topic Re: Nurse Practitioner? in Wellness

Nurse Practitioner?

SXMGirl — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 02:13:43 GMT

Has anyone used a Nurse Practitioner on a regular basis? After spending most of the day in ER due to another sports injury (this retirement thing is going to kill me), the RN on duty suggested that instead of finding a local GP that it might be better for me to get a NP. She said that many are very qualified and take their jobs very seriously. I am old school and just never thought of using anyone but a licensed physician. Thoughts are appreciated.

Re: Nurse Practitioner?

conlt — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 02:18:41 GMT

Yes, I have been seeing a GYN NP for years now. I totally trust them.

Re: Nurse Practitioner?

on the bay — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 02:21:13 GMT

Every nurse practioner I've ever had has been excellent.

I think they are very good at keeping up to date on medications and also natural ways to do things.

I always appreciated and trusted their opinions and the ones I had gave some great advice that I hadn't heard before.

I think they were good at explaining things too.

And @SXMGirl-

I hope you heal fast!

Re: Nurse Practitioner?

hopi — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 02:19:22 GMT

@SXMGirl wrote:
Has anyone used a Nurse Practitioner on a regular basis? After spending most of the day in ER due to another sports injury (this retirement thing is going to kill me), the RN on duty suggested that instead of finding a local GP that it might be better for me to get a NP. She said that many are very qualified and take their jobs very seriously. I am old school and just never thought of using anyone but a licensed physician. Thoughts are appreciated.

totally can relate...

Just like the DR & RN it depends on how good and knowledgeable the NP actually is.

Re: Nurse Practitioner?

SXMGirl — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 02:25:04 GMT

Thanks @hopi @on the bay @conlt, I am going to research and find the best one in the area. It is always good to hear that others are pleased.

Re: Nurse Practitioner?

missy1 — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 02:28:44 GMT

I prefer them over a Dr.

Re: Nurse Practitioner?

Kachina624 — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 02:30:39 GMT

I've never seen a NP regularly but I have seen them when I couldn't get an appointment with my GP. I've gotten excellent advice from them. One was able to finally suggest the correct BP meds, which I'm still taking. Another told me how to get rid of a lingering cold. I'll gladly see a NP if my doctor isn't available.

Re: Nurse Practitioner?

lkat — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 02:37:22 GMT

I have loved every NP I've ever had. My primary care dr. had one for years and I much preferrred seeing her over him. I was very sad when he moved his practice and doesn't have one anymore. I've always felt like they listen more than a lot of MDs do. If I had a choice, I'd see a NP over an MD every time for routine things.

Re: Nurse Practitioner?

SXMGirl — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 02:37:48 GMT

@Kachina624, thanks. I just put in the parameters and instead of getting the ones 5 miles from home, I am getting notifications for some in three different states. I guess they are not as prevalent as I thought. I know that I will find one, just have to start asking around.

Re: Nurse Practitioner?

SXMGirl — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 02:39:58 GMT

@lkat, thanks. I am now feeling very confident about using one if I can actually find one that one that will not take hours to get to or crossing a bridge to another state to make an appointment.

Re: Nurse Practitioner?

OKPrincess — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 02:44:57 GMT

DH has seen one for the past few times in and no problems at all.

Re: Nurse Practitioner?

lkat — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 02:49:02 GMT

Good luck @SXMGirl. I think if you can find one, you'll be very happy. I have never had a NP that I wasn't happy with. Wish I could say that about every MD I've ever used

Re: Nurse Practitioner?

bikerbabe — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 02:52:55 GMT

As a nursing student I admit I am biased. However, it has been my experience that because NPs are trained according to the nursing model of care, they are more patient-centered and spend more time listening and talking to clients.

NPs specialize similar to MDs so you need to determine whether you want a generalist (family practice), someone who specifically deals with an older client, or another specialty. Depending on state laws which vary, an NP may practice in conjunction with an MD or totally independently.

Re: Nurse Practitioner?

mac116 — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 02:59:13 GMT

I see a cardiologist, and at times his NP. She is great, but I prefer seeing the doctor. She has said that she would have to run things (changes in meds and exercise) past the doctor...which is fine...but I guess I would rather just see the doctor. The office call costs the same for seeing either one of them.

Re: Nurse Practitioner?

January121 — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 03:01:16 GMT

I have seen NP’s in the past & they were very good but, I if I am taking the time to go to my doctors office I rather see a full fledged doctor to take care of me 🙃

Re: Nurse Practitioner?

Azcowgirl — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 03:09:24 GMT

I’ve seen mine for several years now, and I love her. She was a comfort to go back to after having a bad dr experience ( had to see a specialist) and I’ve always been able to talk to her about anything !

Re: Nurse Practitioner?

RoughDraft — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 03:15:55 GMT

I switched to a NP when my GP retired. I found her to be much more "on top" of things than he was on his best day.

She's up to date on medications, listens better and make sure we get the results we're after. She's thorough and follows through.

I've also worked with nurse practitioners over the years and by and large, they seem dedicated, and extremely capable.

As an aside, our niece's daughter is training in the field and will soon graduate. We're proud of her and her ambition.

Re: Nurse Practitioner?

nbct — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 03:16:19 GMT

My husband and I now go to a DNP, doctor nurse practitioner. We love her! I had a stroke in August, 2017. My regular GP who I had gone to for years never checked on me one time while I was in the hospital. Our NP, who goes to church with us, was in constant contact with my husband while all my testing was being done. That was all the nudge I needed to make the switch. No regrets!

Re: Nurse Practitioner?

SXMGirl — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 03:24:38 GMT

@nbct, I am new to this NP thing and have never heard of a DNP but will look for one. To everyone who has responded, thank you so much. Lots of research ahead of me. Maybe I can get through a week without some sort of injury and will have plenty of time for researching.

Re: Nurse Practitioner?

Zernia Rose — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 03:28:10 GMT

I use them quite often. Given the expansion of healthcare, more and more are being hired in order to provide care because of various factors such as insuffcient numbers of general practitioners or doctors that don't want to locate to small towns or rural areas.. I agree with everyone that many are knowledgeable, caring, and patient. As with any profession, there are exceptions. I, too, am biased as my sister has been a nurse practitioner for about twenty years.