Adult Nurse Practitioners?

olderthandirt2 · Jan 4, 2009

Hello,
Wondering if someone could clarify what they have heard about adult nurse practitioners in the army. I read on this site that the army does not use ANP's. I have spoken with a health care recruiter about possibly joining when I graduate (2010) and she said that the army DOES use adult np's. She said they can be deployed but are usually in leadership roles and see patients in clinics. Also, curious why on USjobs they have multiple posting for adult NP's with the army medical corp??? Any response would be greatly appreciated. Thanks:nurse:

Not sure how NP's are utilized, but I did see a number of them at OBLC.....They are not spoken of much, PA's are delegated more frequently, i.e at BAS (Battalion aid stations....) replacing surgeons.

c.

shirleyTX · Jan 4, 2009

Thank you olderthandirt2 for your response.

I emailed the health care recruiter (Cpt. Amy Mcintosh, Nashville, TN) today and specifically asked again to clarify any confusion, "Does the army use adult np's, I know that family, mental health, and CRNA's are utilized but have not read about adult np's?" Her response was yes they are used. I hope this clears up any questions about adult np's in the army.

JDCitizen · Jan 4, 2009

I spoke with a health professions recruiter two weeks ago. Yes NPs are used in the Army.

But I have read that there are times NPs are dropped down to nursing roles to fit the need. Please note: I don't have this from official sources.

From my research (well over a year now) there is still some confusion on how to best utilize NPs. The Air Force recruiters I spoke with in the beginning told me they do not actively go out to recruit NPs. A little over 10 years ago I met a pediatric NP from the Army she came to our class to promote Army healthcare opportunities. Sure wish I would have taken her offer. I would be halfway to retirement.

shirleyTX · Jan 4, 2009

Thank you JDCitizen for your response. My semester starts back in a week and I'm going to ask my professor if they know of any military that are in advanced nursing roles that I can talk to. I know they army has MANY NP opportunity but like I stated before, are posted on civilian websites. I will continue researching this and if I hear of anything else I'll def. post it.

I guess what started this thread is that I read on here on another post that the army only uses family, mental, and CRNA's but excluded adult np's. According to the recruiter, this is not true...

allnurses Guide · Jan 4, 2009

Thank you olderthandirt2 for your response.
I emailed the health care recruiter (Cpt. Amy Mcintosh, Nashville, TN) today and specifically asked again to clarify any confusion, "Does the army use adult np's, I know that family, mental health, and CRNA's are utilized but have not read about adult np's?" Her response was yes they are used. I hope this clears up any questions about adult np's in the army.

The question is not whether the Army utilizes Adult Nurse Practitioners, but whether they utilize Adult NPs in that capacity or not.

shirleyTX · Jan 4, 2009

If you could elaborate more on this that would be helpful. What practices have you seen? All of these responses are great and being an outsider to the military world, it is nice to have an unbiased opinion. I'm sure the recruiter isn't going to offer up this information so your commens are much appreciated.

Thanks

allnurses Guide · Jan 4, 2009

If you could elaborate more on this that would be helpful. What practices have you seen? All of these responses are great and being an outsider to the military world, it is nice to have an unbiased opinion. I'm sure the recruiter isn't going to offer up this information so your commens are much appreciated.
Thanks

Basically, you would be utilized as an RN not as an Adult NP. What you probably need to find out is if there is a specific speciality code/MOS for Adult NP, and if their isn't then you are pretty much assured that Adult NPs are not utilized on a regular basis in the Army. http://militarypower.wikidot.com/list-of-united-states-army-mos#toc28

JDCitizen · Jan 4, 2009

Very good point to consider:

"The question is not whether the Army utilizes Adult Nurse Practitioners, but whether they utilize Adult NPs in that capacity or not."

Few things also:

1) Contact a Health Professions Recruiter.

2) Ask for it in writing.

3) Contract wording if you get that far.

shirleyTX · Jan 4, 2009

Ahhh, I see...tricky tricky:nono:...These are the hidden aspects that I'm so glad all of you are bringing up. I would have never thought about it in that light. Well, to answer the above post I have been speaking with a health care recruiter, she is an RN. I also looked for a specific MOS for adult and found none, but did not find one for mental health or women's health as well which are actually listed on the army website. The only practitioner specified is family though and CRNA. When you talk about the contract..how should it read? I'm assuming it should read adult nurse practitioner, would it also have my job description listed? There are specialties listed, but I'm just curious if adult would be under community health??

JDCitizen · Jan 4, 2009

Ahhh, I see...tricky tricky:nono:...These are the hidden aspects that I'm so glad all of you are bringing up. I would have never thought about it in that light. Well, to answer the above post I have been speaking with a health care recruiter, she is an RN. I also looked for a specific MOS for adult and found none, but did not find one for mental health or women's health as well which are actually listed on the army website. The only practitioner specified is family though and CRNA. When you talk about the contract..how should it read? I'm assuming it should read adult nurse practitioner, would it also have my job description listed? There are specialties listed, but I'm just curious if adult would be under community health??

If the Army is like the Air Force the chief nurse officer will probably be an RN... Now that you mention it: Actually the first Army Recruiter to pick up a phone and call me is an RN also. So for all the services I have been in contact with she actually the first that had an idea about what I was stating and asking.

I don't know if "hidden" aspects is necessary the term to use but than that term could very well be correct. (buyer beware)... There is just so-so much information out there. I really do believe that each individual case is really that individual so what went good for one does not go good for the next.

As for searching the Internet sites: I believe they are specifically vague so your will contact them.

Can't really adivse you on contract. Contract will be between you, the recruiter, the Army and an attorney (if you desire to get one). Remember active service is followed by reserves and we all know what has been going on with reserves overs the last years.. So once you sign your name the commitment is on...

allnurses Guide · Jan 4, 2009

Ahhh, I see...tricky tricky:nono:...These are the hidden aspects that I'm so glad all of you are bringing up. I would have never thought about it in that light. Well, to answer the above post I have been speaking with a health care recruiter, she is an RN. I also looked for a specific MOS for adult and found none, but did not find one for mental health or women's health as well which are actually listed on the army website. The only practitioner specified is family though and CRNA. When you talk about the contract..how should it read? I'm assuming it should read adult nurse practitioner, would it also have my job description listed? There are specialties listed, but I'm just curious if adult would be under community health??

It actually doesn't matter what your contract says....if your command/chief nurse etc decide they don't need you as NP then you be working as an RN in any fashion they see fit.

That is one of many reasons I picked CRNA over nurse practitioner in the military. It is exceedingly rare for a CRNA to be pulled out of their primary job.