NPs & PAs Are Talking – July 9, 2012
In the past week, we shared the
news
that the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the American College of Nurse
Practitioners plan to merge. With 28 Facebook "likes"
and many "shares," it seems NPs support the decision. On our blog
post readers are responding with positive comments, too. Cathy said, "It's about time. This was
so confusing to have 2 organizations and to decide which one to join. I hope
there is no ‘squabbling' between the two over names and who does what. I
anticipate that our professional organizations will have a professional
transition."
Sylvia added, "So glad
to hear that these two professional associations will be merging and no longer
have ‘divided camps.' It is important now with our financial climate and
ACA going forward that we have one collective voice in the political arena. Can't
wait." Pam said, "I am excited about the possibilities associated with this
merger." What are your opinions on the upcoming consolidation? Do you have any
concerns? Please share your thoughts with us!
On Facebook
this week, reader Wendy posted the following: "There are a lot of schools in my
immediate area (Cincinnati) churning out fast track NPs but no available jobs
for new grads, unless you want to sell your house and move out of the area, or
work for free to get the CPT. My peers have had to commute far distances or
work inhuman numbers of hours locally to get the CPT by the 2 year deadline.
Even experienced NPs are facing doctor office cut backs in our area. I am
continuing to work as an RN, taking a post-master's second certification to
change my scope and am preparing to move after that."
Wendy is not alone in her
concern for the NP job market. This week, our Career Coach blogger Renee
Dahring addressed
the expected surge in NPs in coming years. Dahring asked, "It's exciting to see
our ranks growing, but what effect will this have on the job market and/or
wages? Will there really be jobs for all these folks?"
Readers weighed in. Rebecca
said, "NP salary and work is lucrative and many nurses are attracted to it.
With an increase in more trained NPs in the field, the profession will become
more competitive - this will drive higher quality from the NPs in the job
market - it can only be good. Similarly, NP educational programs are beginning
to become more competitive and this will be reflected in the graduates. From my
point of view - training nurses at the pre-license level - I counsel them to
get plenty of experience in the entry level into nursing before pursuing an NP
degree - this experience is valuable education for advanced practice. While
large numbers to aspire to gain advanced degrees, many nurses are happy at the
bedside. I foresee that the bulk of primary care will be provided by NPs in the
future with physicians managing the specialty areas - we will continue to need
more and more NPs with changes in healthcare policy."
Dave Mittman, PA, DFAAPA
added, "I think NPs and PAs are very much the same in this regard. Our programs
are now expanding more and there will be tons of PAs. Many are young, very
bright women with the full academic training they need but only volunteer work
as their ‘prior training.' Many are not but to me still a problem. The thing
that made PAs great was that usual prior training as an RN,
EMT/Paramedic/ATC/Pharmacist, etc. You worked for years and then entered the PA
program. Less and less now. Also both professions have to figure out how to get
their clinicians back into primary care."
Do you believe NPs and PAs
should forgo a specialty and practice in primary care?
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