Dumb question--What do you NPs do?

I beg to differ with you n_g - NPs can't do EVERYTHING a FP MD can do. What the NP can do is strictly controlled by the state practice act. It is best when considering advanced education, that you fully understand your state's practice act so that you don't waste time obtaining an education that will not allow you to do what you want to do.

As to Joe (like your username by the way), in IL, the nurse practice act doesn't differentiate between an NP and CNS. They are grouped together along with CNM and CRNA as APNs. The new nurse practice act just went into law a few days ago.

I am in the process of moving back to a large hospital and some of the things I can be credentialled to do include:

central line insertion

endotracheal intubation

suturing

dc'ing tunneled catheters

inserting PICC lines

(and I can't remember everything else). However, you also have to keep up your proficiency with these skills too. Just because my collaborative agreement says that I can do stuff, doesn't necessarily mean I will or should! lol

You might contact your state's advanced practice society to see what other info they can offer.

Joe - I work in Peoria, IL and here at least there is much confusion over the CNS versus NP roles. I would choose whatever would give you good employment opportunities. I did an MSN in management and leadership first, then went back for a post-MSN adult health CNS. I did the CNS solely because that was what was offered at the college of nursing affiliated with the hospital. (Not the best reason to choose an education but I'll be honest). My only concern was getting the APN behind my name. I truly identify with the NP role far more than the traditional CNS role (education, clinical expert on a particular unit, research, etc).

Good luck Joe!

"At 85% reimburstment rate" not always true in some states it's 100% of physcian pay, it's called equal pay for equal service or something like that.

:) Just had to be picky.

To be picky this only applies to Medicare/Medicaid. The reimbursement is 85% of what medicare would pay the physician unless it is incident to. Most other payors pay a percentage (above or below) medicare and may or may not have different rates for NPPs.

David Carpenter, PA-C

I am in the process of moving back to a large hospital and some of the things I can be credentialled to do include:

central line insertion

endotracheal intubation

suturing

dc'ing tunneled catheters

inserting PICC lines

Removing tunnelled catheters? that's great. I've never done that and not credentialed to do it either. Usually Vascular Surgery puts them in and removes them where I work. Have done short-term dialysis access catheters though.

pinoyNP - I CAN be credentialled to do this. Since I will be working with the hospitalist in palliative care, I doubt I will get much of a chance to do many procedures. Anyway...just wanted to let folks know that APNs can and do do many different procedures.

Thank you.