How do you deal with patients who don't want to be seen by an NP?

[Angeljho, MSN, NP]

Of course this question depends on practice setting, practice culture, etc, but how do you typically deal with it?

[MikeFNPC, MSN]

At our clinic we have one doc and myself. The pt's have the option to see me now, or see the doc next week. Most chose to see me now.

[djmatte, ADN, MSN, RN, NP]

2 hours ago, Angeljho said:

Of course this question depends on practice setting, practice culture, etc, but how do you typically deal with it?

Interestingly enough I've never dealt with this yet in over a year of practice. But generally I'm professional in every interaction, treat them exactly how they deserve as a patient, and am Frank in stating who they see is their prerogative, but if they're seeing me right now they're paying for a visit so we might as well make the best of it!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Our nephrology practice clearly states pts will be seen by APNs and that the APNs are part of the collaborative team. I've been here 13 years, no issues. I've also worked in an ED and again no issues

[Rnis, BSN, DNP, APRN, NP]

People choose to set up an appointment with me, If they don't want to see an NP...........don't schedule and appointment with one. Really not an issue. Every once in a while someone gets upset AFTER I don't elect to prescribe what they were hoping for....but that is few and far between.

[AnnieNP, MSN, NP]

In 12 years this has only been a problem a few times. The patients either schedule with me or the MD, so they know who they made the appointment with.

[FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP]

One year of NP primary care practice and this only happened once. I introduced myself to the patient, an older woman, from a country/culture that looks down on nurses. She replied in a very condescending tone, "Oh, so you're not a doctor." I replied calmly, "No, I'm not. There is no MD available at this clinic. If you wish, I will refer you to a specialist MD." She decided she wanted to talk to me then, but also wanted a referral. Did H&P, assessment, dx, provided tx plan. She did go to the specialist, who told her exactly the same thing! LOL

[Dodongo, APRN, NP]

This has never happened to me in the hospital. I think, generally, patients see so many providers we all start to run together, and I'm probably mistaken for a physician a lot. Plus, if I'm consulted for a patient in the ER or ICU, they likely don't care what provider I am as long as I can take care of them. And in clinic, when patients schedule, they are well aware they are seeing the NP. If they have questions about what a NP is the office staff has a spiel they give. This is also posted in each exam room. Honestly, it's never been a problem.

[DelightfulNP]

I experience this every now and then in a primary care community team but I think some of it has to do with the fact that I am new to the team and less with the fact that I am an NP. I respond similar to some of the above posts by saying “I am happy to see you today otherwise we can try to reschedule you next week with Dr X”. And they usually opt to see me. After I build some rapport with some of these people and they see what kind of care I provide, they are usually delighted to see me again.

[Pachinko]

I say, no problem! I will offer to see the patient for this appointment only or to simply schedule with MD. I would rather know up front if a patient has a problem with NPs so we are both spared problems.