When I read your post, I think "Medical Home" which is what we do... provide a Medical Home for kids with complex medical issues where the pediatrician and myself as nurse case manager provide a place where the overall picture is seen and cared for while the specialists also manage specific aspects. The AAP conference in Orlando focused on this. We talked about how esp. in adult care a true Medical Home with a primary care physician (or ARNP!) is lacking. Good for you for doing this. We also spent some time talking about the Wal-Marts and such. Interesting stuff. Sounds like you've found a good fit- I'm glad.
Very well said! Patients are the ones that have the most to gain when it works as it's be designed.
I feel some think NPs are basically given Rx pads and that is the extent of the education we receive. Sadly, most don't know nor care about NP education. We are often in clinical rotations where physicians serve as preceptors. I would bet that a lot of physician preceptors don't fully understand NP education and role. (Obviously, not because they can't but because of time constraints, stressors of primary care, etc. I mean, to my knowledge, there isn't a course in medical school dedicated to working/collaborating with NPs.) It is essential for NP students to share this background so that true collaborative relationships can be forged.
I had the very fortunate experience of a wonderful DO preceptor who understood such relationships. I not only gained confidence but trust in making my clinical decisions. To this day, I deem myself truly fortunate.
The practice where I case manage (and am physically based, though am not an employee) consists of an MD and an ARNP. The ARNP precepts for NP students. I love that. The peds practice I left before taking this job also had 3rd year med students rotate through with our docs. The staff & parents all loved having them.
Lisa, We also have "Medical Home" as a theme. Seems to be a catch phrase but I really think our company means it. I'm glad that your ARNP precepts. It really helps to have clinical resources.
Stephen, I'm glad that you found a great DO preceptor. Most of the MDs I used in clinicals didn't really seem to "get us". They still view us as basic nurses who can make them extra money, not as actually providers. I did have a few that knew where I was coming from and trusted my judgment because I worked with them in the hospital setting prior to graduating.
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