When did we become???

[Dave ARNP]

The other day I was thinking (I know, I'm not susposed to do that outside of a clinical setting on my own), wondering when we became the personal property of the physician we worked for?

Note that for some, this certainly does not apply, but how many times have you heard of a NP being referred to as "Dr. Joe's Nurse Practitioner" or even worse... "Hello, I'm Dr. Joe's NP".

Even if our STATE doesn't consider us independent, I think we sure as heck can walk w/o a leash. Why on earth would ANY NP even consider introducing themself as a SOMEONE's NP? I can understand saying you work with someone, but to say that you are their NP?

Just doesn't make sense to me!

Maybe I'm ranting...

Anyone care to join in?

David Adams, ARNP

-ACNP/FNP

[psnurse]

Interesting. I hadn't really thought about this topic until just now. I will finish my MSN for FNP in August 2004. I haven't caught anyone referring to me in any proprietory way.

I haven't heard anyone refer to my FNP clinical preceptor in any proprietory way. Her patient's just love her, and a couple apparently think I am ok too because they make their appointments on my days.

My second clinical site is in the ED where I am also employed. Everyone is very respectful. My friends tease me about being the doctor today, but that is all that it is. One of the teasers has enrolled in an FNP program and another goes to an info session this month. Perhaps I inspired them in some small way and THAT is truly a compliment.

[kc ccurn]

This is great! I had one of our trauma surgeons ask me if we had any nursing positions so he could start working as a nurse and not have to deal with his trauma doc partners......I told him to leave the dark side and come to the light...hee hee. But then we were wondering who would want to precept him in the unit???

[DelightNP]

I work independently, so I'm not anyone's NP except my patients'.

However, I don't know if I would mind being Dr. X's NP or not. After all, you are colleagues. Interesting question... and its a shame this thread took the direction it did.