* Education: Doctors (physicians) undergo extensive training, typically including four years of medical school following undergraduate education, followed by years of residency (specialized training) and potentially fellowships (sub-specialization). Nurses complete a registered nursing program (either an associate's or bachelor's degree), followed by licensure. While some nurses pursue advanced degrees (e.g., Nurse Practitioners, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists), their education is fundamentally different and shorter than a physician's.
* Scope of Practice: Doctors diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and order medical tests. Their scope is significantly broader and they hold ultimate medical responsibility for a patient's care. Nurses provide patient care under the direction of physicians or other licensed independent practitioners. Their scope includes administering medications, monitoring vital signs, educating patients and families, providing wound care, and assisting with procedures. The specific scope of a nurse can vary depending on their education and certification. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) like Nurse Practitioners have expanded scopes, but still operate under different legal frameworks than physicians.
* Level of Authority: Doctors are independent practitioners with full medical authority to make decisions about patient care. Nurses collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals, providing essential care but working under the guidance of a physician or other authorized independent practitioner. There are exceptions, such as in situations where a doctor isn't immediately available and a nurse must make critical decisions based on their training and assessment.
In short, doctors are the medical leaders who diagnose and treat, while nurses are essential members of the healthcare team providing direct patient care under the guidance of physicians and other licensed independent practitioners. They have different roles and responsibilities, with overlapping areas depending on the specific nurse's training and the context of care.