Do you (Active NP's) feel respected by MD's/DO's/PA'S

Trauma Columnist · Mar 19, 2013

No problems whatsoever. Yes I feel very respected. And no offense but why would PAs not respect us? In my practice, the NPs, PAs all do the same thing.

Editorial Team / Admin · Mar 19, 2013

Personally, I have no issues with physicians (MD/DO) or other fellow APRNs including PAs. There is mutual respect.

I think the majority of disrespect that I've witnessed is pretty much online. I ignore 99.99% of that. :)

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Mar 20, 2013

I've worked in teaching hospitals in all my years as a nurse practitioner thus far. As such, I've dealt with different providers from physicians to PA's to other NP's. I've also worked with medical students as well as physicians who are residents and fellows. The prevailing climate in my experience is that everyone knows what a nurse practitioner is. Yes, there are times when you sense a bit of jealousy from medical students and residents but in every situation, there is always respect for each profession. For the most part you hear things like "you guys chose wisely because you get to play doctor with such a short educational path", or "you guys make that much money? wow!". One must also realize that a certain level of respect is earned and one way is to prove to physician counterparts that we are also knowledgeable and competent in the respective specialties we are involved in.

ppfd, BSN, EMT-P · Mar 20, 2013

Last ED I worked in ran with NP and PA staff, PA or NP ran immediate care area, and PA or NP worked the ED side. They rotated from ED to Immediate care. Both were pretty hard core and had the respect of everyone.

rnsrgr8t · Mar 20, 2013

I feel very respected and appreciated in my division. In my hospital, there are some divisions that are not as good as mine is about encouraging independant practice and utilizing us appropriately. Mine is excellent and I feel very supported and respected.

allnurses Guide · Mar 20, 2013

No issues.

Remember that respect is also both earned and related to the respect you show others.

allnurses Guide · Mar 20, 2013

I've never had any issues with other medical providers, just from administrators who thought we were cheap labor.

LadysSolo · Mar 20, 2013

In general I am respected. There are occasional MDs who don't care for NPs, but some who have seen my work have changed their minds (hurray for them keeping an open mind.)

KansasFNP · Mar 22, 2013

You all are GREAT! Thanks a million for the responses. This is very encouraging to hear. I try not to pay too much attention to all of the hooplah regarding this topic but ran across the American Academy of Family Physician statement about the "danger" of NP's in practice and it led into a frenzy of research about feelings of other healthcare providers in regards to the NP role. I have never in my life seen a more immature and disrespectful display!

KansasFNP · Mar 22, 2013

TraumaRU's: Most of what I have come across is the PA profession stating that since our training and education are similar, NP's should not be independent practitioners but require oversight by a physician.

allnurses Guide · Mar 22, 2013

TraumaRU's: Most of what I have come across is the PA profession stating that since our training and education are similar NP's should not be independent practitioners but require oversight by a physician.[/quote']
I don't know if I would say our training is similar.
We will have to see how the next few years play out. The trend is towards NP being autonomous practitioners with more states each year removing supervisory language.
As far as my thoughts: I think PAs should also be afforded the same freedoms, but I fear they won't be. Physicians make a lot of money from NPs and PAs. I doubt they will let both of them became independent.