discouragment from a friend

CherylRNBSN · Sep 7, 2012

APRNs are not physicians. No one ever said they were. APRNs function in their own scope of practice.

Why are you letting this comment even get to you?

As far as "no one but a doctor touching me", I hope she is never hospitalized, because the majority of people "touching" her and caring for her WILL BE NURSES.

Maybe you can educate her about the scope and role of APRNs. Then, don't give it a second thought. Really.

Tinkx RN · Sep 7, 2012

okay maybe I should have been more clearer. When she said that she was referring to a physician delievering her baby as opposed to a nurse midwife. She has nothing against nurses...she just didn't want a nurse I guess being in charge of delivering her baby...sorry for the misunderstanding...And even though np aren't physicians it is my belief (correct me if I'm wrong) that np can have their own practice with their own patients but under supervision of a physicianBut I guess the reason why it got to me was because she is a friend...but everyone is intitled to their own opinions...

SarcasticLVN · Sep 7, 2012

Over the last couple years when I goto urgent care for something I end up seeing the np vs doctor.. I prefer the np because she spends time with me and talks through the tx vs the doctor who sees me for 5 min and then prescribes me whatever. Go for your np!!!

BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN · Sep 7, 2012

Very occasionally I see a patient who isn't really comfortable with a NP. My response is a kind smile, and offer to refund their copay and they can look for a MD/DO provider with whom to reschedule (but not in our office, we don't have one that will see them). I'm not going to waste my time or theirs. They don't often take me up on it, but a young girl did last week. She asked me immediately if, as a NP, I was "allowed to prescribe my somas and hydros?" I said as a licensed and fully independent provider, I am allowed to prescribe (just about) anything I deem appropriate, but no, I am not likely to decide to prescribe those. She left without an exam stating she wanted to see a "real doctor." I'm sure she's still in pain and trying to get in some place. It makes no difference to me, but I do think it is important for people to be comfortable and confident in their provider, so if they aren't it's just better that they see someone else. I also get patients transferring to me from MD/DP providers all the time b/c they are dissatisfied for one reason or another, which is usually totally bogus and unrealistic. I doubt those physician are crying about losing these people either!

My son says "a hater's gonna hate." Life is too short to worry about them.

Next time tell your friend how relieved you are, since you could not ethically treat a good friend anyway and are glad she won't be asking you to!

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Sep 7, 2012

OK, I've read your post several times and just cannot see what was racist about what she said, can you point it out?

You're right, she's entitled to her opinion, thank your lucky stars that you'll never have to treat her once you realize your goals =) FWIW, I prefer to see a physician too, but I have a very comfortable and long-standing relationship with my MD

Hi all, though you all are most likely nurses already and probably are nurse practicioners, I am only a student rn nurse in an ADN program in my local city. While on the phone with a friend, I was telling her about how I wanted to become a nurse practicioner and all the things I will be able to do since that's an advance nursing profession. She then reply's "I wouldn't want anybody touching me but I doctor" I really didn't have anything else to say after that and just remained quiet and hung up the phone.
I know everybody has a right to their own opinion, especially their own preference to what kind of health professionals they trust their bodies to, but it felt like she made a racist statement (even though I know she didn't...just making a reference to how I felt). So my question to you all is how would you go about this situation of somebody being so ignorant saying a nurse practicioner isn't good enough to serve their health care needs?
P.S. after becoming a nurse, I'm heavly considering an RN-MSN program (I already have my BA in social work) so I guess this would be more of a training to see how I would be able to handle a situation like this in the future...hopefully their isn't one, but you never know!
Thank you for your input...

Tinkx RN · Sep 7, 2012

@ColleenRN2Yea that's why I put what I put in the quotation marks...I know she didn't make a racist statement but the feeling a person gets when a racist statement is made about them is how I felt...and though I wouldn't want to treat her...akward lol...I just felt like she disrespected the profession I want to go in...hopefully I cleared your confusion...

twins4paiges · Sep 7, 2012

I think that her opinion is based on lack of experience. I prefer NPs to MDs. When I got pregnant, I searched for a midwife center and went straight there. The good of it was I found out that I was carrying twins, but that meant that I could not be delivered by the midwife. I did get to see them for my prenatal care though and loved the ones in that practice. I was also very disappointed to find one day three years ago that my NP had left the ob/gyn practice that I had been going to for years. I have yet to find a "doctor" to replace her. The female specialist in my area is not very personable. What are you going to specialize in and when are you moving to my area? I'll be your first patient!

Tinkx RN · Sep 8, 2012

I don't know what specialization I want to go into but I am considering nurse midwiveray, education (health promotion), family practice, or hey maybe all the above ;D but whatever I deciede I will def let you know @twin4paiges

twins4paiges · Sep 8, 2012

I can't wait :w00t:

I am in RN school, my 2nd year of a two year program and am thinking of becoming an NP too. I have a BA in Spanish and am hoping that will make my road to a BSN a little quicker as I already have the general education requirements done. I make my plans though but God directs my path. I never know what is around the corner.

I wish you the best in whatever you pursue.

Tinkx RN · Sep 8, 2012

@twins4paigesSince you already have a BA degree why don't you do the rn to msn program? That's what I'm planning on doing because it seems a little faster and I think its geared for people with bachelor degrees in other areas...well whatever you deciede is right for you. Good luck in your endevors and let me know when u get your np license so I could be your first patient also...lol

Assess&Safety1st, BSN, RN · Sep 9, 2012

I agree with SarasticLVN, NPs take their time with us vs MD. I saw NP recently and she was great. She cared about me asking questions, sitting and talking to me about my issue ;/. MD are in rush in and out of room. I prefer NP. For OB a MD but other issues NP.

Good luck.