What do you fellow NP's think of this?

newFNP2015 · May 21, 2014

Up until a few months ago, I thought mid-level was just the reality of terminology. I read a post on the APRN forum which made it seem otherwise and that it was taken as derogatory. I have heard this term used pretty extensively in my area (mostly by physicians), so I just thought it was the norm. I have seen/heard physician extender as well, which sounds like it has a negative connotation to me.

I think advanced practice clinician seems appropriate. I have started using APRN as my general "go to" for nursing and usually just spell it out as "NPs and PAs" rather than trying to create a collective term.

Is there a guideline for this? It seems to vary by region and facility as to what is used.

Trauma Columnist · May 22, 2014

Hmmm....I personally prefer mid level provider over physician extender which is what my practice uses. Believe me, that sounds far nastier for a variety of reasons.

harmonizer · May 22, 2014

I still prefer just spelling it out "nurse practitioner and physician assistants" I respect both professions but both are still two distinct professions. The scope of practice, educational preparations, and legal requirements are different. This is the reason why recruiters are all confused and think that NP can just do everything like generalist PA do. They do not know limitation that women health nurse practitioner can only see certain type of patient. They disregard the specialty certification that NP carries.

allnurses Guide · May 23, 2014

I think that all the current titles should be reworded to a single term to include physicians, NPs, PAs. Legally that makes the most sense.

I don't like the term "mid-level" because of the implication it makes about RNs and LPNs as well as other members of the healthcare team.

allnurses Guide · May 24, 2014

Our hospital changed to "Advanced Practice Providers". Definitely can't stand "physician extender".. ugh!