Why nurse practitioners make the best healthcare advisors
Posted about 9 years ago by Nicholas M Perrino
"So why do these professionals make such good medical advisors for new health technology companies? Here are five reasons why every company needs to get a nurse practitioner on board:
1. Comprehensive Education
Nurse practitioners undergo extensive and holistic education.
2. Dual Nursing & Medical Experience
Most nurse practitioners have at least 10 years of registered nursing experience prior to returning to school. Once a nurse practitioner, she then diagnoses and treats medical conditions. So basically, that's two for the price of one: with a nurse practitioner you get someone with the perspective of a nurse and a physician.
3. Most Trusted
Every year, Gallup conducts a survey regarding Americans' perceptions on the honesty and ethical standards of different professionals. In 2015, the most trusted profession was nursing. Actually, since the survey started including nurses in 1999, they have topped the list nearly every single year.
4. Bread for Innovation
Why are they so perfect for innovation? I think it is because their profession was an innovation itself.
For decades, the healthcare system has cried for a solution to the crushing costs, poor outcomes, lack of access, and too few physicians. Dr. Loretta Ford, a public health nurse, sought to answer these issues with an innovative new discipline. She thought, 'Why can't a registered nurse with advanced education provide medical diagnosis and prescribe medication?'
5. True Collaborators
Nurse practitioners are genuine collaborators. Their education emphasizes the value of interprofessional teamwork and patient-centeredness. Nurse practitioners value the perspective and insights of their colleagues and will be poised on day one to work closely with each member of the business team. Bottom line: nurse practitioners want to work together in order to make meaningful change."