How do you feel about the NP "haters"?

Trauma Columnist · Apr 20, 2010

Hmmm... in real life, doctors, student doctors and mid-levels get along for the most part.

To be honest, there are some folks here who like the anonymity of the internet and freely post inflammatory statements just to see who will rise to the bait.

IMHO - if you have enough time to post on the internet, you have too much time on your hands! (I mean negative posts).

I've been an APN for 4 years, a nurse for a total of 18 years. I'm on my state APN society government relations board and deal with politicians, physicians and other APN's and mid-levels and really just don't see this in real life.

I sure wouldn't let the naysayers distract you.

Good luck in school.

Editorial Team / Admin · Apr 20, 2010

I really have no desire to defend myself, my abilities, or my education to anyone.

Exactly, nor should you.

I want to be an APN and practice within the defined role of an advanced practice nurse.

Agree 100%. And, that is something that many APNs fail to recognize.

I just hate to think I will be constantly having to justify myself and my role.

I'll venture to say it probably will be a non-issue in "real life".

There are many who come here to "hate" on the APN. You have to take that with a grain of salt, not become defensive, and move on.

In my career, I've had few and far between from physicians, med-students, etc., who disrespect the profession of APN. I've had equally the same disrespect from fellow colleagues (nurses).

So, in saying this, you do what you know is right, practice within your scope, ignore the naysayers.

And, good luck in your APN program!!

carachel2 · Apr 20, 2010

I'm just starting out so this is a ::green opinion:::

I've encountered very few NP "haters." I have encountered some MDs who are a little "prickly" when it comes to NPs. The longer I worked with them the less this became an issue.

IMO the NPs who are very vocal about how they are "the same as Mds" are the ones who ruin it for us all. I'm not an MD, I realize my limitations and maximize my education and am continually learning...and when I put that out there I find it breaks down barriers.

We had about 2 classmates in our program who thought they were "all that." :rolleyes: . It was interesting to see they were the ones who had THE most clashes with physicians and other providers.

Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN · Apr 20, 2010

That is quite a relief, thank you all!

Spacklehead, MSN, NP · Apr 20, 2010

As evidenced by a multitude of threads on this and other forums (Student Doctor...yikes!), there is a lot of animosity against NPs by some people. To be perfectly honest, this turned me off from pursuing my FNP for a long time.

Unfortunately, this is probably exactly why they post here - to try and deter those who are considering becoming NPs. I just sit back, shake my head at the nonsense, and take it all with a grain of salt. Obviously those who share the most negativity about NPs also appear to be the most misinformed about the role. They take a few misguided stories from the media and blow them up to make it seem like all NPs are plotting to be considered on the same level as physicians. That just not the case - and they fail to see it. Most docs IRL who I have met truly appreciate having NPs to help out in their practices. Not one has ever told me that they don't like NPs or the role (or maybe they were just too cowardly to say it to my face). I'll admit, there were a few docs who didn't know what NPs were or what they could do - but providing them with the correct information about the role actually sparked their interest into considering hiring them.

Also, like I've mentioned in other posts - I have not yet met one NP IRL who has considered him/herself the equal of a physician or who aspires to be a physician. The NPs I have met all are very appreciative to have collaborating physicians who highly support the NP role, and embrace their midlevel status.

Do not let anonymous people from the internet deter you from your goal of becoming an NP! If you want to do it, go for it!

linearthinker, DNP, RN · Apr 20, 2010

I agree with all of the above. I get nothing but support and "you go girl" from physician friends and colleagues re: my educational goals. Other nurses tend to be a bit less enthusiastic. Come to think of it, I have never had a conflict with a physician at all actually, though plenty with nurses and nurse admins over the years. A lot of the Dr vs.Nurse conflict seems to be an internet phenomenon. I just don't see it.

VivaRN · Apr 20, 2010

Another agreed with the above. I have honestly never had an MD or med student respond negatively to me, we are collegial at my workplace and see each other as co-workers. C'mon, we're all here for the patients and there's more than enough to go around! Frankly I think the physicians are glad to have some help.

lucianne · Apr 21, 2010

I just laugh. If they don't want to be treated by NPs, then fine with me. I've got PLENTY of patients and most of my patients really, really like me. I've had patients who have requested transfers from a psychiatrist to me. A few patients have preferred to see one of the psychiatrists--I'm not offended.

People have many options for their health care: physicians, chiropractors, naturopaths, herbalists, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, acupuncturists, reiki practitioners, curanderas, etc. Some types of health care providers are more mainstream than others and some people feel more comfortable with alternative approaches. Physicians are not the only health care providers and never have been.

I like to think of nurse practitioners as having "hybrid vigor." I'm sure the anti-NP crowd would have another word for it though.

Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2010

Unfortunately, this is probably exactly why they post here - to try and deter those who are considering becoming NPs... Do not let anonymous people from the internet deter you from your goal of becoming an NP! If you want to do it, go for it!

I never thought about it that way! Good advice to not let the "haters" win, LOL.

Cammer · Apr 22, 2010

I completely agree with the idea presented above where this is a non-issue in real life. People who make negative postings on the internet represent a minority of those in real life. Don't worry about it. Do what is best for you.

allnurses Guide · Apr 25, 2010

I have not found it to be an issue in real life. I get along just fine with the docs I work with, and I am thrilled to have them there as a resource. I certainly don't think an NP is the equivalent of an MD, and I have no trouble referring patients who are too complicated for me. As others have said, most of the negativity I've heard has come from other nurses....go figure!!!