As a mid-level (Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant) provider practicing for nearly 20 years, I feel compelled to comment on the quote in the April 14 article regarding increased nursing roles in the current medical environment.
I am honored to be able to provide health care for a variety of different patients. I respect my mid-level colleagues for their education, skills and their desire to improve the health of their patients.
The nurse practitioner quoted in the article references herself as just like a doctor "except for the pay." This is an attitude that mature, experienced mid-levels don't have.
For years we have worked alongside physicians who have more years of education and clinical experience. We have relationships with our colleague physicians to work in a collaborative effort to offer comprehensive care.
Our role will continue to thrive if we clearly recognize our scope of practice within the big picture. When I precept students, I always remind them that the most important thing is to recognize "what they don't know" and refer appropriately. This is why our patients trust us and give us the opportunity to care for them.
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Barb Malat
Rochester
