What would you say to your patient?

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Hi,

This question is for the current licensed NP.

Did you ever had this happen to you, when you introduces yourself to your patient : " Hello, I am xxx and I am a NP" and then the patient goes " Nurse Practitioner? I came here to see a doctor, where is my doctor?"

How did you response to them?

Thank you all for any input in advance.

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Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

I say "If you would like to see a doctor we can reschedule your appointment for another time. Otherwise, I would be happy to see you now and try to help you".

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Specializes in Family NP, OB Nursing.

Usually the patients know ahead of time they will be seeing me. Either because they were scheduled with me for their appointment or followup OR because when they called for an appointment they were told, "I can get you in with the nurse practitioner this afternoon, or with the doctor on Monday."

On the rare occasion that they didn't realize they were seeing me, I say something very similar to BCgradnurse.

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Specializes in FNP.

ITA w/ the above. I'd simply ignore the attitude and answer the question. No skin off my nose, either way.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

My pts know they see me most of the time. I always say what specifically they would like to ask the doc which then opens the door to conversation. If it is something doc specific I have the option usually of calling the doc. However most times I can deal with it and we have satisfied customer either way.

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Awesome, thanks for all your answers! You are great!

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Specializes in ER, Family Practice, Free Clinics.

"I shoved a pillow in his mouth and locked him in the closet. What can I help you with today?" LOL. Not really.

"Would you like to tell me what the trouble is today? I can usually save you the inconvenience of waiting for the MD, as I can handle most primary care issues and, well, if I need him, I can pull him away for a moment to get your issues addressed."

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Specializes in ER, Family Practice, Free Clinics.

I'm on a locum tenens assignment right now, so, in my head, its more like

me: "there is no doctor, just me and the students. pick your poison"

them: "when's he coming back- i need my ridiculous quantity of narcotics for the ankle sprain i sustained 3 yrs ago. he always gives them to me"

me: "can't do that. sorry charlie. no, i cant call him either, I dunno what country he's even in, i'm just a temp- hell today's my first day, i got lost coming here. where am i? what were we just talking about? im a penguin..." wander off

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Specializes in Pediatrics/Emergency Medicine/NICU.

I usually let them know that I have advanced training to diagnose and treat patients and can help them with their concerns. If they would prefer a physician, I would be happy to accommodate.

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Specializes in medical surgical.

Patients around here want to see the doc the day they call (or drop in). Problem is it takes 2 weeks to get an appointment. Most do not want to wait 2 weeks. Only other choice is to go to the er and the wait is hours.

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Specializes in Emergency, MCCU, Surgical/ENT, Hep Trans.

I've had two of these folks in the last six months. My response,

"Well you can certainly see the Emergency Physicians, they are very busy now with a few heart attacks, someone having a stroke I think and a car accident victim. It may be hours before they get to you, so I'll have you sit back in the waiting room for now, unless of course..."

They immediately turn that attitude around and you'd be surprised by the reception/impression after I help them (if they can be helped that is).

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