The extra education that both a Nurse Practioner needs in order to BE a NP is substantial. I choose one whenever the choice is presented.
I've also been impressed with the PAs that I work with, some of whom are actually RNs that chose the PA route!
Kim.. I also prefer NPs to MDs which is why I am becoming one myself. I have also met some impressive PAs as well. The more education we receive (as well as experience) the better we serve our patients.
That sounds great. Where I live, the inpatient peds unit is run by pediatric MD's who are hospitalists ... so they are there 24/7 to take care of the sick kids. As opposed to the old days, when all the pediatricians would admit their own kids, then attempt to manage the care from afar while seeing patients at their office all day. The hospitalists are a much better system in my opinion. We were talking at work the other day that adult medicine is also going in this direction. NP hospitalists would certainly be a great addition to the team!
I'm an NP, have been one for twelve years now, and am currently running a Fast Track connected to a hospital ED. It pays well, that's true, and it's an efficient way to run an ED, by separating the boo-boo's from the actual emergencies.
The only problem is that it's a phenomenally boring job for the NP most of the time. True, I saw cauda equina syndrome and pneumomediastinum this week, but usually it's relentlessly orthopedic and URI-ish. Blech.
However, I think the NP hospitalist idea sounds great. I know some programs already have Acute Care NP tracks. Much more fun!
You know my PCP's office recently hired a PA. When I went for my last visit they asked if it would be OK for me to see her this time. I agreed. I have to say she seemed much more through and less rushed than when I see my Doc. She was very concerned and I will definiely make appts. now requesting her. It seemed much easier to communicate with her. More at ease somehow.
I think you're going to make a great NP.
I love the NP in my doctor's office and the NP in my daughter's peds office. NP rock!
hospitalist NPs sounds interesting!
this is my new url.
Bihari.. Thanks for commenting on my blog! I will pop over and take a look at yours soon. I can tell that Fast track would be boring but not a boring as the office setting. It will be hard moving out of the acute setting down to a more quiet one..
Cathy, I'm glad that you are happy with the PA! Most patients that I talk to enjoy their PAs and NPs because they seem to listen more. I don't know why doctors have lost that art. Thanks for the vote of confidence!
Jenn.. I got your new addy and updated both sites with your link... I can tell you are a traveler 
Lisa, I agree that having hospitalists is a good idea. There is no competition for patients either because they don't see them outside of the hospital. No politics..
The main problem is who dies the NP vs MD triage. In theory at least (there are always exceptions_ an MD will be better trained to spot the abnormal which might go unnoticed by a NP. So you'd want an MD doing the first assignments.
Like you said sailorman, sometimes there are exceptions. I think it's all in the numbers when it comes to recognition of abnormals. A new MD may not recognize an abnormal when an experienced NP would too.. Thanks for commenting!
The idea of NPs working in hospitals is not a new idea. My first job was an NP working with 12 hospitalist back in 1994. In addition, there are acute care nurse practitioner programs all over the country training NPs to work in ERs, ICUs and medical-surgical units.
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