Doctors vs NP's?

Nurses General Nursing

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I hate to say this but I no longer like to see the NP when I go in for a doctors visit. I have noticed that doctors are much more secure with decisions and aren't so scared to prescribe something. I have been on testosterone for several years through my family practice doctors. However, as I recently moved, I was set up to see a NP. Well instead of handling the low T issue herself she had to refer me to an endocrinologist? WTH? Over time I have noticed NP's like to pawn you off to anyone else for your matters if they can. She wanted to write a script for a psyche med though. Doesn't this require a psychiatrist if she wants to be technical? If NP's are expected to be a growing profession then this is gonna suck. GROW SOME!

In the "old days" when I was military the NPs were top-notch and had years of nursing first before going on to advanced practice.

This was also my experience in the military, but then, military personnel tend to gravitate to the qualified label.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
My PCP initially prescribed me lexapro many years ago. He never encouraged me to do anything else but take this pill daily. Well, after years went by of taking this medication, I cannot get off this pill because of the withdrawal effects. Not good in my opinion.

My testosterone replacement is very simple and I am above 40.

Was this the same PCP that put you on testosterone?

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Was this the same PCP that put you on testosterone?

No, this was my doc from way back.

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This is a huge issue in primary care: many patients feel like there is/should be a pill for every problem and are unwilling to even listen to non-pharmacologic treatment (i.e. lifestyle interventions). There are some providers that don't take the time (or care or due diligence) and rather just give them some pills. This is why I don't rubber stamp anything that comes from previous providers.

Physicians practice MEDICINE. If I wanted to discuss ways of improving my life without medicine I would go to a counselor or something alike.

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Because everyone else doing it makes it ok? I was taught this as a child. For instance, someone in high school offers you drugs and says everyone else is doing it would you do it? geese!

What part of "I didn't mean to suggest that it was a good thing -- I'm a psych CNS and think it's a horrible idea" suggested that I thought it was okay? As I said, my point was not that it's "ok," just that it is, sadly, common practice among MDs as well as NPs, and did not reflect negatively on your NP in comparison to MD practice.

But it's clear that you're not going to let the comments of anyone here get in the way of what you have already decided.

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What part of "I didn't mean to suggest that it was a good thing -- I'm a psych CNS and think it's a horrible idea" suggested that I thought it was okay? As I said, my point was not that it's "ok," just that it is, sadly, common practice among MDs as well as NPs, and did not reflect negatively on your NP in comparison to MD practice.

But it's clear that you're not going to let the comments of anyone here get in the way of what you have already decided.

I aparently misread and apologize. Also, I am so used to being on defense due to so many harsh attitudes on here.

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Specializes in Adult MICU/SICU.

My PCP is a NP - she has more than 30 years experience as a provider, and she has a pair big enough for an army!

I have an autoimmune chronic health condition, and I trust her with my life and the lives of my family.

She listens to me, and asks my thoughts about proposed interventions. I have a say in my own care.

Plus, she brings me wild caught prawns when she travels to Mexico. NP also stands for "nice person".

I'll never go to an MD/DO ever again for primary care.

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Specializes in Mental Health, Gerontology, Palliative.
Many won't like this, but I believe we can thank direct-entry programs, in part, for any discrimination against NPs in general. I have seen standards lowered significantly in my tenure as an RN and a patient. ....

how does that work? The direct entry thing I mean

Here at bare minimum an applicant to nurse practitioner training needs a bachelor of nursing, and masters in nursing

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
how does that work? The direct entry thing I mean

Here at bare minimum an applicant to nurse practitioner training needs a bachelor of nursing, and masters in nursing

Direct-entry programs are designed to take individuals who already have a bachelors degree and move them along an accelerated pathway to an MSN or DNP. The first 18+ months is essentailyl and accelerated BSN-RN program (though often there is no BSN awarded) and then the applicant sits for the NCLEX. After passing the NCLEX and getting licensed the applicant then enters a full-time or part-time accelerated BSN to MSN/DNP program after which they are awarded an academic degree (MSN or DNP) and can sit for the national NP certification board exam of their specialty.

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I didn't demand anything. I presented the regimen my physicians have had me on for years. My insurance was running out and had no time to reschedule to see an endocrinologist. But thanks for your attempt to shine above 😊

Do you think that your lack of planning created an emergency for the NP? "You presented your physician's regimen to her?" If you've been on the medication for years, why not call your secure physician and have an rx given to you? You could have explained that your insurance was running out and see what answer you received, before putting an NP on the spot.

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I many times will request a NP because I find them easier to deal with. Long ago one found a heart murmur on my son who was 3 months old at the time. All the MDs told me he had colic and it would go away when I complained he cried all the time, sweated up a storm and never slept. Several surgeries later he is now 30, a father and a works better and harder than many others. Like any other profession, some are good, some not so much.

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Do you think that your lack of planning created an emergency for the NP? "You presented your physician's regimen to her?" If you've been on the medication for years, why not call your secure physician and have an rx given to you? You could have explained that your insurance was running out and see what answer you received, before putting an NP on the spot.

Lack of planning? My most current PCP moved or retired without notice. Unexpected circumstances came into play and caused an unexpected moved. I brought my prescription to show the NP. These unfortunate situations do occur and it would be nice if we had practitioners that can help in such situations. Can a NP not handle urgent matters?

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