Physician Extender ???

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Specializes in psychiatric.

I just saw this term on a job posting, and it's new to me. It sounds very demeaning, and a lot worse than midlevel. Is this a local term used more in one geographical area than another? Any thoughts from the NP's?

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

It is used in many areas; it should be our mission to stop it.

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Specializes in Emergency,.

I like what they use in Africa. Medical officer

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Specializes in Neuroscience, Cardiac Nursing.

I had an interview for a job and throughout my whole interview with the practice manager everything out her mouth in reference to the job was "the physician extender will ..." I was cringing during interview each time she said it an almost did not continue with pursuing the job until I met the MD who was hiring who was very respectful about the role he was hiring this person for.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.

I have seen it used many times, but ALWAYS in reference to PAs. If it was applied to NPs I would consider it used inappropiatly and would correct whoever used it.

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Specializes in Emergency,.

I just wish our title didn't have "nurse" in it.

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Specializes in Adult Nurse Practitioner.

I can definitely see the term "extender" utilized for describing a PA...that is what they are...a physician's ASSISTANT!!!!! As the the NP, we are a unique holistic provider incorporating a more rounded approach to the patient. We care for the mind, body, and soul as well as evaluate the environmental stressors and support. Sometimes I think we scare MDs that they will lose patient, and in worst of all, in the states where they have a STRONG hold on the legislation...stand to lose money from their collaboration agreements! They are a greedy bunch!!!!!

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

Very commonly used term in my region.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Very common to use in my neck of the woods too - sounds very nasty. In our practice, we have PAs, NPs, CNSs so the term to describe all of us is physician extender....but I hate it.

However, as above poster though - our docs are very respectful and polite.

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Doesn't that term refer to both NPs and PAs?

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
Doesn't that term refer to both NPs and PAs?

It is USED to refer to NPs and PAs; it should not be used to refer to NPs.

Sent from my iPhone.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
Doesn't that term refer to both NPs and PAs?

Not as far as I am concerned and I will happily correct anyone I hear using it to refer to NPs.

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