Frustration...

BostonRN13 · Feb 3, 2014

Wait, why is this a race issue? Did I miss something?

SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS · Feb 3, 2014

I read this three times, but I don't understand what you are trying to say.

daviex · Feb 3, 2014

You are a bit all over the place so it's hard to follow but it does appear you are not feeling valued or respected by some. Try not to allow other's unprofessional behavior and negative attitude determine how you feel or how you treat patients. As far as whether or not others want to be a PA vs a NP, don't let that bother you either! They are obviously ignorant to the roles, let them figure it out on their own. Hope you have a better week.

Editorial Team / Admin · Feb 3, 2014

I see that you are frustrated and need to vent a little. But, I do not see this as a "race" issue. As for being able to send private messages (pm), once you have at least 15 "quality" posts on the public boards, you will be allowed to send a pm. We have a lot of members join just to spam other member via pm thus the 15 post rule. We ask that your posts be ones that add to the discussion, not merely to "boost your post count" in order to send pm (no, I' am not accusing you of this; just pointing out our TOS rules).

We hope things start working out better for you and that next time you post here, things will be improved. We wish you well. :)

zenman · Feb 3, 2014

I have worked hard very hard to become a nurse practitioner. Not only am I a Adult psych certified and Family psych certified NP, I am a FNP, DNP and was a clinical social worker with a BSW and MSW...so why is it that my prescription is question..."Do you have a DEA?" (Can you not read...it's on the script next to my name!), but I can't say that because I then become the aggressive minority who has an attitude.

No, I'd repeat "My DEA # is on my script" until they catch on.

I don't like it when my fellow RNs and LPNs say, "Oh, you're a NP?? I don't want to be that. I want to be a PA because you can do more" LIKE WHAT??? What exactly can you do that I can't do? Be supervised by a MD?? Really?? I don't know what the deal is but it is so frustrating to hear these things. I am never one to use race as an excuse because my color will never change. I was brown when I was born and I will die brown. So why do I need to always prove that I really do know that adderall depletes magnesium and can give you horrific legs cramps that typically occur at night when you are extending your legs, or it may thin your hair and make you emotionally labile, and that children who take nasal spray and allergy meds are particularly at risk for emotionally instability including moderate anxiety when taking a stimulant. Even if you may disagree, as a health care professional, you don't not need to call me 'dumb', 'stupid', or a 'disgrace to her race'. I laugh because it is so sad that we as health professionals cannot work together.

Don't be afraid to provide them with an "educational moment."

Case in point, a supposed renowned GI specialist never tested my pt who was having severe GI issues...like a text book case of H. pylori. I had the pt tested and she had active acute H. pylori. I had the records sent directly from the lab to him. He fired my pt then call my office to call me a dumb A**Np who needs to keep her nose in treating the crazies and leave the GI to him. I tried to have him test her. Needless to say she was treated and is doing wonderful but whenever we have the same pts, he tells them to request another provider because I am incompetent.

I personally would have had a screaming match on the phone if I had talked with this jerk. At least send him a letter telling him you saved his butt from sitting in front of a lawyer. Then forget about him.

futureeastcoastNP · Feb 3, 2014

I have worked hard very hard to become a nurse practitioner. Not only am I a Adult psych certified and Family psych certified NP, I am a FNP, DNP and was a clinical social worker with a BSW and MSW...so why is it that my prescription is question..."Do you have a DEA?" (Can you not read...it's on the script next to my name!), but I can't say that because I then become the aggressive minority who has an attitude.
I don't like it when my fellow RNs and LPNs say, "Oh, you're a NP?? I don't want to be that. I want to be a PA because you can do more" LIKE WHAT??? What exactly can you do that I can't do? Be supervised by a MD?? Really?? I don't know what the deal is but it is so frustrating to hear these things. I am never one to use race as an excuse because my color will never change. I was brown when I was born and I will die brown. So why do I need to always prove that I really do know that adderall depletes magnesium and can give you horrific legs cramps that typically occur at night when you are extending your legs, or it may thin your hair and make you emotionally labile, and that children who take nasal spray and allergy meds are particularly at risk for emotionally instability including moderate anxiety when taking a stimulant. Even if you may disagree, as a health care professional, you don't not need to call me 'dumb', 'stupid', or a 'disgrace to her race'. I laugh because it is so sad that we as health professionals cannot work together. Case in point, a supposed renowned GI specialist never tested my pt who was having severe GI issues...like a text book case of H. pylori. I had the pt tested and she had active acute H. pylori. I had the records sent directly from the lab to him. He fired my pt then call my office to call me a dumb A**Np who needs to keep her nose in treating the crazies and leave the GI to him. I tried to have him test her. Needless to say she was treated and is doing wonderful but whenever we have the same pts, he tells them to request another provider because I am incompetent. How sad.
I apologize for the rant...I guess not being able to respond to a private message due to the lack of activity just was the icing on the cake so I thought I am going to post about something bothering me.
And for the record every minority who may or may not fit the description of being black or African American benefits from UNCF. I paid for my education and received scholarships for my 3rd masters. My loans were repaid by the NHSC in exchange for working in underserved areas.

I don't think this is really a race issue, Miss PsychNP. A lot of minorities (and overzealous white liberals) tend to jump to that conclusion when they're treated badly, when in reality some people just treat EVERYONE badly. I'm sure the GI physician you spoke of would have acted just the same to a white NP.

You're clearly a very educated and knowledgeable NP, and I would implore you to simply focus on providing high quality care and ignoring the naysayers. Rise above them, and don't let them bother you. The GI doc probably exploded because you showed him up and he has a fragile ego to protect. The fact that he has it out for you shows just how much you bother him. It's sad - just laugh and go on, because you won. :)

P.S. If he really said you need to stick to treating the "crazies" then it just shows what a horrible person he is. He insulted an innocent party out of frustration because he was outsmarted by an NP. Those with mental health issues are no different than those with physical health issues, and I take great issue with people, especially health care providers, who refer to them with such negative labels. It seems it is you who should be recommending to overlapping patients that they find a new GI provider - I know if I had mental health issues I wouldn't want to see such a jerk.

Good luck.

Editorial Team / Admin · Feb 3, 2014

I don't think this is really a race issue, Miss PsychNP. A lot of minorities (and overzealous white liberals) tend to jump to that conclusion when they're treated badly, when in reality some people just treat EVERYONE badly. I'm sure the GI physician you spoke of would have acted just the same to a white NP.
You're clearly a very educated and knowledgeable NP, and I would implore you to simply focus on providing high quality care and ignoring the naysayers. Rise above them, and don't let them bother you. The GI doc probably exploded because you showed him up and he has a fragile ego to protect. The fact that he has it out for you shows just how much you bother him. It's sad - just laugh and go on, because you won. :)
P.S. If he really said you need to stick to treating the "crazies" then it just shows what a horrible person he is. He insulted an innocent party out of frustration because he was outsmarted by an NP. Those with mental health issues are no different than those with physical health issues, and I take great issue with people, especially health care providers, who refer to them with such negative labels. It seems it is you who should be recommending to overlapping patients that they find a new GI provider - I know if I had mental health issues I wouldn't want to see such a jerk.
Good luck.

Well said, futureeastcoastNP

kguill975, MSN, APRN, NP · Feb 4, 2014

I'm brown and I used to get it all the time, "Are you really a NP or just a First Assist?" In their defense, I wear baggy scrubs, a hoody (instead of a lab coat, never did like those things), and Chuck Taylor's. I'm mid 30's with an 18-year-old, so I've lived enough of life to not care what people think.

Trauma Columnist · Feb 4, 2014

@Miss PsychNP - I can feel your frustration. You sound like a very caring professional. Doubt its your race necessarily but the fact that you are an NP. I had a note placed on my windshield wipers the other day that said "this parking lot is for MD's only!" (I have personalized plates that identify me as a PHRN -pre hospital RN as I'm a volunteer fire-fighter/EMS). And to be fair, the lot says "medical staff parking only"....well I'm medical staff. Somethings you just gotta shake your head!!!

tee hee hee @kguill975 - I am white but fat and old and look pretty dumpy. Many people underestimate me. However, like with the original poster - they are surprised when they deal with me....don't mess with Grandma!

Editorial Team / Admin · Feb 4, 2014

@Miss PsychNP - I can feel your frustration. You sound like a very caring professional. Doubt its your race necessarily but the fact that you are an NP. I had a note placed on my windshield wipers the other day that said "this parking lot is for MD's only!" (I have personalized plates that identify me as a PHRN -pre hospital RN as I'm a volunteer fire-fighter/EMS). And to be fair, the lot says "medical staff parking only"....well I'm medical staff. Somethings you just gotta shake your head!!!
tee hee hee @kguill975 - I am white but fat and old and look pretty dumpy. Many people underestimate me. However, like with the original poster - they are surprised when they deal with me....don't mess with Grandma!

I had the same issue about parking spaces. A little thing in the grand schems of things, but the point was I am part of the medical staff. It had nothing to do with race.

I finally won that "battle" and now the PA's, NPs, physicians have their own personalized parking spaces. Like I said a small batttle won, but it was was the principle of the thing. And, you receiving the note, traumaRUs was totally disresepctful. Hope you get your own parking spot as well as he others. Made my day when I got mine and I felt I was treated with all due respect.

Miss PsychNP · Feb 4, 2014

So...okay...I did read my post and yes...I was all over the place because I was venting. For those of you who thought I was implying the GI doc exchange was a race issue...sorry...I am very aware he just didnt like that I treated something he failed to do and that it had nothing to do with race. However, racial issues are very much a part of my professional life. I am 40 so 'been there done that' as far as dealing with ignorant colleagues and doctors. I guess what started this rant was an email and a meeting in which I was asked how white professionals could better address the minority people meaning Haitians, Laotians, Blacks, Mexican, Guatamalians, etc...oh but not those individuals from Egypt, India, Pakistan, Iran or Japan, and maybe some Koreans depending on where they lived. I am one of three minority providers. The other two are from India and Egypt. My emotions were all over the place as I felt angry, confused and astonished at the fact I was actually asked to provide a brief overview as if I was the minority spokesperson. At this meeting a white nurse made the statement, "well she's a mutt but looks black and her people probably dont listen to her either. Plus she was a professional student, you know we paid for her to go to school".

Yep she really said that out loud and people actually believed her. So I did have to address the situation as I normally do and when I said *** is not a historically black university and I did not get any grants because my parents supposedly made too much money (psych nurses), they were responded with, "oh".

Unfortunately my skin color does invite second guessing. Partly because I work in underserved mostly white farming areas and I know that comes with the territory. My patients are easy to address. I either impress them or they wont ever change their mindset but will accept my recommendations. It is usually the 'professionals' who have the issue but I surround myself with other who can care less about my color and want to help the pts we treat. So again sorry about the conflicting rant but I have too many thoughts to keep in.

And finally for the record, I learned in kindergarten the playing the race card is never acceptable in my family....a black/chinese mother and blackfoot indian father. Some of us look black, some not so black but we love every shade in each and every 12 of us. My daughter is all that plus white so I get it. Sometimes just sometimes, I would like to not have to prove anything and just treat. So thanks for all of the comments and patience reading my thread. Next time, I be back to my jovial self. Thanks again.