PManager

"I also don’t really think their particular roles are all that relevant..." <---- TOTALLY agree. I guess I was trying to make sure that this was not me being overcritical or insensitive. I find that out of all staff (MD, LPN, RN, MA, front desk, lab techs, NPs, PAs etc) certain NPs are the most defensive about being treated with respect by patients and other staff (certainly not all!!) So I try to be as sensitive as possible so as to not insult them.

Thank you all. You really have provided me some excellent ways to look at this and address it with her. I know that the reason she does this is that she knows the doctor won't leave the patients high and dry. But that is not an excuse to just call off when she doesn't feel like coming in. Again, the input is so much appreciated. Most NP's I have hired would not consider doing this to a fellow NP or doctor unless it's truly an emergency! And even then, they feel awful.

Hi everyone, I am a practice manager for one doctor and 4 nurse practitioners (all NPs part time- most work 1-2 days per week for example. This is their choice because they all like the flexibility and down time. We have accommodated very unusual schedules specifically on their behalf and are happy to do so.) My question is this: what is the ethical standard for an APRN for patient commitment and shift abandonment? I am struggling with one NP who continually makes up a questionable reason to not do her 5 hour shift and sticks the doctor with a double schedule. Her view is that he can just cover for her, which is not always possible (nor is it fair). This is a physician who is extremely kind and supportive of the NPs and gets taken advantage of continually (by people who are takers of course- there are people who understand and nurture the relationship in spite of his being a big bad MD who is of course the enemy in every instance *eyeroll*). Without making this person feel that I am somehow demeaning her because she is an NP instead of a doctor (this has never come up, EVER, but NP's seem to have an obsession about this) how can I make it clear that sticking the patient schedule to the doctor is not doctor-level-pay acceptable and professional? Our NPs are all 6 figure earners. Or is this considered acceptable (I.e. shift work- oh well, not my shift, if I can't be there I will just let the management worry about it a la Wendy's or McD's)? Is this considered part of the ethical standard for the advanced nursing degree? It is absolutely not considered acceptable for any DO/MD. Thanks so much for any ideas!