My doctor’s office has a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant!
Imagine it is the middle of flu season and your physician’s office is very busy. You have been offered an appointment with the Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. You are hesitant. Don’t be. We proudly employs Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants.
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A Nurse Practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) who has advanced education and clinical training in a health care specialty area. Nurse Practitioners work with people of all ages and their families, providing the information people need to make informed decisions about their health care and lifestyle choices. Nurse Practitioners often serve as the regular health care provider for children and adults during health and illness. They can be found in all 50 states. Nurse Practitioners diagnose and treat common health problems, monitor chronic disease, order and interpret diagnostic studies, prescribe or recommend prescriptions, provide well-child and adult care, promote positive health behaviors and collaborate with physicians. Many nurse practitioners are also actively involved in education, research, and legislative activities to promote quality health care for all people in the United States. A large number of research studies over the past 20 years have documented that Nurse Practitioners provide, high quality care, cost-effective care, a unique approach to health care, and care that results in a high level of patient satisfaction.
What is a Physician Assistant?
A Physician Assistant (PA) is a health care professional licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, Physician Assistants conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and in Connecticut they can write prescriptions. Because of the close working relationship the Physician Assistant has with the physician, they are educated in a medical model designed to complement physician training. To maintain their national certification, they must log 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and sit for a recertification exam every six years. Graduation from an accredited program and passage of the national certifying exam are required for state licensure. The relationship between a PA and the supervising physician is one of mutual trust and respect. The PA is a representative of the physician, treating the patient in the style and manner developed and directed by the supervising physician. Physician Assistants share the responsibility and care of the patient with their supervising physician(s).