NPs & PAs Are Talking – May 7, 2012
This week, readers of ADVANCE
for NPs & PAs let us know their opinions on many posts, comments and
articles.
On Facebook,
our readers liked career development tips, the newest practices in skincare, NP
certification information and the latest posts from our various bloggers. We also
posted an
article discussing the growing need for primary care physicians. It
suggests that a fast-track medical program can offer schooling to more
professionals at a lesser cost than a traditional medical program. One reader
weighed in, "Great idea. Let's see how difficult the
application & admission process will be. Theory sounds ideal." What
do you think? Would you go back to school for the chance to be an MD in only 3
years?
Over on LinkedIn,
reader Barbara asked,
"Has anyone worked for an insurance company as a clinician, helping patients
get the services they require?" Check out our community page now to give your
feedback and see what other issues are generating discussion between fellow PAs
and NPs!
On Twitter,
we took a PA poll. "Poll: #Physicianassistants,
are you a member of a nat'l or state PA org.? Click ‘home' to vote on RH side
of page. http://bit.ly/KlB8hc" If you didn't
vote yet, make sure to do so now! Reader @CharlesLehman also included us in his
daily newspaper Public Education. "Public
Education Today is out! http://bit.ly/eixwVS ▸ Top
stories today via @mattryan2000 @wobblyneil
@guswhyte
@jeffbcdm
@advancefornppa,"
he tweeted. If you have any great PA or NP news to share, make sure to follow
us on Twitter and mention us to spread the news!
Heated discussion continued as PAs debated the 10-year
recertification cycle change. Reader Paul commented, "I am pleased with a
10 year recert, and my next test will be in 2016. It will be my last as I will
be retired by 2026.The interesting thing is that I will now be required to do
more than my SP regarding PI-CME since my SP is not board certified. We will
probably retire at about the same time, and I'm pretty sure my SP will not be
engaged in my process of the new rules."
Adding to the discussion, James wrote, "When are the leaders
of our profession going to start listening to the PA's in the ‘trenches'? A
survey was done prior to the passage of this change and the OVERWHELMING
majority of PA's were against this. The only change that needs to be done is to
administer an initial exam following graduation of an accredited program.
Subsequent CME's every two years after that is fine. Can ANYONE tell me how the
current system makes any of us more competent to practice? Maybe the changes
that need to take place are the people who are in leadership positions!!!"
In our Front & Center news section, we discussed some of
the latest laws effecting NPs and PAs. Following news that NPs and PAs in
Florida will now have access to Medicaid,
reader Keischa wrote, "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! One small step may
lead to many!!"
In our blog community, blogger Elizabeth wowed readers by
sharing her journey
through personal and professional loss and triumph. One commenter noted, "Wow
you have such strength, confidence and resilience it really is conveyed in your
blog. While not understanding the actions of others, at least you are you are
taking the time for yourself and you are starting a wonderful life in your new
career. Stay strong focused and successful!" Do you agree with Elizabeth's take
on work?
Comments are reposted here verbatim, without editing. We
love to get feedback from our readers. If you're not chatting
with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn,
"like", "follow" and "connect" with us and start sharing in the
conversations! If you are, keep following and spread the word! Is there something we should be
discussing? Let us know!