Is Nursing a Science Discipline? As much as paramedic?

Hello, I was wondering if nursing is classed as a science?
I really enjoy science and think nurses should learn a lot of physiology, pathophysiology etc. (obviously as well as the health and social side) also is there as much science as there is with paramedic science?
Thanks,

Reply 1

InArduisFouette

the fact that most of the none BN/ BNurs pre -reg degrees are BSc or BMedSci should answer that ...

Reply 2

Charlotte's Web

Original post by Polly00

Some nursing degrees are a BA whereas others are a BSc, and therefore may (or may not) be slightly more science-focused, depending on the syllabus.*I can't comment on the paramedic course, and you will struggle to find someone who has done both to compare. Both are different and have different focuses so the science involved will be different. In nursing your anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology are linked with disease process and long-term management whereas in paramedic science you are focusing on the immediate treatment of disease exacerbation or trauma, generally speaking. You will be taught the very basic sciences but most of what you are expected to learn is self-directed so it is up to you how much detail you want to go into.

Reply 3

Blackstarr

I wish there was a joint honours degree with both

Reply 4

InArduisFouette

Original post by Blackstarr

I wish there was a joint honours degree with both

i see you have edited your original post claiming paramedics do more than RNs

what things would those be ?

when working in A+E ( as a Staff Nurse at both Whitley D+E - equivalent to band 5 and none Practitioner band 6) I declared competence in all paramedic psychomotor interventions apart from intubation

as well as closing wounds by suture ( including in layers) and none sharp methods ( clue, steristrips) , urinary catheterisation, plastering, splintage not used by the ambulance service , local and limited regional anaesthesia, IR(ME)R referrer ...

I was able to discharge selected patients ( acute, CDU and clinic) as the clinician of record , refer certain patient presentations to primary care, mental health , gynae, physio, community nursing, social services etc again as clinician of record .. )

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 5

PaediatricStN

Original post by Polly00

In my honest opinion and experience, nursing is both a science and an art in equal forms. Only yesterday did I spend 45 minutes talking to some parents about their support network and what we could do to help them while their baby was in hospital. Equally on the same shift I spent a lot of time assessing another patient's work of breathing and tweaking their respiratory support accordingly.

To compare paramedic science and nursing is difficult as the two are different disciplines with different focuses and goals - and obviously as a nurse I've only studied one. However don't be thrown by the term "Science" in the paramedic course title.

They've probably got equal science and art aspects to them, but with different overarching aims. Paramedics are more specialised practitioners to acute cases, and give more of an instant assessment, treatment and triage whereas nurses are generally more involved in the ongoing care and management of a patient - although being a broader field this won't always be the case.

Reply 6

deviant182

Original post by zippyRN

the fact that most of the none BN/ BNurs pre -reg degrees are BSc or BMedSci should answer that ...

I'm currently in third year. Undertaking a nursing degree. That I'm awarded a BSc at the end of....as well as my nursing registration.

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Reply 7

Blackstarr

Original post by zippyRN

yes but paramedics do all sorts, from dealing with drunkards to delivering babies.

I know delivering babies is rare for paramedics but that does happen.

They are out there ar crazy ocklock in any weather condition.

Nursing is split into different branches meaning what you do is limited to your speciality.

Reply 8

InArduisFouette

Original post by Blackstarr

put the keys down and step away from the JCB ...

Reply 9

Blackstarr

Original post by zippyRN

put the keys down and step away from the JCB ...

Reply 10

ForestCat

Original post by Blackstarr

My interpretation is you rather bulldozed your way through with an oversimplified explanation of nurse v paramedic. They are very different, but equally important.

I would be inclined to argue nursing gives you a wider range of areas you can work in and more scope to change specialities as you please.