NPinWCH

We are primary providers, but what are we the primary providers of is the question. If we say medicine, then we are going down a path that leads us to be controlled by the MD/DOs, the AMA and the boards of medicine. This is not where I want to go bec...

I want to clarify some of my statements. The PAs I know want independent practice. They don't want to be called Assistants anymore, they want independence, freedom and the ability to practice like NPs. PAs haven't been able to get their independence...

First, there should be a policy for documenting all phone calls and messages. We've all been taught, if it isn't documented, it isn't done and that includes any advice given by any person the receptionist/MA/LPN gives over the phone. So, if a pt cal...

First, your assumptions are probably incorrect. If you are calling to see the NP for an acute issue, you'd be fine seeing the NP. I'm sure they could diagnose and treat you just fine. I see acute and chronic issues daily, from colds, pinkeye, bronchi...

As for where I am, it's rural Ohio, not too rural. I'm within 1 hour of Columbus and Cincinnati. The problem is there are still too few psych providers even in the city and when we do get one, they quickly get overwhelmed and leave. Also, IF they acc...

I totally agree with the collaborating MD idea, but I also totally get where the OP is coming from. If I had a resource to send my psych patients to then I wouldn't have to treat them beyond my comfort zone, which I very often do. Sure, I can can thr...

The only way is to complete the course work for all three and take 3 certifications. So, get a masters in one and pass the exam and then go back and finish up the other course requirements to get the post masters certificate in the others that let yo...

I'm an FNP, with now 1 yr experience as such, but I had 15 yrs experience as an RN. Most of my RN experience was in L&D. I work in a busy family practice with 3 MDs and one other FNP. I see newborns all the way through 90 yr olds. I do preventati...

I'll touch on your second question by saying check with your state BON. Independent practice for ANY NP varies by state. The acute care vs. family/primary care debate continues to argued, so I don't know if there is a clear answer. I know in my state...

BlueDevil, how long did you practice as an NP with your MSN before getting your DNP and it what way do you feel the DNP made you a better provider? I also agree that one certifying body is needed and that the bar is low in some institutions, but no ...

The ONLY reason there is no longer a differentiation between MD and DO is that the DO programs changed to mimic the MD programs. They just included their osteopathic theory and manipulation techniques. I didn't want to go to medical school. I wanted...

Well said and I couldn't agree more.

I only want to add that even if/when DNP becomes the standard, MSN prepared NPs won't have to worry about "salvaging" their careers as long as they keep their certification up to date. Believe it or not, but there are currently APNs with ONLY BSN deg...

Like other posters mentioned, it does depend on your job market, but I'd add also on your own willingness to do certain work. I've seen plenty of retail quick care clinics that offer PT or even per diem jobs. I've also had plenty of offers for locum ...

I'm an FNP in family practice with another FNP and 2 MDs. I provide annual well visits for women on a regular basis and have found early, and not so early cervical cancers and breast cancers. Myself and one of the MDs both do colposcopy as well. This...

I chart as I see patients as well, but that doesn't leave much time for answering messages, going through transferred records, dealing with labs, dx results, writing and reading referral letters, refilling meds, FMLA and disability paperwork. So, adm...

I'd love to get admin time, but I don't. I'm expected to see patients for 40 hrs/week. This aggravates me since the docs in our practice get 4 hours/week and I usually see more patients than they do. Our medical director is working on getting the NPs...

For the record, I have my MSN from an online program from a brick and mortar school and I've been actively recruited by the military and yes they do use FNPs, CRNAs, Psych NPs and I believe CNMs as well. Family Nurse Practitioner (66P) | GoArmy.com ...

I'm in Ohio and as long as my collaborating agreement states that I can prescribe medications for off label uses, then I can. I do it all the time. I'll use gabapentin for pain syndromes (already mentioned) and restless leg syndrome and beta blockers...

I don't have much to add, but will say that out of my 15 years of nursing experience prior to becoming an FNP, the last 14 years were in OB. I won't say that med surg/ICU/ER experience wouldn't have been beneficial, because in many ways I think it wo...

I don't work in pain management, but due to lack of this specialty in my very rural area see way more of these patients than I would like. Most of the time a referral to pain management gets a patient 1-3 months of appts at the specialist and then th...

I worked OB in a rural hospital with the same staffing you mention for 15 years. We did drills. It was part of our yearly re-orientation/safety training. It's like any other mock code and we used the hospital's old full body dummy as our patient. Som...

They need your FINAL transcript. You said you sent one August 1, but finished August 12, they need a transcript from after you graduated.

Wow! I'd LOVE to only be expected to see 70-80 patients/week. I see between 20 and 25 patients a day, with an occasional slow day of 15-18. At my current rate of seeing patients I might make the first hurdle to bonus (there are 2, the first of which ...

I want to point out a couple of things. First, you sound like you will have to be working and going to school at the same time. You may not be at work for 60 hours, but you will be working for AT LEAST 60 hours/week during this time with class, work ...