By Karen Roush MS, RN, FNP-C, AJN clinical managing editor
What will it take to end the turf war physicians are waging against nurse practitioners? The latest foray is over who should lead patient-centered medical homes (PCMH). According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), only physicians should. They insist that nurse practitioners do not have the knowledge or skills to do so and that expanding the NP’s role in primary care would create a "two-tiered health system," with patients who are cared for by an NP receiving a lower level of care.
As nursing advocate and journalist Suzanne Gordon says, Stand Up for Nursing! Read and support how Nurse Practitioners (NPs) can play a major role in our health care system. Thanks, Lois
Hi, Lois, I have been reading your blog for quite some time, and I appreciate it. But, as you know, I have been involved in health care policy for quite some time. I have also been someone at the bottom of the health care system, without the privilege of medical insurance, for about ten years until becoming a Medicare recipient in 12/11.
I do not think this war between doctors and nurses is constructive. How about: we are all in this together? Very best, Liz Wed, Oct 3, 2012
Hi Liz, You are absolutely right. The feuding must stop. It grieves and angers me that we are still fighting this turf battle that I’ve experienced since entering nursing fifty years ago. We each, physicians and nurses, have distinct and complimentary roles to play. We are in this together and some health care professionals, thankfully, are beginning to get it. Thanks for writing! Lois