Advanced Practice Provider Executives
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APRNs gaining respect, but resistance still remains

Posted almost 8 years ago by Nicholas M Perrino

"As the VA looks for ways to wisely manage the resources, the use of APRNs seemed the obvious choice. The VA recognized that by allowing APRNs to achieve full practice authority, it furthers its statutory mandate to provide quality healthcare to the nation's veterans.

The idea of using APRNs to assist in the crisis of care at the VA is not a new thought.

With the swell of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans returning, an estimated 28,000 physician, nurses and clinicians were going to be needed to care for the returning soldiers. Unfortunately, with physician base salaries much lower than the private sector, the gap continues. However, the APRN salaries remain competitive with the private sector making them a viable option, not only financially, but also in terms of quality care.

Although APRNs have been practicing safely and effectively, they continue to be the target of physician groups as the threat to income is perceived. In a scathing column in USA Today, Dr. Kim-Lien Nguyen argued that allowing APRNs to 'play the role of doctors' without physician oversight was providing 'second-class care' to veterans.

The cardiologist went on to erroneously compare clinical hours of training that is undertaken by a physician versus an APRN and concluding that most veterans would be 'appalled to be thrust into the sole care of a nurse.' Nguyen continued to demonstrate a lack of understanding of the role and education of APRNs by stating there should be some type of medical model to appropriately train them to care for patients.

For more than 50 years, APRNs have been providing safe, efficient and comprehensive care to many Americans, especially in primary care. Research repeatedly finds that not only are APRNs just as safe in their care of patients, they frequently have better outcomes."

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