why be a nurse practitioner instead of a doctor

Nonetheless, here are six reasons we think nursing makes a great career choice. Consider some key differences in nurse practitioner versus doctor roles. I suspect many of us would consider a program that bridged us to MD/DO. Everyone has asked for a pile of business cards to give to their patients who are disgusted with the hospital but need primary care. Why not make PAs a doctorate? Just bc they are practicing primary care unsupervised doesnt mean people arent getting hurt. Nurses have prior training in their nursing programs. And will keep you updated! He couldnt be bothered if I had a question or concern. For those of you who have not met Christine Sagan in the video I recommended above, here she is (really worth watching): The happiest nurse practitioner in Alaska. You should stop commenting on the role and education of NPs. MDs earned a median annual income of $208,000. As of right now, the plan continues to be re-evaluated each year. Work one day a week, take locums in different places every few months, etc. Should you discover a need to make an apology to anyone in particular or your profession, do so immediately and sincerely. You either kept up or fell by the wayside and I imagine that to be sucessful in any career, you have to keep learning. Organized medical groups should work together to establish more programs that offer residencies for NPs if NPs are such a threat to humanity. Say NURSE PRACTITIONER, MIDWIFE, PHYSICIAN. You will make a difference in your patients lives. One of the reasons I suggested he pursue an NP rather than an MD/DO. Complete the form to download the brochure. Patients without financial resources or insurance are out of luck. A broken system has created a work force powered only by PTSD and caffeine. You are not the problem. 3. However, you also have to look at the FOUNDATION that you are building this learning on. Sorry, to one of the MDs above, but I see physicians prescribing codeine to children, doing paps under age 21, ordering unnecessary tests and prescribing inappropriate antibiotics all the time, leaving me with the problem of explaining why I am not prescribing an antibiotic to the person with two days of nasal congestion when their PCP always does. You get the most out of what you bring to it. Theres an MD shortage and yet, a large enough amount dont get matched to a residency and end up down a different career path sometimes away from healthcare entirely that sounds very problematic to me. I came into the profession when medical care was and still is undergoing big transformations, not sure for the better. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers. Launch Your Ideal Clinic or Coaching Practice. Burnout same as doctors for far less pay. RNs have a strong knowledge of medicine, it is required to do our job! NPs in neurosurgery are not neurosurgeons. Again, depends on a variety of factors. Ethan has severe anxiety. Not all NPs have to work in a subspecialty. Individuals with a doctorate degree can function in a provider capacity but most work to generate new scientific and clinical knowledge in nursing and healthcare. Who are you and what do you want to provide to healthcare? Im not quite sure why you are asking me if I have a problem with NPs when I clearly state that they are a vital part of the health care team and that I have worked with them for many years. At the highest levels of practice, students often choose one of two career paths: Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) or Doctor of Medicine (MD). If I'm honest, I would have at one time wanted to be a doctor. fighting a turf war, we would have real health care. Using this word prolongs physician captivity and victimization. Most nurses have more medical experience in general than PAs, who can have a degree in basket weaving prior to applying to PA school (nothing against basket weavers). Both careers require the completion of an advanced degree and professional licensure. This is why the terms safety and harm are thrown in all over this post. Every NP program requires a Bachelors degree in nursing before you can apply. Luu's private practice focuses o American Association of Nurse Practitioners, recommended by the National Academy of Medicine, choose a nurse practitioner as your primary care provider, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Diagnose and treat acute and chronic health conditions, Order diagnostic tests and interpret the results, Be certified in specialty areas such as women's health, pediatrics, or geriatrics, 27 contiguous states plus Alaska and Hawaii with full-practice privileges. whether you are NPs or Physicians. Anyway, would love to read your response! Pam! Do you not think this will lead to over consulting, over referring and over utilization of tests/labs ? The system needs to be fixed. So you and your little eight years will never encounter a fourth of what she has accomplished in her career. And I also think that after adequate training for NPs in the scope of their practice, if evidence shows that it is safe, then perhaps NPs should be able to practice independently. MDs have NO CLUE what RNs do, especially in the ICU. Thank you all for giving him more advice than he ever thought he would get on his future career choice. 2) Training does in fact matter. I totally agree. First and foremost, here is a (hug) for going through a struggle, rub, and feeling torn. Once you make a decision, your first action step, those negatives will go. I see many of our fabulous ED RNs go onto NP school. 4) My wife insisted on seeing a business plan before she would support me. I have to say that this article rendered me speechless. Thats where I was. This opportunity makes becoming a nurse practitioner more appealing than ever. I am lucky to practice in Washington State and regularly collaborate with some of the most amazing physicians and NPs and feel very supported. Its about patient care. Dr Pamela is doing a great job. Regardless of what degree you go for, if you have to give a patient bad news and it goes past closing time, you WILL sacrifice a bit of your personal life for that patient because you care. My daughter got her lpnthen rn..then rn with bachelor degree and finally three years for her np at a good college. I love the field of medicine and have devoted nearly every waking moment that last 5 years to saving the lives of wounded healers. Definitely some thoughtful insight on this thread. Save yourself the hell ride and treat grateful people where you dont have to be omnipotent and grandiose all day, which has to be exhausting (well, I do see a lot of docs energized by that kind of head space). Every few months new policies would come down for no apparent reason which put more of a strangle-hold on providers and hamstrung their efforts to give patients care they deserved. Speaking as an MD who has worked with, interviewed, and trained many NPs and PAs, what youre asking for is basically what PA training is. I love how I know who these anonymous NPs are . But, that really doesnt matter in the real world. Additionally, they can address a wide number of health concerns a patient may have. No, I think my patients need me as I am stable, healthy, empathetic as all get out because of the abuse Ive experienced, and capable of asking for help whenever I think there might be something that Im missing. Living a fulfilled physical, emotional and spiritual life? Personally based on your eloquence, interest and truly thinking about all the pros and cons tells me that you would most likely make an excellent physician. Your article suggests that the nurse should go to NP school because they are happier and healthier. The MDs are reporting NPs refer to specialist more. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the country could see a shortage of up to 120,000 physicians by 2030. Add in the time and cost it takes to pay off medical school debt and a dissatisfied physician may well consider pursuing medicine a $1 million mistake. My physician colleagues are extremely supportive and always willing to answer my questions. However the NPs are certainly not practicing within their scope of expertise, that is the problem. You cant have your cake and eat it too. I have had no problem accepting the hierarchy of medicine with MDs higher than NP/PAs although I think the comments here may have forever changed the teamwork model of patient care I have developed, as I will wonder what doctors have the more angry underlying attitudes expressed here. Heart-wrenching photo of doctor crying goes viral. ADDENDUM 11/29: This is my advice for Ethan. NP curriculum is full of management and nurtrition classes. We literally are all in thisTOGETHER. I have worked with great doctors and lousy doctors. I use the knowledge I acquired in gross anatomy everyday. That is ludicrous. I believe (as many states already allow) that docs with just an internship should be allowed to practice outpatient primary care. Actually it is disgusting, these are professionals that save lives for a living who turn into monsters behind closed doors. Patient satisfaction scores are NOT a surrogate for good medical outcomes. Mine is 2K/year. Wouldnt this eventually lead to over utilization of specialists thus creating further shortage of them. Both will know (hopefully) that codeine is contraindicated in children. During the course of our lives, we should take the opportunity to share our knowledge rather than horde it or use it coercively. While doctors are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, nurses work in set shifts every week, typically five eight-hour days or three 12-hour days. I also think in the future of healthcare and the push for NP autonomy, anyone wanting to be independent should be required to take exact same board exam. Never lose your independent thinking and inquisitive natureeven if it threatens your attendings or the entire medical establishment. . Examples: 1) Murdering docs as medical education. I cant say that one of them every discouraged me from becoming an NP. One of the benefits of seeing a nurse practitioner is that they are often more available than medical doctors (MDs). Id like to do more, but its a stretch (I dont even have the prereqs), and answering the questions leads to I would do it because fellow veterans need it (VA cannot retain physicians I would like to believe because people dont realize that chunk of missing income on the front end is realized on the back end retirement; and how does that help high paying positions). That is not arrogance, that is a fact. When Will a DNP Be Required for Nurse Practitioners? DNP school will often be paid for by your employer if it is relevant to your current job. I can only relate my experiences, and I have so many! Glad to know where you stand, however. No anticoagulant since admission 24 hours prior. Currently, there are 22 states and the District of Columbia that allow for full and direct access to nurse practitioner care without statutorily required physician collaboration or supervision. Thanks for your comment! The FACT is, NPs are not educated or experienced to even close the extent of MD/DO. Would love to talk more, especially because we share a nursing background in common. I went to an emotionally charged meeting of docs the other day and one of them said please dont get stuck on my words and opinions because its going to prevent me from using my voice. Ideally I could do both, and I am sure it is possible to do so! Dr. Stead created the PA profession to extend access to medical care and to free up doctors for more complex care. When did we become so separated from our calling as healers that we forget our own value as humans and then get caught up in the this craziness. Recent years have seen a shift in the approach to primary care in the United States. I suggest you leave your soap box and reliquish your MD and go become an NP. A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with advanced training and education. Im sorry. If you could see yourself becoming a nurse instead of a doctor, you should check out our ABSN program for second-degree students. What is going on with you that you place so little value in your own education and experience and in that of your colleagues? A sad state of affairs that we cant honor each other for all of our unique contributions to medicine. NurseJournal.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. While doctors diagnose and prescribe, nurses focus on the overall well-being of their patients. Is that 'doctor' an M.D. or a nurse practitioner? Does it matter? Nurses, on the other hand, can choose their level of education. We each have a unique perspective based on our own experiences. Again, I wont pretend it is easy. ER NPs and PAs run by themselves Urgent Care and free standing ERs, more so in rural areas. Do I think Ethan will emerge with less mental health struggles as an NP? Why Become a Nurse Practitioner? (21 Reasons By an NP) Most physicians are clueless about what the scope of practice of NPs as well as their philosophy of practice. Retake the exam or provide proof of at least 1,000 clinical practice hours and 75 CE units, Health Care Policy Advocacy Organizations, >> Get Started! I dont put that on my CV as experience; it is helpful background knowledge for sure but does not make me more qualified in my specialty. Its been good to see the perspectives of everybody, especially those who also have families and are in a situation most comparable to mine. Furthermore, doctors often have to take home charts and paperwork, whereas nurses dont. Why do NPs feel like they can/should practice independently? From administering IV fluids to lending an ear, nurses assist in all aspects of patient care. Why get a DNP degree? If your answer matches your gut instinct therein lies your answer to your question. Hi Dr Pamela! Each state determines the scope of practice. If I were Ethan and my goal is to open an ideal clinic in my neighborhood in the next year or two he should absolutely pursue an NP degree. If MDs are so worried maybe they should stop treating patients like crap. I know PA, docs and NPs who simply clock in for a paycheck and insurance. That was literally just based on him being an RN. The office is pretty modest, just two rooms, but its more than big enough for me. 6 Reasons to Become a Nurse Instead of a Doctor. Very sad and disappointing. First-time pass rate is defined as the number of students passing USMLE Step 2 CK on their first attempt divided by the total number of students taking USMLE Step 2 CK for the first time. $2/pound, weighed on the infant scale I bought for $10. I do when Im on the phone with people I give very specific advice based on their interests, their finances, their desire to practice in a certain specialty, region, their interest in being an employee, a business owner, or entrepreneur. Turns out, writing a business plan is easy now that there is software to help you do the math. This specialty is determined prior to apply to a program. That is absolutely Bu..Sh.. Just as any other Bachelor degree, the first 2-2.5 years are basic education, not nursing or healthcare. I appreciate the non-arrogant helpful posts, and the advice Pamela gave Ethan, as it applies to me. You will learn best and retain information if you have sufficient sleep, a healthy diet, and take time to exercise. I understand that point. But I just worry that being under the stress, long hours, and exhaustion that is required to become a physician (perhaps it is only really bad AT TIMES), that it would simply be too much for me, especially with the added responsibility of a family. But I know of none out there. You are so right, education in any scope is merely what you make of it. It all comes down to each individuals training and experience. Not looking forward to the disrespect Im sure Ill face in the future from haughty MDs after NP school. It is complicated and can be costly paying a physician to supervise. Do no harm should resonate in the molecules of every human being. Why not be well trained? BTW I am pretty sure at one time NPs were, as a trial, given opportunity to take one of the exams required by physicians, the results did not fare well for NP. Also serving as the liaison between doctors and patients, nurses are easily the eyes, ears, and voice of health care, especially in a hospital setting. They were refused hospital privileges as well so much so that they had to open their own hospital in our area to follow their patients who were hospitalized. The system needs to be fixed. Medical training and residency is hard and expensive. That way we can better learn, respect, and appreciate each other. Creating a doctorate of PA studies is absurd. Pamela: Can I publish this on my blog as I think lots of people would like to know the answers to these questions. As a family np who works alongside docs. An unsupervised NP. With a blend of clinical and leadership responsibilities, DNP-FNPs can provide direct patient care and work in more organizational roles. They go to school for two years, then are done. It is about PATIENT SAFETY, not about who is better or smarter. Thank you for your answer! Was critical reading not included on the MCAT? Additionally, many NPs couldnt afford the premiums our physician collegues are responsible because our pay is significantly less. Digging thru sometimes hundreds of pages of medical records, etc. It is a blessing that I did not have to suffer that. But while NPs can perform many of the same duties as primary care physicians, there are a few distinct differences. If I couldnt stand listening to people complaining and I just wanted to be able to treat and street in <10 minutes, I don't think I'd be a happy camper as an NP. Our health finance paradigm needs to change. Much of this is true and I truly believe if the NP attends a reputable program, they can become exceptional providers. Patients are, in fact, being harmed all over the country and reports to the board of nursingwho is suppose to be overseeing these NPsare going ignored. Lots of practices use PAs and NPs. I actually agree that Ethan would be better suited to pursue an NP degree. You would think that the pay difference would be enough to satisfy MDs, this post suggests otherwise. Here, the RN training is 4 years and NP an additional 2 years. If youve ever been in the hospital, you know its common for doctors to visit patients once or twice a day and for only a few minutes at a time. Im sure it passes with time, though, and there are other things in life that are far more important. Simple. Do I think that experienced NPs are intrinsically less well suited to providing primary care than MDs? DNP can become board certified in a wide range of sub-specialities. I have great admiration for anyone advancing their education. Thanks so much for your reply, Evelyn. Im giving the second one to my church. (This assumes the average $166,750 medical school debt takes 30 years to repay at 7.5 percent interest a total cost of $419,738.). Californias lawmakers must make them happen, Opinion: My 12-year-old trans friend came to my drag pageant. That seems to be what this author is sayingthe shortest, cheapest, least difficult route is best. Often times these patients have been seen by all or mostly MDs prior to me. The training that an NP receives is 1/10th that of a physician and any rational person who is familiar with the current NP degree mills that churn out ill prepared NPs with 100% online education and 600 hours (equivalent to basically 2 months) of shadowing (not training) for their clinical experience. An internal medicine NP will only treat adults. I havent talked to you directly. If I had time and money, I still probably would become a nurse. For NPs to treat something that is simple, they will have to have plausibly ruled out all that is not simple, but appears simple. However, its also demeaning to the path you and your colleagues chose. Im already seeing lots of physicians that are speaking out. She was personalizing the responses to him. And that is working with things, not life and death decisions affecting people. Its good to have those points mapped out point by point to help guide me. A Doctor of Medicine (MD) goes to medical school, but a nurse practitioner does not. Certain information may have changed since the blog post publication date. Call us NPs or PAs. I have championed your efforts in the past to avoid physician burnout and prevent suicide. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Guerrero: For Republicans, Bomb the Mexicans is the new Build the Wall, Opinion: Affirmative action isnt hurting Asian Americans. You make some excellent points. Please answer my question. Are you serious!? Step 1. Most DNP programs will allow students five years to complete the degree. But she will be required to do several clinical based courses and have 600 clinical hours before graduating. I do not pretend to know everything and I have made mistakes. In fact, they encouraged me to learn as much as possible and they were my best teachers. To me its similar to how children who have major illnesses do not always meet their developmental milestonesthe circuits are busy dealing with the immediate dangers and all the self-actualizing tasks are moved to the back burner. The worst of the MDs all came down to being new, and arrogance. There are tons I know clacking away on a keyboard and all they need is 500 clinical training hours. Its good to think that the negatives will go once I take that first step. Ive admired you for your commitment to the issue of physician suicide as well as the toxic environments some of us may train/work in. It is still an honorable profession in my eyes. As the co-chair for Advanced Practice Nurses Council at Cedars-Sinai, Chona Melvin's job includes informing the public about nurse practitioners. Lastly, regardless of what you choose, I advocate for professional accountability. Seriously, hats off to you for being able to be a mom, student/resident, and wife at the same time. As of 2022, according to the National Nurse-Led Care Consortium (NNCC), 25 states allow nurse practitioners to prescribe to the full extent of their practice authority, including Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Maine, New York, and Oregon. Also, Ethan can be an NP in 2-3 years (if he has a BSN). Can I See a Nurse Practitioner Instead of a Doctor? Let me muddy the water a bit and toss out the idea of also shadowing a PA. This is the data our lawmakers are going by to make decisions regarding the independence of healthcare practitioners. It does little to help answer what actual differences are and instead minimizes the MD / DO education & training in order to help 1 patient feel better about his desires which are specific to him. maybe uti is 90% simple and algorithmic. At least read what she wrote before you criticize it. I am not surprised that the comments from MDs are filled with hatred. Finally, I had a problem with the misconception about NP school being only 12-18 months. This is not correct. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), states that transitioning from advanced practice NP degrees to the doctoral level is a response to changes in health care delivery and emerging healthcare needs, additional knowledge or content areas have been identified by practicing nurses. Did you watch the video of her > https://www.idealmedicalcare.org/blog/meet-happiest-nurse-practitioner-alaska/.
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