If AAs can't expand the profession amidst this lunacy then I dont know when they will
Re: Doctor Nurse
Posted by Bubba on October 2, 2011, 11:56 pm, in reply to "Doctor Nurse"
At a certain point, it almost becomes a case of, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em." In other words, unless you really, really just want to learn to be an anesthetist through a medical-model curriculum, it seems like it would otherwise be a wiser investment to become a CRNA or even an NP. The way I see it is, if the lobbyist groups for the so-called "advanced practice nurses" are successful in their plight to gain the right to practice more-or-less independently, wouldn't it be a better investment to become a CRNA/NP and run your own group or practice? Even if you're "just" an NP (which, BTW, cardiology NP's are starting out at salaries *almost* as high as new CRNA/AA graduates), it seems like having the freedom to open your own doc-in-the-box type of practice would be worth it, as opposed to going to AA/PA school (or even medical school, depending on what kind of doctor you want to become).
Sure, an independent NP won't make as much as a physician, but it's a much shorter and easier education path, unless you really would prefer to be educated under the more rigorous medical model curriculum (and for those with a higher level of intellect, that educational model probably provides a more preferable level of intellectual stimulation).
But to think that someone could graduate high school, do a 2-year RN program at a community college, then an online 3 - 4 year "bridge" program to become an NP is just unbelievable. From the perspective of someone who realizes how foundational a medical school education is to the notion of practicing independently, it's a frightening prospect. But to an individual who would like to earn a six-figure income after a relatively short and easy educational process, it's an unbeatable deal.
Again, while many people might have an issue with the notion of an NP practicing independently, the fact is, if NP's are going to be granted those privileges, then it becomes hard not to consider that as a viable career option.
I am actually trying to decide if I want to become an AA or an independent NP, and I know that many of you are probably to say "BE AN NP" because you don't want an individual going into the AA profession who would also be willing to "sell-out" and work independently as an NP, especially when the physician and PA communities condemn the mere notion of it.
But if AA school or even CRNA school doesn't work out for someone and they don't want to spend years in medical school, how can you beat the prospect of becoming an NP, working for a few years and saving money, and then opening up a few small primary care clinics and making great money?
Re: Doctor Nurse
Posted by J on October 3, 2011, 1:21 am, in reply to "Re: Doctor Nurse"
Most NP's aren't making "great money" since most are in primary care which doesn't pay that well. A lot of the "nurse in the box" clinics around me have closed - they can't make enough money to make them cost effective.
Re: Doctor Nurse
Posted by Bubba on October 3, 2011, 10:08 am, in reply to "Re: Doctor Nurse"
How about the cardiology NPs? I have heard that they start out at only slightly less than what a new AA/CRNA graduate starts out at, although a lot of this is just hearsay and it's hard to find definitive statistics on the internet. I also wonder if NP's are even eligible to apply for surgical positions, or if those positions are more or less exclusive to PAs?
It's interesting to hear that those clinics have closed around you. Do you know if it's the same case with doctor-run express clinics, or just those run by nurses? Is the extra 15% in reimbursement that physicians receive from insurance companies crucial to keeping the business cost effective?
Re: Doctor Nurse
Posted by fgvb on October 8, 2011, 9:22 am, in reply to "Re: Doctor Nurse"
And lets not forget the PA's wanting to be called "Physician Associates". Sounds a bit like a associate Physicians doesnt it?!?! It is insane! But of course like the previous poster put, we may have to join it in some way. You just cant fight all this insanity alone.
Re: Doctor Nurse
Posted by aa-s on October 8, 2011, 9:49 am, in reply to "Re: Doctor Nurse"
NPs r doing great where I am from. know a few that clear 200k a year. also know some cardiothoracic PA's who make that. I guess it all comes down to if u wanna wipe someones butt