I think it's important remember that there are many levels of nursing. Each type of nurse has different levels of science and medical training. I have a friend who is a nurse with a Master's Degree and had to undergo a very rigorous program. She is versed in a lot of medicine and is often in consults with doctors when it comes to patient care. I also know nurses who hold a certificate who are effectively just there to change bed pans. They're both called nurses though.