O/T: Nurses vs. MD -- when you're sick, do you have a preference?

JamicaJammer · ‎01-14-2013

DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT A NURSE BASHER. MANY OF MY FRIENDS/RELATIVES ARE NURSES, MOST GETTING THEIR DEGREES AFTER AGE 60 AND RETIREMENT FROM ANOTHER PROFESSION.

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There's a huge local healthcare network that runs TV ads almost non-stop, touting that their local clinics are staffed by DOCTORS....if you go there, you'll be seen by a DOCTOR.

They really sell this feature big time.

Yet twice in the past 5 yrs, I've called to make sure that yes, we'd be seen by a DOCTOR, not some nurse, and was told yes, you'll be seen by a DOCTOR, NOT A NURSE.

I'd forgotten it was the same out fit from 5 yrs ago when I took my son yesterday. Same BS - just a nurse saw him. The clinic shut down and built a new bldg. much farther away, plus has had a name change, so I didn't realize it was the same outfit.

I'm livid.

Now....if I'd NOT called to inquire about this issue, fair enough.

If I'd wanted to settle for a nurse, I could have gone to the 8+ clinics between my house and that one that I called.

I know the scope of nursing has changed - ALL job have evolved. And yes, nurses do have skills, etc., *** BUT *** THEY ARE NOT DOCTORS!!!!!!!!

Anyone else have this problem, or is it just in my area?

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

This is not the first thred this poster has written on this subject. She thinks that nursing is a piece of cake job that can easily be done if you go back to schoolafter age 60. She is OBVIOUSLY CLUELESS about what nursing is all about. Just what everyone wants after age 66 - which would be your age if you went to college then get a MSN to be a nurse practioner - is a job standing on their feet all day and having to be lifting patients in and out of wheelchairs etc all day etc etc. she also thinks nurses make a ton of money - also not true. They make enough to support themselves but not much past that.

JamicaJammer · ‎01-14-2013

And this is not the first post happy housewife has posted that does NOT answer the OP's question, but rather attempts to distract from the topic by saying negative things about the OP.

Zcat · ‎07-11-2010

Do you mean Nurse Practitioner? There are huge differences between LPN, RN and Nurse Practitioner.

For a run of the mill visit to the doctor's office, I like the nurse pratitioner. They spend more time talking with you, and they are easier to see.

For more complex issues, I prefer the doctor.

I don't think it's insulting to notice the differences.

JamicaJammer · ‎01-14-2013

On 1/30/2014 Zcat said:
Do you mean Nurse Practitioner? There are huge differences between LPN, RN and Nurse Practitioner.

For a run of the mill visit to the doctor's office, I like the nurse pratitioner. They spend more time talking with you, and they are easier to see.

For more complex issues, I prefer the doctor.

I don't think it's insulting to notice the differences. Nurses can be intelligent and dedicated, but they didn't go to school for eight years...

I've never, ever had an MD "rush" us in an appt., so I can't vouch for nurses (NPs or others) spending more time talking, etc.

I just resent checking in advance if we'll be seen by an MD or a nurse, and driving 45 min out of town each way to ensure we're seen by an MD, only to find out we were lied to.

Two of my husbands were pharmacists, and my bff is a head of the hospital pharmacy and is has an immunology doctorate. By the time I make an appt. at a clinic, we need an MD.

willdob3 · ‎11-01-2010

It is not just a matter of the job title or whether I am sick or not.

My doctor got a physician's assistant last year. Without asking me they tried to have me see her. Excuse me. My appointment was with the doctor. She knew nothing about me. I made it clear I wanted to see the doctor only. I haven't seen her since. I have been going to the same doctor for years. I have no interest in starting over with anyone right now, regardless of their job title.

JamicaJammer · ‎01-14-2013

On 1/30/2014 willdob3 said:
It is not just a matter of the job title or whether I am sick or not.

My doctor got a physician's assistant last year. Without asking me they tried to have me see her. Excuse me. My appointment was with the doctor. She knew nothing about me. I made it clear I wanted to see the doctor only. I haven't seen her since. I have been going to the same doctor for years. I have no interest in starting over with anyone right now, regardless of their job title.

Thank you! That's how I feel.

qualitygal · ‎10-04-2010

Smile One of the last times I took my mother in to see a doctor, we must have gotten a nurse with a bad day. Both mom and I did nothing to bring on her attitude and she did come back and apologize. It was ok. I think she was afraid we'd report her and her behavior. Mom and I both worked with the public and knew you could have some horrendous days, no matter what your profession. So all was well that ended well.

We need to remember that kind of thing. In a day, you never know who you will encounter and what kind of a day they've had. The other day on t.v., a show I was watching had someone say, "everyone has a story". You probably won't hear it, but their story could be worse than yours, treat everyone with that kindness when you can. Be a little more generous today with that. Angels unaware.

But OP's issue is nurse vs. doc. Dad's visiting doc decided to retire. We got a PA for his home visits after that, and I much preferred her!! JMHO.

Yardlie · ‎03-10-2010

I see the physician's assistant as my primary care doctor. He is much more thorough than my doctor and spends more time discussing my health. When I need a pap, I go to Women's Health and see a Nurse Practitioner. She is also much more thorough doing the breast exam and much more gentle doing the pap.

If I need to see a specialist, my PA sends me there. They know what they can handle and what should be referred.

My regular doctor was just too quick...rushing in and out. I am much happier seeing the PA or NP.

A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal. ~~ Steve Maraboli

Zcat · ‎07-11-2010

On 1/30/2014 JamicaJammer said:
On 1/30/2014 Zcat said:
Do you mean Nurse Practitioner? There are huge differences between LPN, RN and Nurse Practitioner.

For a run of the mill visit to the doctor's office, I like the nurse pratitioner. They spend more time talking with you, and they are easier to see.

For more complex issues, I prefer the doctor.

I don't think it's insulting to notice the differences. Nurses can be intelligent and dedicated, but they didn't go to school for eight years...

I've never, ever had an MD "rush" us in an appt., so I can't vouch for nurses (NPs or others) spending more time talking, etc.

I just resent checking in advance if we'll be seen by an MD or a nurse, and driving 45 min out of town each way to ensure we're seen by an MD, only to find out we were lied to.

Two of my husbands were pharmacists, and my bff is a head of the hospital pharmacy and is has an immunology doctorate. By the time I make an appt. at a clinic, we need an MD.

I understand that you specifically made an appointment with the Dr. I'm not arguing with you about that. I agreed, there are times when I want to see the doctor.

I just wanted to clarify your generic use of the term 'nurse'. Some nurses go to school two years, some four years and some six years. Lumping them all together is a bit misleading.