O/T: Nurses vs. MD -- when you're sick, do you ha... - Page 7

moonstone dunes · ‎11-06-2011

My PCP mostly sits and enters data into the electronic record, listens to my heart, looks in my ears, asks me a few questions and writes a script. If I need something else addressed I see a specialist.

But - three years after lumbar surgery, I still had leg and hip pain was referred to a sports medicine doctor. They requested an advance MRI which I had sent before my appointment. I actually saw a NP, not the doctor and I wasn't pleased at all with my visit. She seemed a bit dismissive and had no real treatment directive for me. Told me to exercise and do PT. Maybe I should have pushed back and insisted on seeing one of the doctors. I continue to have this pain.

basketsiam · ‎03-09-2010

On 1/30/2014 loveschocolate said:
On 1/30/2014 Luvmycats said:
If I were really sick I would ONLY want a physician- An RN only has a 2 yr degree (I have several friends who are nurses)- No thanks! Maybe, I would consider an MSN-

Most RN's have AT LEAST a bachelors degree.

RNs (Registered Nurses) may have an Associates Degree or Bachelor's Degree for their initial licensing exam, and they take the same licensing exam.

A Nurse Practitioner is an RN that has a LEAST a Master's Degree and has taken an advanced certification exam. As I noted earlier, not all nurses have the same credentials. There are many paths to become a nurse.

basketsiam · ‎03-09-2010

To the OP, you began with a disclaimer that you did not intend to bash nurses. However, you then complain that you were seen "by just a nurse." I am quite sure that this was a Nurse Practitioner with the advanced credentials to provide primary medical care.

As "just a nurse" myself, I find your disclaimer to be inconsistent with your true beliefs and I am offended. I personally know Nurse Practitioners who became Aids first, then LPN, then RN, then BSN, then MSN. They easily have 7-8 years of education. To pursue a doctoral degree, which may soon be the new requirement for Nurse Practitioners, will add another 3 years to their education.

I am a personal strong advocate of Nurse Practitioners. They provide excellent primary care to a wide range of patients, including in rural areas that have a difficult time staffing medical facilities.

MomCat · ‎09-12-2010

With me, it depends on what my health issue is. My doctor added a couple of nurse practitioners to relieve her schedule, and I don't mind seeing them on occasion, especially if I would have to wait too long for a doc appt. I feel pretty good about it because the doctor is right there in the office in case they need to confer with her, and they make that point very clear. Now, if all I need is a nurse, fine. I just want my problem solved. I know lots of people like the OP who will only see the doctor. I would never criticize that. It's too important for us to feel comfortable with health care.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

On 1/30/2014 loveschocolate said:
On 1/30/2014 Luvmycats said:
If I were really sick I would ONLY want a physician- An RN only has a 2 yr degree (I have several friends who are nurses)- No thanks! Maybe, I would consider an MSN-

Most RN's have AT LEAST a bachelors degree.

Actually many RNs have a 2 year community college degree.

basketsiam · ‎03-09-2010

On 1/30/2014 happy housewife said:
On 1/30/2014 loveschocolate said:
On 1/30/2014 Luvmycats said:
If I were really sick I would ONLY want a physician- An RN only has a 2 yr degree (I have several friends who are nurses)- No thanks! Maybe, I would consider an MSN-

Most RN's have AT LEAST a bachelors degree.
Actually many RNs have a 2 year community college degree.

And many Associate Degree nurses continue their education and obtain Bachelor's Degrees. Nurse Practitioners have a minimum of MSN or higher.

icezeus · ‎10-30-2010

On 1/30/2014 Luvmycats said:
If I were really sick I would ONLY want a physician- An RN only has a 2 yr degree (I have several friends who are nurses)- No thanks! Maybe, I would consider an MSN-

I am not a nurse, but I do not believe that statement to be true. They have to have a four year degree. I think you are thinking of an LVN which I believe stands for Licensed Vocational Nurse.

skuggles · ‎11-20-2013

I'd rather see a doctor for illness that brings me to the point that I would seek medical attention.

basketsiam · ‎03-09-2010

On 1/30/2014 icezeus said:
On 1/30/2014 Luvmycats said:
If I were really sick I would ONLY want a physician- An RN only has a 2 yr degree (I have several friends who are nurses)- No thanks! Maybe, I would consider an MSN-

I am not a nurse, but I do not believe that statement to be true. They have to have a four year degree. I think you are thinking of an LVN which I believe stands for Licensed Vocational Nurse.

LPN/LVN is a one year certificate and license to practice nursing. RN can be a hospital diploma, associate degree, or bachelors degree. Graduates of all three RN programs take the same licensing exam to become an RN. Nurse Practitioners are RNs with an MSN or higher. They take an additional certification exam above the RN exam to practice as primary care practitioners.

Dogaholic · ‎03-23-2010

It is SUCH an individual thing! I understand that you wanted to see a doctor and was promised one but did not get one.I would have been angry too!

Saying that I would much rather see any reliable caring practitioner that was thorough,knowing when to consult if there were any questions.I find generally that doctors don't spend as much time as PA's or Nurses and are more distracted.