No wonder our profession is messed up

[NeuroNP]

Several of us who have gone back to school to become NPs have encountered a lot of animosity from some fellow nurses. We get remarks like, "You think you're better than us?" The other night at work, several of the nurses were complaining that they didn't think they should have to take orders from NPs because, "they're just nurses like me, they're not doctors." Recently one of our nurses had surgery and proclaimed that she didn't want, "some NURSE" (i.e. CRNA) doing her anesthesia, she demanded a doctor.

I was coming here to post this and ask if any of you had encountered that same type of attitude, but then I see yet another post demeaning the DNP and read some of the comments and see that it's no better.

I'm in a DNP program and I'm proud to be. I don't think that I'm any better than an MSN prepared NP. You may think that it's all fluff (and there is some of that, but from talking to my MSN friends, no more than in most MSN programs) but I'm proud of the education that I'm receiving and I have no doubt that I'll be a great nurse practitioner when I'm done. I think it's funny, I can't think of any other profession where obtaining more education is looked down on like it is in nursing.

For the record, I don't plan on calling myself "doctor" for fear of confusing patients. I don't feel that I'm any "better" than an MSN prepared NP or that an MSN is a "joke." I just think it's very telling that in our profession, any attempt to better yourself is looked down on. If you don't want to become an APN, don't. We need good nurses at the bedside. If you have an MSN and don't want to get a DNP, don't. But can we all please stop slamming people who do make that choice?

I want to do research and to teach as well as practice clinically, I realize that I can do that with an MSN, but I felt like the DNP would better prepare me for that. If you don't feel that way, that's your right. If you don't want to teach or be involved in research, that's fine too.

Until we can all respect the choices each of us makes and the contributions we can all make, our profession is never going to advance.

Ahh...that feels better. I'll get of my soapbox now. Bring on the flames...

[TeleNurse2010]

Don't give up. There are many of us that admire you. Learn as much as you can and do the best job that you can, and your patients and co-workers will learn to respect and trust you. I said in an earlier post that some of my best caregivers were NPs, and I would trust them with my care at any time. The care they provided made a believer out of me. So, provide great care and make others believe in you too. Don't let people's negative perceptions get you down, just let it be motivation for you to prove them wrong.

[lockheart678]

I work in the OR and this reminds me of a patient I had once who was a nurse. She knew it was a teaching hospital, but she expected that she would only have an attending anesthesiologist and no resident or CRNA. She never worked in the OR so she really didn't have a clue how we do things. When the first year anesthesia resident came in to introduce herself, the patient practically flipped out, so the attending assigned a CRNA to the case. I've worked with this CRNA many times and she's wonderful at what she does. When she walked in and told the patient why she was there, the patient was even more disrespectful than before because she claimed that she knew the schooling that a resident vs CRNA goes through and she didn't want a nurse to be giving her anesthesia. She was more comfortable having a first year resident who knew nothing than a CRNA who was really good. It made no sense to me, especially when she claimed she knew what these people go through in their schooling when she has never done it herself! Our CRNAs are usually the best people to be assisting with anesthesia, and it disgusts me to see how another nurse with less education than them would treat them just because they are "only" a nurse. I would pick a CRNA in a heartbeat because I know they would give me the best care.

I don't really understand why people are so against APNs. If you're jealous, then go back to school and do the same thing they're doing. If you really just don't care for them, then don't see them. There's no point in criticizing them when they've gotten specific training for the job that they're doing. I've noticed (in my own experience seeing people, not just through my job) that, generally, the APNs give better care than the MDs. For the most part, they seem to be better listeners and they seem to be more understanding. I wish all the bad doctors I've ever had could learn a few things from them (or the good doctors as well) about bedside manner. The bad ones do nothing but give everyone in healthcare professions a bad name.

[MedChica]

Well, contrary to what you think...these people exist in every profession.

Don't worry about it. That they assemble in groups...eh. 'Misery loves company'. What else is to be expected?

It's envy...and projection. For some to be in the midst of a high-achiever or a motivated dreamer reflects poorly on them and their life choices (if they had dreams of accomplishing similar feats, have not and have unresolved issues b/c of that).

Some individuals aren't happy in their own skin....

I don't use terms like this, but it's fitting. These people are what you would call, 'HATERS'...and don't sweat them. If this is the focal point of their pettiness? You're obviously doing something right.

Why else would they complain about 'NP's thinking their hot stuff' in such broad terms? If these folks were truly happy in their shoes, they wouldn't have time to worry about what the next individual is doing or poohing all over their success.

It's nothing to do with you....

Meanwhile, I'm a student nurse (2 months til graduation. WOO-HOO!!!! LOL). I've had NP's. No complaints here.

[SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS]

Wow, I must work at a pretty good place after all. We value education on every level- not that we get money for it in any way (different topic entirely) but the workplace is supportive of education, differing schedules to accommodate classes, and respectful of anyone who wants to return to school. I am sorry to hear that your fellow nurses are not like this. May they see your success and wish to follow suit. Remember, "The best retribution is to lead a happy life."

[caliotter3]

They are just jealous!

Happens at all levels. This post sums up my thoughts when an RN made a snide remark concerning my BSN program. Of course, she did not have a BSN. Her ability to do her job is yet another story, so I don't think she should have been making disparaging remarks about my education.

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

I ran into some of this animosity while going through training as an NP. Initially, it really stung that some of my fellow nurses loved to hate on the APNs, but as others have said, there are people like this in every profession. It's best to surround yourself with those who are supportive, and hold your head high when the digs start. My patients are very happy with the care I give them, and that's really what matters to me. And to paraphrase what hey-suz said, "living well is the best revenge.""

Best of luck with your DNP program.

[Diegoseesnurses]

I agree with Esme12! Be gracious, confident, and move forward toward your goals. However it is interesting to breakdown opposition such as this and try to uncover where its coming from and what type of opposition it is. Perhaps its not really worth looking into (since i just contradicting my first sentence) but its on you to decide how you'll deal with others...not how they'll deal with themselves sassy haha

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

There is no difference in the scope of practice between as associate degree nurse and a nurse with a BSN.I've met some wonderful NPs and some I wouldn't let treat my houseplant. Same with doctors.Follow the path you've chosen for yourself and dismiss the doubters.

[DixieRedHead, ASN, RN]

The NP I work with is absolutely fabulous. Having been a nurse, she treats us all with respect, listens to us, and values our opinions.

She is always approachable and never contentious. Be grateful and proud of your accomplishments and don't look back.

[merlee]

Best wishes to you for getting all the education you can. Try hard to ignore those who would be your detractors.

The entire nursing education system is very confusing to everyone - both inside and outside of the profession.

As an older nurse - diploma in 1974 - I have witnessed a constant struggle inside our community to attempt to evolve into a more definitive 'profession'. For nearly 40 years I have heard that the BSN should or would be the 'entry' level. Still, LPN and ADN programs still exist. I have come to believe that we need to define our roles; everyone needs 2-5 years as a hands-on, bedside caregiver before obtaining MSN or other higher levels of education, especially those who would be educators.

I remember having been taught by nurses with little bedside experience and their book learning just didn't hold up on the floors.

So, hold tight to your dreams and go forward with your education. I salute you!

AndI have had wonderful care from Advanced Practice Nurses --- go Nurses!!!

[wanderlust99]

I always like NPs ( I wanted to become a family NP pre nursing school) and had a great amount of respect for them....still do. They're typically easier to talk to than doctors and they take your side on things. Especially like them as I'm seeing them more and more in the ICU. Only time I don't like a NP, actually it's more of a PA story...is when they are an a-hole and don't listen to you, so just like with a doctor.....you vent and sometimes hit below the belt. Yesterday I worked with this ****** PA who really ****** me off and I didn't say it out loud but I was thinking "I am sooo much smarter than you!" I honestly can't think of a bad time with a NP and I work with quite a few of them.

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

We have mostly CRNA's at our facility and they are really good. The times when I had anesthesia, I did not know if it was an MD or CRNA. I don't think it matters, IMO.

As for NP's, I love the one at our ped's office. She is soo good!