Physician Extender ???

Specialties NP

Published

Specializes in psychiatric.

I just saw this term on a job posting, and it's new to me. It sounds very demeaning, and a lot worse than midlevel. Is this a local term used more in one geographical area than another? Any thoughts from the NP's?

Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

It is used in many areas; it should be our mission to stop it.

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Specializes in Emergency,.

I like what they use in Africa. Medical officer

Specializes in Neuroscience, Cardiac Nursing.

I had an interview for a job and throughout my whole interview with the practice manager everything out her mouth in reference to the job was "the physician extender will ..." I was cringing during interview each time she said it an almost did not continue with pursuing the job until I met the MD who was hiring who was very respectful about the role he was hiring this person for.

Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.

I have seen it used many times, but ALWAYS in reference to PAs. If it was applied to NPs I would consider it used inappropiatly and would correct whoever used it.

Specializes in Emergency,.

I just wish our title didn't have "nurse" in it.

Specializes in Adult Nurse Practitioner.

I can definitely see the term "extender" utilized for describing a PA...that is what they are...a physician's ASSISTANT!!!!! As the the NP, we are a unique holistic provider incorporating a more rounded approach to the patient. We care for the mind, body, and soul as well as evaluate the environmental stressors and support. Sometimes I think we scare MDs that they will lose patient, and in worst of all, in the states where they have a STRONG hold on the legislation...stand to lose money from their collaboration agreements! They are a greedy bunch!!!!!

Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

Very commonly used term in my region.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Very common to use in my neck of the woods too - sounds very nasty. In our practice, we have PAs, NPs, CNSs so the term to describe all of us is physician extender....but I hate it.

However, as above poster though - our docs are very respectful and polite.

Doesn't that term refer to both NPs and PAs?

Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
Doesn't that term refer to both NPs and PAs?

It is USED to refer to NPs and PAs; it should not be used to refer to NPs.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
Doesn't that term refer to both NPs and PAs?

Not as far as I am concerned and I will happily correct anyone I hear using it to refer to NPs.

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