independence. A registered nurse can do the things mentioned previously like assist with procedures and take vitals. RNs can also do assessments and triage both in person and over the phone. You can give medications. LVN and LPNs scope is slightly different (there is some state to state difference). In many settings the LVN or LPN is working with an RN because the RN is needed for triaging or developing a care plan per regulations/licensing. For example I’ve worked in a procedural clinic where the LPNs could do vitals, assist and do preop calls just like me, but if someone called in reporting a possible infection, only an RN could take that call.
You can typically look up differences for the role within your state’s nurse practice act.
You can typically look up differences for the role within your state’s nurse practice act.
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Rachel’s Answer
From the perspective of a doctor and surgeon:
I operate 2 days a week and see patients in clinic two days a week. I determine my own schedule. I also am responsible for my patients, and I take emergency phone calls from them on nights and weekends.
Nurses assist me with procedures and help take patient's vitals in clinic.
I operate 2 days a week and see patients in clinic two days a week. I determine my own schedule. I also am responsible for my patients, and I take emergency phone calls from them on nights and weekends.
Nurses assist me with procedures and help take patient's vitals in clinic.
Updated
Dawn’s Answer
I am a Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner.
Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants see pts, write orders to be carried out.
Nurses carry out the orders and takes care of the patients - works closely with the Docs, NPs & PAs - obtaining medical histories, vital signs and other important roles depending on the specialty , inpatient or outpatient clinic.
Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants see pts, write orders to be carried out.
Nurses carry out the orders and takes care of the patients - works closely with the Docs, NPs & PAs - obtaining medical histories, vital signs and other important roles depending on the specialty , inpatient or outpatient clinic.