NPs & PAs Are Talking – Phantom Pain, NP Scope of Practice, NP & PA Salary
Last week, NP and PA readers submitted questions to our communities asking for advice from fellow clinicians. Below are a sample - if you have any advice for these NPs and PAs, comment on the respective article or share with us here and we'll make sure to pass along the wisdom. Have something you'd like a clearer answer on? Let us know on our Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn pages or by visiting www.advanceweb.com/nppa.
Reader Kathy commented on our article "PA Salaries by Specialty 2008-2009," "It is time to renew my contract. I found out another provider in my office who just left was being paid considerably more than I am ($8,500 a year). We work with separate doctors - who determine our salary. I feel I should make at least as much as she was - we have the same responsibilities. It is a large raise to ask for. How can I tactfully let the doctor I work with know that he is underpaying me? I am not supposed to know how much she was making." Can you offer any advice to this PA? For more information on what colleagues in your specialty are making now, check out our 2011 salary survey results.
On the article "Training the Brain Could Help Reduce Pain," reader Joann asked, "Is there anyone doing research with phantom pain in the Las Vegas, Nevada area? I have some questions." Share your knowledge on the subject by visiting the article.
Reader Michael asked on our LinkedIn page regarding the recent dispute between AAFP and AANP, "Would allowing nurse practitioners to provide medical care without a physician present be an answer to the primary care physician shortage in the United States, or would doing so create a two-tiered system of patient care?" ADVANCE recognizes the ability of NPs to practice autonomously, as do 16 states in the country. Check out this interactive NP Scope of Practice Law Guide from Barton & Associates to see a state-by-state assessment of other practice allowances. Here is what some clinicians had to say in response to the LinkedIn question:
- "How would it be a two-tiered system if a collaborating MD is but a phone call away if needed? 85%-90% of all medical conditions can be managed successfully as well as appropriately by nurse practitioners."
- "The physicians have done this to themselves. They are unbelievably greedy and this allows job security for the NPs."
- "Unfortunately some physicians view us as competition, but I hope that professional organizations will continue to fight for our autonomy. However, we as a profession need to be more unified as well."
We encourage you to collaborate with your fellow clinicians regarding the medical, professional and societal issues facing NPs and PAs. If you have any questions or could use a second opinion, please make use of our communities and we will do our best to get you the information you need.
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.