Physicians 101
Physicians Education & The Nitty Gritty
All About Nurses
Levels within Nursing Profession
Issues in Health Care Delivery
100

What is the primary role / duty of a physician?

diagnose and treat the illnesses of their patients
100

What three major educational components surround becoming a physician?

Undergraduate school, medical school, residency 

100
T or F: The nursing profession is the largest within the health care industry

TRUE

100

Name the 4 basic levels within the nursing profession

CNA, LPN, RN, APN

100

Do we have enough nurses and physicians working in health care today to meet the demands? 

No, we are in need of more nurses and physicians. Heading towards a shortage if we do not fill the gaps

200

What are the predominant demographics of a physician? Any recent shifts in this?

Predominantly caucasian men

Recently more women have grown into this profession. The largest minority groups is Asian

200

Roughly how many years does it take to become a physicians?

9 - 15 years 

Under grad - 4 years 

Medical school - 4 years 

Residency - 1-7 years

200

What is the primary role / duty of a nurse?

Taking care of people 

200

Do all levels of nursing face similar pay scales? 

No, the higher the level, the more the pay

Ex. the pay between a CNA and a RN are not comparable (RN makes more $$)

200

Are we struggling to retain nurses and physicians?

Yes - many issues surrounding retainment 

300

What are the major differences between MDs and DOs?

MDs - practice allopathic medicine (traditional/standard tx used) 

DOs - practice osteopathic medicine (utilizing preventative & holistic care to treat on top of standard tx)

300

Do physicians have to pass a licensing exam prior to practicing? If so, what is it called?

Yes - USMLE 


300

What is the average age of a nurse?

45

300
Express how the main duties of the following levels of nursing differ: CNA, LPN, RN 

CNA - provide most basic care (ADLs)

LPNs - provide basic bedside care, can administer some medications 

RNs - provide direct care, administer IV meds/blood work, involved in patient care planning process

300

Why do so many health care professionals suffer from burnout?

Working in health care can be a stressful and emotional work environment. Many professionals work long hours with little break, safe difficult scenarios, and go several days without a day off.

400

Recently we have seen a push for diversifying the physician population. Why is this?

Patients are often more comfortable and satisfied by being treated by a physician whose ethnicity and gender mirror their own 

May also lead to improved patient access

400

What must a physician do to remain licensed? 

Pay annual renewal fee & complete a state set number of CME's 

400

What are the predominant demographics of a nurse? Have there been any recent shifts in this? (gender, ethnicity)

Predominantly a female profession, most are caucasian. 

Recently we have seen more men entering the nursing profession as well as diversification regarding ethnicity - % of African American nurses is rising along with increase in Asian & Hispanic

400

What levels of the nursing profession pass a national licensure exam to practice?

LPN, RN, APN

400

Are ALL services surrounding health care delivery billed & reimbursed in the same way? If they are not, why/how do they differ?

No, services are billed and reimbursed differently dependent on the type of service. 

Example - nursing is billed as part of the daily hospital feel while Physical Therapy is billed as a separate service 

500

How do physicians within the Primary Care setting differ from Specialty Care and how do these differ from surgeons?

PCP - who patients see regularly for preventative care and to treat common health problems 


Specialty care - physician who is an expert in a particular medical field 

Surgeons - treat a patients illness or injury using surgery or an operation

500

Why might a physicians license be suspended or revoked? 

unprofessional conduct, commission of a crime, personal incapacity to perform one's duties

500

List the 4 major settings where a nurse typically work

Hospitals, Medical Offices, LTC/Home Health, Public Health, Other 

500

Explain how Advanced Practice Nurses differ from RNs in terms of education and clinical work.

APN's must hold a masters degree and they select a specialty area to work in 

whereas a RN must hold an associates degree (BSN preferred and more common today) and they provide direct patient care without a specialty area (however most do select one population to work within) 

500

What do cost pressures from a delivery standpoint lead to? 

They lead to the utilization of the less expensive professional (ex. utilizing more LPNs than RNs to save money)