Why would people choose to go to a NURSE PRACTITIONER as opposed to a physician?

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i am wondering why nurse practitioners open their own practices...wouldn't majority of the population choose to go to an md?

i am interested in becoming a nurse practitioner...so i am just wondering..trying to find the common sense in that..:heartbeat

thanks!!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Nurse practitioners are more cost-effective these days.

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Specializes in ER; CCT.

Some NP's are doctors. By 2015 all NP's will have to be a doctor to sit for boards.

NP's provide a holistic approach to caring for clients and families--not medical model-based, "got a problem--have a pill."

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Years ago, I read a study which concluded that NPs are actually superior to primary care physicians at assessing pts, and diagnosing disease. I wish I had a copy of the article to share.

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Specializes in ER; CCT.
Years ago, I read a study which concluded that NPs are actually superior to primary care physicians at assessing pts, and diagnosing disease. I wish I had a copy of the article to share.

Please do share when you find.

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Specializes in AGNP.

The OB/GYN office I go to is staffed by MDs and one NP. I chose to go to the NP, I feel I get better care when I see her. Alot of people must feel that way about her because it is a long wait to get in to see her.

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Specializes in pedi, pedi psych,dd, school ,home health.

I find that NPs have much more skill in listening and interpreting symptoms; because they take the time to do so!! Their productivity is not as closely scrutinized as a physician's (acccording to my NP friends and colleagues ) so they are able to take more time with pts.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

I have to be careful what I say at home regarding this issue. My sister is an MD (Internal Medicine) and is an excellent practitioner. I wish she could be my doctor. But she can't, so I go for the next best thing.

In my experience and opinion, DOs and NPs seem to do a better job at primary care than MDs. I don't know if this is related to differences in personalities of the people who choose these specialties, their education and training, the expectations within the office in terms of productivity or some other reason(s).

I have had serious medical conditions that required highly specialized medical care by MDs. I have grinned and tolerated it, and returned to my DO (primary care physician) and NP (gyn office) as soon as my condition permitted.

I find that they are much more interested in my overall life, health and wellness and not just the "problem of the day." I have gotten excellent information on preventive health, immunization, diet, exercise and balancing work and home that I have never discussed with an MD. I find my appointments far more relaxed and less rushed than with an MD. My overall satisfaction is much greater with DOs and NPs than with MDs.

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Thank you to everyone so far! :bow:

This is EXACTLY why I want to become an NP:loveya:. More interraction and time with patients, isntead of feeling rushed.:D

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I've had excellent and ok providers whether they are MD, NP, or PA. A lot depends on the person I think.

Back to the OP, you could shadow some NPs in your area who own their own practices to get an idea. I have some friends that work in NP owned clinics but I myself work in a primary care practice with MD, NP, and PAs. This is only for what I know of my area, but the NP owned clinics here tend to be more rural (not really an option for me) or in a niche like MediSpa + clinic setups.

As a new graduate I was most interested the best learning environment providing the broadest spectrum of experience, so quite frankly I didn't care who or what owned the clinic just wanted a place to gain good experience. Look around at your area, what's owned by NPs?

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Some people have neither the time nor money for medical school.

I have one friend with a doctorate in microbiology who is now in Columbia's NP program specifically because she prefers nursing's holistic approach to medicine.

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I agree with what everyone else here has said so far (more time with patients, more holistic, more preventive, etc.etc.) and I would also like to add that having watched my brother go through the hellatious process of becoming an MD has absolutely contributed to my zilch desire to be an MD. I am 39 and I have a LIFE thank-you-very-much. I have a 9 y/o daughter and I want to be at her volleyball games and not on call. I want to be reading to her at night and not asking someone else how it went when I get in from the hospital at midnight.

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