Rick,
Try not to to sweat it. There are many physician blogs out there that try to minimize and even bash the NP role and quite frankly people realize how petty, insecure, self-serving and how turf-protecting they are. (I can come up with more words if you like 
These types of postings used to bother me and I'd inherently get into a non-productive back and forth with the physician blogger. It's obvious that some people just don't get it. NPs have and continue to have phenomenal track recods. Patients that we encounter see it, payers see it and other healthcare professionals see it as well. Anyone thinking they are an island will continue that mentality and not integrate with the other members of the healthcare team.
And that is just as well since there are plenty of patients out there not getting any or adequate care. NPs will be there picking up the slack and will continue having a positive impact on healthcare in this country.
NPs need to blog, gain more public attention and have a say in healthcare policy. We are well on our way and the more supporters we have, the easier it will be. No one said this would be easy but most of us are up to the challenge.
I've worked with many physician colleagues who truly support NPs. It is the vocal minority that puts a bad taste in everyone's mouth. Don't let the physician-centric mindset (shouldn't it be patient-centric?!!) alter your course.
Thanks for your thoughts. I've been exceptionally satisfied with my NPs, even before they inspired me to begin my nursing career.
I just don't get this "lack of training". I would think nurses who pursue advanced degrees would make great primary care providers because of the much higher amount of time spent with their patients.
Rick - this is a great blog - very informative and well written. I would invite you and your readers to share your opinions and insight with the global community of nurses on our new nurse information/advocacy site: www.nursetogether.com. We specialize in nurse-lifetstyle, career and professional development with articles like this: http://www.nursetogether.com/tab...of-
Nursing.aspx . Enjoy!
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