My focus is exactly the same as my physician colleagues, so I have no idea to what the above post is referring. I am a PCP that happens to be a NP vs a MD/DO, but we do the same job. Our educational paths differ, and you can all argue about which path is superior. My path was optimal for me and for my family and my patients are not suffering for it, I assure you, lol. The job "focus" is the same.
I was independent on day 1 after graduation, as are all other other NPs in this state and 16 other states in the US. Don't like it, move to one of the other 33 and get active in your state legislature to keep it that way. I don't think you will be successful, but if you want it that way- quit yer bitchin, get off the internet and do something about it. Otherwise, stuff a sock in it.
9/10 posters in this thread have no idea what they are talking about, lol. I won't point you out, I'll just let each of you believe you are the one that has it right.
Go see whomever you like for your medical care. My panel is full, and I'm not accepting new patients anyway. I have a few I'd sometimes like to get rid of because they can be a PITA, but by and large I enjoy the patients I work with and have no desire to "prove myself" to anyone. Everyone whould be happy with their PCP. PCPs have a right to be happy too, and I would not be happy having to put up with the 'tude, so I'd prefer individuals with a chip on their shoulder move on down the hall and be a boil on the butt of my colleagues instead, lol. Equal practice rights mean we have to share the PITB patients equally too.
Pursue whatever you like for your career. Stop trying to justify yourselves to ignorants on the interwebs and just do it, whenever you want to do it. You don't need a nod from any of us, you just need to be accepted into a program. Apply when the time is right for you, regardless of when SusieQ or Joe Schmoe thinks you ought to apply. My only advice is to apply to a top rated program. I would never recommend anyone go to one of those (ahem) questionable schools that operate for profit and do not have a tradition of excellence and an outstanding and accomplished faculty with strong research backgrounds that match your own interests. Mediocrity is never acceptable when it comes to education. Don't settle there. But bedside experience, pffttt. That is up to you. It won't do much, if anything for you a a NP. If you want to do it and it works into the master plan, beautiful. If not, don't fret.
That's all I have to say about that. Carry on.
P.S. Neither my wife nor I have ever worked FT, and we have always had at least one Nanny or au pair living in. We have 7 kids, and it takes a village! You youngins are clueless.
