Which Level? Extending What?

[B52Bomber]

Numerous positions posted in Michigan (and elsewhere) titled "Mid Level provider" and "physician extender." First of all, who would actually be confident and proud to post a position looking for a mid level provider? After earning a DNP and gaining experience in various areas, of you would like an advanced practitioner, then yes I would consider it. Advertising that you need and employ mid level providers sounds to consumers as if they're "going to get what's provided and from this clinician that's only MID level care." Who's considered the low level providers? Second, I'm not a physician extender, I'm a nurse. I'm not extending any physician practices. I practice nursing and I'm extending my skills and knowledge to treat you. Now I'm assuming that phrase may be commonly applied to physician assistants, which still delineates the knowledge and skills they're applying to treat patients because they are extending their attending's practices. Any thoughts??

[B52Bomber]

Advocating for NP's not being called mid-level providers or physician extenders yet coming off with a denigrating tone by saying the term applies to PA's goes against the political correctness that brought about the issue with these designations in the first place. For the record, PA's as a collective group also do not think they should be addressed as mid-levels or physician extenders.

Agreed. Although, I'm not sure if you were referring to me using a "denigrating tone" but in fact I was not if you refer back to my post. I did not say or insinuate the term should apply to PAs and not NPs. I said I commonly see 'physician extenders' being applied to PAs but it delineates the knowledge and skills they've developed by making it sound as if they are only working based on the opinions/treatments of the physician (does not mean I support the term being applied to them). I definately do not believe the term should be applied to NPs because physicians and nurse practitioners are separate entities practicing similar yet different approaches to care.

[JellyDonut]

No worries I find it equally ridiculous that PsyD's call themselves doctor and Physical Therapists now that seriously cracks me up.

In my travels I have run across several physical therapist who insist on introducing themselves as Doctor either on the phone, in person and even to patients. I am surprised I have not required treatment for my intense eye-rolling!!