MD shortage prompts UDM to shorten PA program

NPs Save Lives · Mar 6, 2006

I find it very interesting that PAs seem to be touted as those who will "save the day" while NPs are left in the dirt once again. I would think that physicians would rather have an NP that they don't have to cosign every detail with. Nurse practitioners have worked with physicians in collaboration for many years with exemplary results. Why do we continue to have to scrap for every recognition? I never hear of anyone complaining that PAs are "trying to be physician extenders" and hear constantly how NPs are trying to be just that??? Are MDs so worried about losing their patients to us? We are not here to steal patients, just give them the best care possible. I don't think speeding up the educational process will do that.. I don't want someone who sped through their program taking care of me..

NPs Save Lives http://www.arnp.blogspot.com

nurseabc123 · Mar 6, 2006

Essentially nursing is doing something. Don't you see all the Direct-Entry Master's Programs, 12-month BSN programs, ADN-MSN programs popping up all over the country? Why is that some nurses always feel as if they and the nursing profession are somehow being cheated? Why can't we for once focus on what we are doing for our patients and not be so concerned with what the "physcians"/public/whoever think? I'm sorry, but I'm just sick and tired of this whiney attitude that I have come to find so frequently..

Selke · Mar 6, 2006

I find it very interesting that PAs seem to be touted as those who will "save the day" while NPs are left in the dirt once again. I would think that physicians would rather have an NP that they don't have to cosign every detail with. Nurse practitioners have worked with physicians in collaboration for many years with exemplary results. Why do we continue to have to scrap for every recognition? I never hear of anyone complaining that PAs are "trying to be physician extenders" and hear constantly how NPs are trying to be just that??? Are MDs so worried about losing their patients to us? We are not here to steal patients, just give them the best care possible. I don't think speeding up the educational process will do that.. I don't want someone who sped through their program taking care of me..
NPs Save Lives http://www.arnp.blogspot.com

A person after my own heart!!! :loveya: Totally agree with you. Thanks for the blog reference. I'll start reading it!

NPs Save Lives · Mar 7, 2006

You're very welcome.. I like to find Nurse Practitioner/student blogs to read. If you know of any more, let me know! :nurse:

Joebird21 · Mar 8, 2006

What they need to focus on is making an NP/PA to MD bridge program. Wouldn't that make more sense? just a thought............

Papadoc · Mar 8, 2006

What they need to focus on is making an NP/PA to MD bridge program. Wouldn't that make more sense? just a thought............

I'm afraid NPs will be at disadvantage with such bridge programs, to which AMA, and AOA will never ever agree. PAs are in medical training model. Their education resembles a shorter version of the med school. IMHO, opinion no allied health profession will be able to get an advanced standing in American med schools.And rightfully so,I might add, after doing 2 semesters of basic science in the med schools. Guys,untill you've tried it :uhoh3: ...trust me...you have NO IDEA.There is no comparison in volume and the depth of education.

Selke · Mar 8, 2006

You're very welcome.. I like to find Nurse Practitioner/student blogs to read. If you know of any more, let me know!

Another student in my program mentioned a blog of a midwifery student at Columbia, "Belly Tales," something like that, which I found once on a google search. She is a nurse going to MW school. I'm writing about my experiences but not in a blog ....

Trauma Columnist · Mar 8, 2006

I think each state is individual as to the preference of PAs over APNs. I live in IL and due to some concerns of my own, I have looked into our nurse practice act versus the PA practice act. In IL the APNs (CNS, NP, CNM) all practice independently with their own license. PA's practice under an MDs license and focus only on one particular disease process, ie ortho, renal, cardiac, etc. The APNs looks at the entire person and can write orders addressing all needs. At least where I work, the APNs are the preferred species of mid-level practitioner. I am fortunate that IL is a progressive state and that is saying something since the AMA is based in Chicago!

mango-lo-maniac · Mar 8, 2006

I think each state is individual as to the preference of PAs over APNs. I live in IL and due to some concerns of my own, I have looked into our nurse practice act versus the PA practice act. In IL the APNs (CNS, NP, CNM) all practice independently with their own license. PA's practice under an MDs license

You may want to recheck your sources. According to the IL Physician Assistant Practice Act, "Physician Assistant" means a person licensed by the Department and who practices in accordance with the provisions set forth in the Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987." PAs practice under physician supervison but not under another person's license.

You are much more credible if you are armed with the facts, not misinformation :)

Editorial Team / Admin · Mar 8, 2006

Actually, this information regarding the PA in Illinois, is not entirely accurate, mango-lo-maniac.

The PA in Illinois, must have a phycian delegate prescriptive authority in order to receive a license for said presicriptive authority. The delegating physician must supply his/her license number and controlled substance number. And, the delegating physician can at any time, terminate the delegated prescriptive authority. And, the PA must have a contract with a physician in a supervisory capacity with all supervision within the physician scope of practice consistence with the PA education and experience.

So, the PA may not be actually practicing under said physician license, but is totally dependent upon that physician for prescription privileges and/or practice guidelines.

Selke · Mar 8, 2006

I think each state is individual as to the preference of PAs over APNs. I live in IL and due to some concerns of my own, I have looked into our nurse practice act versus the PA practice act. In IL the APNs (CNS, NP, CNM) all practice independently with their own license. PA's practice under an MDs license and focus only on one particular disease process, ie ortho, renal, cardiac, etc. The APNs looks at the entire person and can write orders addressing all needs. At least where I work, the APNs are the preferred species of mid-level practitioner. I am fortunate that IL is a progressive state and that is saying something since the AMA is based in Chicago!

I haven't researched IL CNM or APRN acts yet -- I'm from Chicago and want to return there after graduating with my MSN in midwifery to live and work. I know the city is progressive, has a base of health care activism, but at the same time the national medical associations are headquarted there and have highly paid lobbyists in Springfield who squelch changes in practice acts, have prevented free standing birth centers, ran non-CNMs out of the state, &c.