Do You get Upset When you are Called a Physican Extender

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  1. What should we be called??

    • 0
      Physician Extender
    • 13
      Midlevel Provider
    • 0
      Highlevel Provider

13 members have participated

I've been reading up about campaigns to end the term physician extended/midlevel because it has become derogatory terms for NP's and PA's as they suggest we do not provide the highest level of care. It seems like there is a huge fight going on, but in all honesty, I don't really seem to care what term people refer to me as so long as they clarify that I am a Nurse Practitioner (student). I've never really met any physicians or patients who ever say this is [name] the sNP midlevel provider. I've only met people who, not in front of patients, speak about my role as a "midlevel provider" or "extender" which frankly doesn't tick me off. However, I've seen so many other NP's upset at being called such a term.

What are your thoughts? Some have suggested that we be addressed as High Level Provider, but imho that sounds a bit funky.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm not one to get upset over semantics. As long as I'm valued by my practice, compensated well and respected...those are the important things. Don't sweat the small stuff.

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I agree there is a huge fight going on regarding what NPS/PAs are called. Yesterday when I was talking through the park, a group of 50 PAs and NPs had a battle Royale with some docs that are from the other side of town over what we should all be called. Looked like something off of anchor man.... You know because this is such an important topic we really should figure out what to be called, people's lives are at stake..... omg omg omg.

So back to planet earth, just wondering....If things like this bother you, how do you sleep at night?

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Specializes in NICU.

None of the above. How about "nurse practitioner?"

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
I'm not one to get upset over semantics.

I'm the same, traumaRUs. It doesn't offend me at all.

However, I've seen so many other NP's upset at being called such a term.

I don't think I've had anyone (NP, PA) tell me they are offended.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I hate when things that are more important get overshadowed by whining over something insignificant. To me the NP angst issues worth fighting for are being able to practice to my full scope and making an excellent wage.

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

I don't hear the words physician extender and midlevel provider here where I work. While we are addressed appropriately as NP's, we have a collective group of all NP's, PA's, CNM's, and CRNA's in the medical center and we are represented by an administrator (currently an NP) in terms of institutional issues and policies. As a collective group, we are referred to as Advanced Practice Providers.

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The people that get upset over stuff like this, to put it in a nice way, place disproportionate emphasis on their person as opposed to their role. Speaking for myself (and I'm sure most folks), I seek validation through my patients outcomes given the circumstances they present with and the endorsement, affirmation and honest constructive criticism from my physician and advanced practice colleagues.

I tell my patients and their families that I'm the nurse anesthetist. Some say nothing, and to those that ask, I give a simple explanation without sounding like a political campaign ad.

I don't misrepresent myself, I don't use patients to advance a political agenda and I do not allow anyone to be confused as to who I am or what I do with vague ambiguities. To this end I do not allow nurses training for advanced practice roles to use the term "resident" when introducing themselves.

I have a religion, and it isn't advanced practice nursing.

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Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

It doesn't offend me. I refer to myself as a nurse practitioner. i care that I am treated with respect and the paycheck is made out to the correct person.

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Specializes in GENERAL.
It doesn't offend me. I refer to myself as a nurse practitioner. i care that I am treated with respect and the paycheck is made out to the correct person.

Yes, Yes, Yes....Tikkum Olam.

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If a person does not want to be referred to by a certain name, then don't refer to them by that name. Is it so difficult to refer to someone as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant? That's like calling someone by a name they hate, when they've introduced themselves by a different name. It does not matter that it doesn't bother some, it only matters to the rest. I would never refer to a physician as a high-level provider. He is a physician and earned that title. What would you call a physical therapist or occupational therapist that has earned a doctorate and has direct patient access? A mid-level provider? This whole discussion about mid-level or physician extender terminology has more to do with respecting care being provided rather than the name itself. I've never heard a PA or NP introduce themself as either one of these terms. Does anyone introduce themself that way and why or why not? I'd like to hear that side.

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Specializes in LTC, Rehab.

I've never heard the term 'physician extender'. Sounds like some kind of attachment or tool, like a back-scratcher. "The Physician Extender: for when your physician just can't be there. Call now! Operators standing by! And if you order NOW, we'll send TWO! Only $19.99."

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