NP's: How Many?

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

I'm doing a little informal survey. I am wondering how many NP's actually work as NP's.

That is, so many NP's whom I personally know do not actually diagnose or prescribe, refer or work as primary caregivers the way doctors do. Instead, they still work as RN's, doing essentially the same work they did before.

I thought the goal with NP's was to extend the role of the physician, which was explained to me as the NP would be the primary caregiver for a certain group of patients in a certain setting, be it a private doctor's office, a public clinic, or wherever. The NP would not continue to be the office RN or the bedside RN.

In your experience, what do you see NP's actually doing?

Thanks for your input! Oh, could you say what type of facility you see the NP's involved in and maybe what part of the US you are in? Thanks so much.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

You are right. There are many that cannot find a job they like as an NP because the pay scale starts LOWER than what they are used to.

And moreover, the premium NP jobs are held by the super, super, super experienced nurses (the ones with the backgrounds like ICU, CVICU, TRAUMA, etc.,)...

The ones in the clinic don't make more than the ones at the bedside who work less, and aren't on call.

The premium jobs are by reputation only; that is, the physicians already know them well ahead of the jobs being available.

NPs without the experience are left behind, at least where I am....

[Spacklehead, MSN, NP]

I am an NP and work as an NP in a short-procedure unit/pre-admissions testing area. I technically work for the anesthesia group and see all their patients prior to surgery. I do the H&Ps, order labs, EKGs, X-rays - with intepretation of the labs/initial EKG interpretation (final is by cardiologist), and X-rays get read by radiologists. I also write orders for consults and for some meds to be given pre-op.

I work M-F days, no weekends/holidays and no call. I make a lot more than I ever did as an RN (with 13 years experience). The only way my salary would be comparable as an RN was if I worked the 4/4 weekend nights program and picked up a few extra shifts during the week (which would involve the premium RN pay).

I can't complain, and thoroughly enjoy my job!