NPs working with chiropractors

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Specializes in primary care, holistic health, integrated medicine.

I am wondering if there are any NPs who are working with chiropractors - and what your experiences have been like. Do you feel that you are respected? Do you get the training that you need? What about continuing education? Benefits and salary? Any information would be helpful!

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I don't think it's going to be as cracked up as you think it will be.

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

You crack me up Zen!

OP, does your state allow collaboration with non-physicians such as chiropractors?

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Specializes in primary care, holistic health, integrated medicine.

I was actually asking for input on others' experience working with chiropractors. In an integrated model, chiropractors work along side medical health care providers. Not all states require collaboration with MDs, btw, but in states that do, a physician is on staff as the medical director. Still seeking input from others who have worked in such a model.

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Hi myst,

I work for a chiropractor now, and have for the past two years. The only good thing about it is the money. I live in a city that has 7 np programs locally, not to mention all of the online programs. If there were more positions available I would gladly leave in a heartbeat. And unfortunately relocating is not an option for me at this point.

Not all, but most of the chiropractors running this "collaborative np approach " are scientologists. And not to offend anyone but the stuff they believe about pt care is twisted to say the least. There is one main office which I will call "the hive" lol, and he franchises his business out to MANY chiropractors in 3 different states. Last check, he was up to 36 franchised offices.

They will take new grads in a nanosecond and for two reasons

1) new grads are typically easily "molded" into the provider type they are seeking. (Their words not mine) and the ones that aren't they fire, or they quit as soon as they learn what's really going on here.

2) there is such an abundance of nps here that they know a new graduating class is only 4 or less months away.

You are autonomous in that you have your "own" office, but the chiropractor that actually owns the office has the real say. I am essentially used for my license since chiros are not able to do the injections. Some patients truly do need them, but most it's just a ploy to see how many inj they can "talk" someone into. And how much dme they can hand out.They want you to lie on pt records and give out as much dme as you can. They also run a weight loss program in which they run a groupon for. And as the no it is you that prescribes the adipex. Since I have been there the longest,i have slowly developed a backbone and my hours have been cut because of the things I now refuse to do. Starting there as a new grad, I didn't feel confident enough to question things, because I thought, ok this is a business and all medical places must run like this.

The amount of stress I feel working at the different offices here has taken it's toll. I have gotten into numerous arguments with my husband over my employment and the "money" . I plan to leave this setting first chance I get. I have a feeling though that more and more of these chiro/np setups are going to start to pop up.

I am hoping that nobody is going to judge and leave me nasty messages for working at a place like this in the first place. I saw this post, and felt compelled to be honest and share my experience.

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I apologize! I didn't answer a few of your questions. Respected- no. I have seen about 20+ nps come and go through the 30 something offices he has. They will pay for continuing education. The money is excellent but it comes with a price. Training is a joke. It was birth through fire. They say they will train you, but it is up to you. I thankfully had an md friend, that I got together with once a week and we went over and over stuff until I felt comfortable on my own doing the inj. Benefits- they say medical insurance is provided, but where I am, they will reimburse you 400/yr for insurance plan that you find on your own. Malpractice is covered. No retirement benefits . 1 week paid vacation. 2 sick days/yr. for the lack of benefits this is why the pay is higher.

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

I wouldn't work with one, see one as a "pt" or share a cup of coffee with one. Charlatans, every one. There is an abundance if EB data that demonstrates they are harmless at best and probably dangerous. Respect? I do not know a single medical professional who respects chiropractic "medicine."

i can't believe they are licensed, frankly. It's a massive fraud.

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I was actually asking for input on others' experience working with chiropractors. In an integrated model, chiropractors work along side medical health care providers. Not all states require collaboration with MDs, btw, but in states that do, a physician is on staff as the medical director. Still seeking input from others who have worked in such a model.

I work in the military model and refer to chiropractors. I do so because a patient may not be getting what they want/need from other providers and because sometimes actual touch will help.

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Hi myst-

I got your PM. Unfortunately I have not posted enough to PM myself, but would love to talk! Mine is from the same model you spoke of!!

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I see a chiropractor. He is the best at diagnosing MSK problems and is effective at solving them.

He uses clinical exam to show you the effects of before and after....no voodoo involved.

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Specializes in primary care, holistic health, integrated medicine.

I work with chiropractors. I also have severe scoliosis. No medical providers have ever even acknowledged, much less treated this for me. Last week, I had a rib pop out of the facet in my back. It was the most painful condition I have ever experienced in my entire life. I saw my regular doctor who informed me that the ONLY person who would be able to help me would be a chiropractor. She didn't even thing an ortho surgeon could help. So, bluedevil, your post is mind blowing to me. I would love to see the abundance of evidence... because honestly, it does not exist.

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I find modern chiropractors practice more like physiotherapists (evidence based assessment and treatment, ultrasound, laser, soft tissue work, limited user of manipulation) and that older chiropractors have a much more limited skill set -- think snap, snap, pop, $40 please and you can buy vitamins here, good bye.

Julia

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