Administration vs. Practice
Owning your own business comes with many challenges. Including, managing the practice as well as seeing patients. Although I love seeing patients, I also enjoy spending time managing my own practice. This includes hiring, advertising, determining hours of operations, etc...
After practicing for several years now, I have come to really enjoy the administrative end of the practice. In fact, I hired a CRNP last month and am now in negotiations for another psychiatric CRNP to start within the next couple of weeks.(If anyone that is credentialed in Pennsylvania is interested........)
I would really like to move in to the administrative end of the business. This not only allows me to keep close tabs on the business, but allows for employment opportunities and population awareness. I feel strongly that the more of us that open our own practice and pave the way, the more acceptable, or could we say "standard NP practice" would become mainstay medicine.
I have seen a huge difference in reimbursement as far as insurance companies that will credential NPs since I first started. We are on the cutting edge of change in this country. Some of us must work for others for now, depending on their situation and state regulations, and others may find the opportunities available for self-employment. Some NPs may even be happy working for someone else.
However, we can all make a contribution to our profession by talking to legislators and lobbyists. If the time permits, do what you can to make a change. We are far from "total" independence at this point, therefore we must continue to face the obstacles and overcome them one at a time. We have obvious opposition who want us to fail. With so many seeing the benefits including cost effectiveness accompanied by care and compassion, a positive change is inevitable.
We are also faced with voting for a new President at this point. Who can benefit us the most with our profession? The debate is still out on that issue, in my book. It is unfortunate that so much is involved in voting for the next president. Consideration must be made in regard to the financial stability of our country and even the world. War is another hot topic. Do we continue in Iraq until the job is done or do we withdraw troops so that our young people do not have to face continued tours of duty and risk of life or limb? What of Afghanistan? Are we spreading ourselves to thin? What of the environment and even our addiction on fossil fuels?
So many major issues to consider at this point, may make our drive for independence and our place in this world seem small. Though these are some major topics on the political trail, health care is also very important. Health care is fortunately on the table, and reform may indicate a much needed revision with current health care, including NPs.
So maybe our drive is not so insignificant after all, you be the judge.