Physician Extender ???

I like what they use in Africa. Medical officer

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.

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.

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

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!!!!!

Very commonly used term in my region.

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

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.

I could care less what i'm called. On a daily basis, I get called Doctor, Nurse, Extender, Physician Assistant, Resident, Medical Student, Provider, and even sometimes a**hole when I don't fill a narcotic Rx.

What motivates me is providing high-quality care and making a connection with patients in order to make a difference in their healthcare needs. Not a day goes by that someone doesn't ask me if I can be their PCP (instead of the doctor they've seen for many years) OR patients tell me they "opened up" to me and confided in me things they've never discussed with their PCP. Every day I routinely see patients who give me the ole "stink eye" when i walk in the door but leave with their respect and confidence in my capability to manage their health. These are the things that let me know that I am making a difference and earning the respect of patients, staff, and peers. Not whether or not someone calls me a Nurse Practitioner or not.

So, as Ray Jay Johnson Jr used to say... You can call me Ray, or you can call me Jay, or you can call me Johnson...