NPs & PAs Are Talking – July 2, 2012
Last week, we followed the landmark Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act, which allowed one of the most debated pieces of recent legislature to stand. It is expected that the new ruling will allow an additional 17 million people to qualify for Medicaid. On Facebook, we asked our NP and PA followers to share their opinions of the passed law. Here is what some readers had to say:
- Notrica Mary: "I think we are going to need a few thousand more Primary Care Providers STAT"
- Stacey Reynolds: "I agree something needed to be done, but feel it was kind of putting the cart before the horse"
- Penny Lamascus: "I am very disappointed in our Supreme court justices. We are in for a rude awakening in this country."
- Carina Hatch Lesser: "I think that it is great and much needed change. We're a first world country for heaven's sake. Let's start acting like it."
What do you think of the ruling? Are you prepared to accept new patients? Please share with us in the comments section below!
On LinkedIn, followers continued to discuss a question: "I am curious what incentive is there for APRNs to obtain their DNP when there isn't a pay incentive?" Reader Andrea said, "If the DNP is established/accepted as a requirement to practise and not an educational elective the NP track will not be a viable career choice for many. The expense of an advanced degree alone will cause nurses to think twice. And the reality is that the degree does not guarantee an appreciable increase in compensation."
Reader Patty agreed: "I am concerned with the fact that there is no pay increase, insurance payment increase/benefit with DNP. Patient/clients are already confused by NP versus PA and now to add the title 'Doctor Nurse' will really make their heads spin. As for respect in the community as Advance Practice Nurse...that must be earned by professionalism, education and participation in healthcare fields. I really feel that nursing DNP programs should follow the medical school models and stop the busy work." What is your opinion on the DNP? Share on our LinkedIn page or in the comments below. For more information on the DNP, visit our DNP Center!
On our website this week, we posted the Career Coach blog, "Should Pharmacists Prescribe?" Reader Jaclyn weighed in:
"On the bright side, we know it's not just us! I think it is a great idea for things like rescue inhalers, anti-fungals, stable conditions, and acute but familiar issues where the patient knows what it going on and the office visit is a expense-based formality. As long as a PCP is established and that have been seen in the last year for follow-up, I am in favor of an additional layer of access for patients. The pharmacists and their employers could be less enthusiastic since it may mean more training and certainly more liability. I admit though, I will be miffed if they get nation-wide, independent additional privileges before NPs get the basic ones we should already have. Make that double miffed if they don't have to knuckle under a collaborative agreement while we are still fighting to get out from under ours."
Reader Len commented, "One day closer to perfect health drugs, and one day closer to the end of all healthcare power squabbles." Over on Twitter, @haiba_ said, "@ADVANCEforNPPA well let's see, should store clerks make shoes." What do you think? Should pharmacists expand their scope of practice to prescribing?
All 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.
If there's something you think we should be discussing, let us know. As always, thanks for following!