What kind of power does a NP have?

[xInspiredx]

So I know that the NP is under the doctor, in terms of "power", but what if the two have conflicting opinions about diagnosing/treating patients? Does the doctor really overpower the NP, regardless?

Also, I have read that the NP is 'basically' like a doctor, so what can a doctor do that a NP can't?

Thanks!

[thats absurd]

NP's have considerably shorter and less intense training than physicians... so you can probably assume they'd have to have a very, very defensible position with concrete evidence to "overrule" a physician.

The difference is years and breadth and depth of schooling and training. In some states, they can do the same things, yes.. But that doesn't mean NP's = physicians. And oh yes, I very much include DNP's when I say "NP's."

Please don't say you're considering becoming an NP to wield "power".

[xInspiredx]

Please don't say you're considering becoming an NP to wield "power".

Haha, no I am not.

Thanks for your reply!

[zenman]

Which kind of power are you talking about...legitimate, expert, reward, coercive, referent, or character?

[PsychiatricNP]

I don't want to engage in a debate regarding MD vs. NP here - with that said, I do feel that it is important to mention that, in many states, NP have complete independent practice - meaning the NP is not "under" anyone. They can manage the care of a patient from beginning to end without consultation, collaboration, etc. This being said, I don't feel that this is always appropriate or safe. I once had an FNP tell me that "in this state, I can perform neurosurgery if I want to, but I am going to be held accountable to the standards of a neurosurgeon." There are many times that the clinical expertise and knowledge of a physician are necessary in the safe treatment of a patient.

With regard to "power," if you are looking for power, NP is the wrong way to go. In fact, in my experience, I believe that many MDs would tell you that they feel that they have little "power" within the system of HMOs, managed care, etc.

[zenman]

I once had an FNP tell me that "in this state, I can perform neurosurgery if I want to, but I am going to be held accountable to the standards of a neurosurgeon."

NP's that say stupid things like this are not a credit to our cause. No, they couldn't do neurosurgery if they wanted as no hospital would allow it. Feel free to tell this person I said so!

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

Where I work, the NPs are not "under" the doctors. I have my own patients that I manage independently. That being said, I rely on my physician colleagues for advice and I am not afraid to ask when I don't know something. I don't have the same knowledge base as a physician, and don't presume to. However, I don't report to the physicians here nor do I get the patients/stuff that they don't want. I'm fortunate to have a true collaborative relationship, where there are not "power" games being played.

[xInspiredx]

Where I work, the NPs are not "under" the doctors. I have my own patients that I manage independently. That being said, I rely on my physician colleagues for advice and I am not afraid to ask when I don't know something. I don't have the same knowledge base as a physician, and don't presume to. However, I don't report to the physicians here nor do I get the patients/stuff that they don't want. I'm fortunate to have a true collaborative relationship, where there are not "power" games being played.

Thanks for your reply. Great answer.

Perhaps I shouldn't have used the term "power", but I meant it in the sense of how/where they place in the hospital (roles, duties, responsibilities, etc.), as well as comparing that with those of doctors.

Thanks again for the replies everyone.