How do you feel?

[mrcleanscrubs]

Dear Fellow Healthcare Professionals,

It brings me great joy to finally be pursuing an educational path and career as an Advanced Practice Provider.

I have my Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing, and I am open to either Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant Studies.

The two professions seem to function as coequals, however differ in philosophy and educational delivery.

Unfortunately, I hear that many Nurses who pursue Nurse Practitioner studies finish their programs feeling unchallenged and quite frankly, cheated of their pursuit to a proper education.

My questions for everyone:

1. Do you feel as though your NP Program properly prepared you to safely and competently care for patients?

2. Do you feel that you truly have an in depth understanding of Anatomy & Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Pathology?

3. Do you feel as if your medical questions in lecture were answered to an extent that clearly illustrated that your professors were truly knowledgeable in advanced practice/medicine?; In that, they actually answered your question and not just answering stating, "That is something you will learn, 'on the job.'"

4. Do you feel that your thirst for medical knowledge was satisfied?

5. Do you feel satisfied in your role as a Nurse Practitioner?

Thank You,

MrCleanScrubs

[mrcleanscrubs, BSN, RN]

1. Do you feel as though your NP Program properly prepared you to safely and competently care for patients?

Somewhat. I'm grateful that I had preceptors who pushed me to be as independent and autonomous as possible during clinicals. If not, I think I would be drowning right now in my first NP position seeing 25 - 30 patients/day. The didactic portion of the FNP program left much to be desired. There definitely weren't enough clinical hours.

2. Do you feel that you truly have an in depth understanding of Anatomy & Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Pathology?

Not really. I'm fortunate a biochemist taught my Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology class, so we had very in-depth lectures. I supplemented my studies by reading Guyton & Hall, Netter, and Robbin's, but I don't think that I know as much as I should.

3. Do you feel as if your medical questions in lecture were answered to an extent that clearly illustrated that your professors were truly knowledgeable in advanced practice/medicine?; In that, they actually answered your question and not just answering stating, "That is something you will learn, 'on the job.'"

A lot of lectures (but not all) were just professors reading off PP slides. Other times we didn't have lectures on a topic but were given journal articles to review instead. There were a few professors who seemed to be very knowledgeable about medicine and the basic sciences.

4. Do you feel that your thirst for medical knowledge was satisfied?

No, but it never will be. :)

5. Do you feel satisfied in your role as a Nurse Practitioner?

I feel pretty satisfied, especially in comparison to being an RN, but I'm also a new grad FNP in primary care. I know that I need more time to learn and grow as a provider. Sometimes I do wish that I had went to medical school and completed a residency instead. Mais c'est la vie!

Thank you for your awesome reply!

[mrcleanscrubs, BSN, RN]

I did the same thing. I read so much more than what was required of me. It shows on rotations when you're next to medical students and PA students and you are answering the majority of the attending's questions - correctly. There's still so much more I need to learn but I can't imagine where I'd be if I hadn't done that.

And I feel that way sometimes as well. Whenever I catch myself thinking that I remind myself that the attendings take call every 3rd week and weekend - getting phone calls and coming in at every hour of the day and night. It's all a trade off.

Hey, those readings are going to set you apart from everyone else - and it did! Your actions not only raised the bar for yourself, but for the Nursing / Nurse Practitioner professions.

I too think about going into Medical School, but the pay and quality of life do not seem worth it - unless you are in surgery. But that is for another day.

Thanks for your post!

[RiaC]

I've honestly never, in my entire nursing education, taken a "nursing theory" class. What, exactly, does one learn in such a class?

Lol...I believe nursing theory classes are supposed to provide a foundation and grounding for research and policy formation...affecting change on a systemic level and such...

That's what I like about the NP role over PA. Besides the increased autonomy NPs have in many states, I think there is also greater versatility, especially with the growing number of NP post-degree residencies and fellowships as well as non-clinical and academic options like research and advocacy and policy.

[mrcleanscrubs, BSN, RN]

Lol...I believe nursing theory classes are supposed to provide a foundation and grounding for research and policy formation...affecting change on a systemic level and such...

That's what I like about the NP role over PA. Besides the increased autonomy NPs have in many states, I think there is also greater versatility, especially with the growing number of NP post-degree residencies and fellowships as well as non-clinical and academic options like research and advocacy and policy.

@ RiaC ,

Hello,

To be honest, you have a point. I do think that is what sets us apart from Physician Assistants. I think health policy and research classes are good theory classes, however some theory classes really are not very beneficial in my opinion.

Thank you for your input!