Physician Extender ???

[Barnstormin' PMHNP]

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?

[BostonFNP, APRN]

I meant preparation, does NP compare to Med School? I will be an NP one day, just curious

Completely different model.

Sent from my iPhone.

[liberated847]

Completely different model.

Sent from my iPhone.

Thanks, I have to educate myself on this topic.

[NJprisonrn]

To be honest, I was never bothered by the term mid-level provider. I don't feel like it speaks about RNs or LPNs at all, only PAs and NPs, who generally have a shorter education than their physician counterparts. I'm not saying that it's a great term, but it doesn't fill me with righteous indignation. Yet, physician extender really gets under my skin, as if I am some sort of lackey sent in as a last resort. As a provider, I do my best to educate my patients and fellow staff members about my role. There will always be someone with a different opinion. But as long as I do my best, I feel pretty good at the end of the day.

[JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP]

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

Why not?

I am proud to use the term nurse and I always consider myself a nurse first and foremost in the way I approach and relate to a patient.

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

Can't stand midlevel provider or physician extender. Our hospital recently moved to "advanced practice provider" for both NP and PA which I feel is more accurate and respectful.

[Barnstormin' PMHNP]

ghillbert , I think that is a very accurate term and describes NP'S much better than midlevel and physician extender.

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

I hate the term "physician extender". My boss called me that once, and only once. I reminded him that I have my own license, my own patients, and I was not an extension of him. He's very old school and was taken aback that I challenged him on this, but understood where I was coming from. Everyone in my practice (MD, NP, PA) is now referred to as a clinician or provider.

[NurseAshley., BSN, RN]

I am not an NP or PA, but my hospital uses the term LIP, Licensed Independent Provider. It sounds more respectful than Midlevel or Physician Extender.

[PatMac10,RN, RN]

I am an RN going for my NP. It doesn't bother me as an RN nor will it bother me as an NP. I don't feel the term implies anything. I feel like a lot of HCP are just letting their ego get in the way, taking away from the main goal we are all working towards , helping patients.

I'm pretty much the same way. I rarely see physician extender, but more so mid-level provider.

Actually I'm seeing a lot of terminology change to saying Advanced Practice Clinician, so that good. I do understand why there is a call for a change in the current language though. Especially with many NPs owning their own practices, they certainly aren't physician extenders. All NPs, as a whole, are very competent and capable clinicians!

As a current RN I am personally not offended by the title itself and what some feel it may imply about my licensure. However, I don't typically let things that bother me, at least for the most part, plus, I usually have so many other things I'm thinking about.

I'm more concerned about how the clinician is treated by their peers/customers. In my personal experiences the clients are much more concerned, overall, about the quality services you can provide than your title. Now if having a title such as Mid-Level or Physician Extender consistently cultivate a culture of misunderstanding on a considerable scale and

I, personally, call people NPs and PAs, for the most part. One, it takes just as long to say as Mid-Level/Physician Extender as it does Nurse Practitioner/ Physician Assistant. Two, and most importantly, it's less confusing, and more specific.

Sent from the iPhone of PatMac10, RN

[PatMac10,RN, RN]

Why not?

I am proud to use the term nurse and I always consider myself a nurse first and foremost in the way I approach and relate to a patient.

I hear you!!! At the core of everything APRNs are Nurses!!!!

Sent from the iPhone of PatMac10, RN

[hopefulwhoop]

Honestly, it doesn't bother me.

[seanzilla]

I've heard the term suggested by a couple of MDs that I worked with in the past, but have never really seen it fully "in use." From my own experience, either Physicians are Nurse Practitioner friendly, or they aren't. Some ONLY want PAs, and others, NPs or a mix of both. I've even witnessed some physicians strike out at the NP profession on QuantiaMD.com simply because I made a reference to MAs as not being "nurses."

I think that if there's any physician who has it in their mind to rename the role/name/profession of a "Nurse Practitioner" for something they would rather use/hear, then that would be someone to stay away from. The use of "Physician Extender" undermines the very profession of the NP by creating a subordinate term of reference of the Physician's profession. Of course, this is how they would prefer it, as they continue to control much of the legislation here in Texas with their lobby.

Patients often interchange the term NP and PA quite often. I've been called a PA many times, but a kind correction is all that it is needed. I've also been called a "doctor" as well. Once again, I provide correction. However, when a physician suggests that I be called anything but a Nurse Practitioner, I will remind him or her that "I don't work 'under' a physician, I collaborate 'with' one."