Hire an all NP staff for the ER and assign them each a four room section, like you would an RN. The NP could then exam, diagnose, and carry out the treatment plan, thus eliminating the RN.
Heard someone talking about this a while back. Said that while they would have to spend a little more to hire all NPs, they would save in the long run.
Personally, I disagree. There is a place for NPs and a place for RNs. The NP should not replace the RN role.
I agree with you all. I thought that it was a horrible idea. I didn't see how it would work, logistically, but you never know what trick the admin would play just to save their bottom line. I don't think it will ever happen, but it was an interesting thought to ponder!
Specializes in Emergency nursing, critical care nursing..
I highly doubt this will happen. The NP's don't want to do bedside nursing work, why they went to NP school to begin with. If they hire an NP that doesn't have nursing experience, that is a total disaster. I speak from experience. I worked with an NP who never was a nurse, and she HAD NO CLUE how it really worked. Also, it is giving them double the work, and it would be hard to keep the staff of NP's. My opinion. No one can replace the bedside, ER, ICU, nurse.
It does sound like a way to save money. And if it is, it's something that facilities will adopted. It doesn't sound like a bad idea. I'm sure if this is someone's first NP job, they will quickly take it.
I've heard talk about putting a NP in triage. If a patient is there for a simple medical reason they could do a little enhanced assessment and send them straight home with prescriptions, or nothing, and they never have to tie up a room. Kinda like the minute clinic at CVS....I wouldn't mind seeing if that would work. I couldn't see staffing with all NPs.
I've heard talk about putting a NP in triage. If a patient is there for a simple medical reason they could do a little enhanced assessment and send them straight home with prescriptions, or nothing, and they never have to tie up a room. Kinda like the minute clinic at CVS....I wouldn't mind seeing if that would work. I couldn't see staffing with all NPs.
I actually like that idea. A lot of emergency NPs in the UK and Aus already do this.
:uhoh3:
Matt8700, RN, EMT-B
62 Posts
I agree with you all. I thought that it was a horrible idea. I didn't see how it would work, logistically, but you never know what trick the admin would play just to save their bottom line. I don't think it will ever happen, but it was an interesting thought to ponder!