Complexity of Care/scope of practice

[kayrose25]

I am considering going back to school for nursing and eventually becoming an NP. I was wondering what level of complexity do NPs handle? How would patients seen by NPs differ from those that a doctor see (complexity/severity). I know that I would be more interested in doing a speciality rather than primary care, so any input in those fields would be great. Thanks!

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Primary care here: there is no difference in the complexity of patients I see vs my physician colleagues.

I have colleagues that work in both primary care and specialty settings that see the less complex patients and some that see the same complexity, there is a great amount of variability.

[AnnieNP, MSN, NP]

Primary care here: there is no difference in the complexity of patients I see vs my physician colleagues.

I have colleagues that work in both primary care and specialty settings that see the less complex patients and some that see the same complexity, there is a great amount of variability.

Same thing here!

[babyNP., APRN]

I work in an ICU so I see my patients jointly with a physician. But they are there only during business hours- I otherwise will admit, discharge, perform invasive procedures as needed on any babies that walk (crawl? lol, I guess handed to by the OB) into my unit. For sure if it's a complex baby I will give the neo a courtesy call to see if there is anything else they would like to do, but they trust my judgment. It's more like, "hey, I've got this baby with x, y, and z. I'm doing a, b, and c. Just keeping you in the loop..."

[FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP]

I work in a primary care clinic system that also employs MDs and PAs. There is no difference in work load or types of patients seen. That said, some practitioners have their own "specialties." For example, one of our MDs has a lot of experience with orthopedic issues, another one has a lot of cardiology experience, and so forth. I'm known as the one who is good with patients that have a lot of emotional issues. We all support each other and refer patients to each other and consult with each other as appropriate. Patients also have the right to request a specific provider.