PAs, NPs Seizing Key Leadership Roles in HM Groups, Health Systems
Posted over 7 years ago by Nicholas M Perrino
"Since hospital medicine's early days, hospitalist physicians have worked alongside physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). Some PAs and NPs have ascended to positions of leadership in their HM groups or health systems, in some cases even supervising the physicians.
The Hospitalist connected with six PA and NP leaders in hospital medicine to discuss their career paths as well as the nature and scope of their jobs. They described leadership as a complex, multidimensional concept, with often more of a collaborative model than a clear-cut supervisory relationship with clinicians. Most said they don't try to be the "boss" of their group and have found ways to impact key decisions.
They also emphasized that PAs and NPs bring special skills and perspectives to team building. Many have supplemented frontline clinical experience with leadership training. And when it comes to decision making, their responsibilities can include hiring, scheduling, training, mentoring, information technology, quality improvement, and other essential functions of the group."