Nurse Practitioners Pertinent to Physician Shortage Solution

As we examine the future of healthcare in the United States, the topic of a physician shortage has become a significant area of discussion and concern. So what is meant by “physician shortage” and is there a solution to alleviate this quickly approaching issue?

An article published by the Wall Street Journal says experts warn there won't be enough doctors to treat the millions of people newly insured under the law. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the nation could face a shortage of as many as 150,000 doctors in the next 15 years and will see the specific need for 45,000 additional primary care physicians by 2020.

In an article published by uclahealth.org, Courtney Lyder, dean of the UCLA School of Nursing says, "The addition of as many as 35 million more people with health insurance will create enormous demands that the current system is simply not prepared to handle. Today's shortage of primary care physicians will only be exacerbated unless we look to nurses and nurse practitioners to fill the gaps in providing needed care."

With the extensive scope of practice that Nurse Practitioners possess, along with the enriched experience gained from schooling and working in the field, Nurse Practitioners are the key to alleviating the nation’s shortage of physicians and providing exceptional healthcare to the US population.

Nurse Practitioners are highly educated and qualified healthcare providers that have the capability to perform complete physical exams, take health histories, diagnose and treat common acute minor illnesses or injuries, order and interpret lab results and x-rays, manage stable chronic illness, counsel clients, and provide health education. In addition, Nurse Practitioners can manage care of patients with complex chronic illness as well as unstable chronic conditions, complex acute illnesses, and critical illnesses. Many Nurse Practitioners may prescribe medications according to the state law in which they practice. In addition, many states are currently reviewing regulations to allow Nurse Practitioners to practice more independently, with little to no physician involvement.

With the foreseen shortage of primary care physicians, Pediatric Nurse Practitioners will become prevalent in the primary and acute care setting, and will assume an increased role of independent patient care. Jill Gilliland, President of Melnic Consulting Group says, “Pediatric Nurse Practitioners are an effective alternative to physicians as independent practitioners. Their high competency level allows them to be collaborative team members, and they play a key role in providing a solution to busy practice environments.”

There are approximate 160,000 Nurse Practitioners in the United States and of those, 13,000 are Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. To find a job opportunity in Pediatric Nursing or to learn more about Advance Practice Nursing School Masters and Post Masters Programs visit http://www.melnic.com/ If you are a pediatric physician, office manager, or hospital recruiter, learn more about the benefits of hiring a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

To inquire about these jobs visit Melnic Consulting Group or contact:Jill Gilliland 800-886-7906 jill@melnic.com

AAP NEC 2011

AAP NEC 2011 was a huge success! The attendance by Pediatric Physicians, Pediatric Surgeons, Pediatric Specialty Care and Primary Care Physicians, and Advanced Practice Pediatric Providers topped last year with over 8,000 attendees. Melnic Consulting Group was proud to be a part of 2011 AAP Conference.

Melnic’s Product Theater Presentation, "Increase Practice Productivity and Expand Care: Benefits of Integrating Pediatric Nurse Practitioners into the Practice," proved to be a timely topic of interest for many of the attending Pediatric Physicians. Jill Gilliland, along with Pediatric Physicians, Dr. Lisa Cosgrove and Cindy Juster, MD, provided insight about Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Salaries, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice, PNP Retention Strategies, and the overall benefits of hiring a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner into the practice.

Newly elected AAP President, Robert Block, MD provided further validation of the positive impact of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners in the Practice during a conversation with Melnic President, Jill Gilliland. Dr. Block pointed out the significant importance of forming a closer relationship between AAP and NAPNAP in the near future.

AAP President, Bob Block, MD and Melnic President, Jill Gilliland

Thank you to the American Academy of Pediatrics for hosting another magnificent event. We look forward to AAP 2012 in New Orleans, LA!

AAP Conference Comments:
"We love our Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She’s been with us for 18 years and we could not have run the practice without her!"
-Pediatric Physician Atlanta, GA

"Most of the Pediatric side of our ER is staffed by Nurse Practitioners. They are terrific and we are looking to expand and add more Pediatric Nurse Practitioners!"
-Pediatric Physician Troy, MI

"We have 2 NNPs that recently joined our hospital. They are a tremendous asset and we would love to hire more Pediatric Nurse Practitioners."
– Pediatric Physician, Morgantown, WV

Congratulations to our iPad drawing Winner!
Jeffery Owens, MD, FAAP
Willows Pediatric Group

To inquire about PNP jobs or hiring a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, please visit Melnic Consulting Group or contact: Jill Gilliland 800-886-7906 jill@melnic.com

American Association of Pediatrics Washington DC Convention Center

American Association of Pediatrics Conference October 17-20 Washington Convention Center

Melnic Consulting Group is excited about being part of the 2009 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference to be held in Washington, DC, Oct 17-20, at the Washington Convention Center. We look forward to meeting with pediatric medical professionals in attendance and sharing how Melnic can help them find the right Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who will fit their particular practice environment. It promises to be an exciting time and opportunity to share our message about our unique resources and available services in advanced practice and nursing leadership recruiting!

Click here for more information on adding a PNP to your practice

To inquire about these jobs visit Melnic Consulting Group or contact:

Jill Gilliland
800-886-7906
jill@melnic.com

Hiring a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Hiring a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner


Here are excerpts regarding costs from a March 2000 article in Medical Economics:


http://medicaleconomics.modernmedicine.com/memag/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=121168

“Yes, they are handy to have around, especially since they can do most of what primary care doctors do at one-third to one-half the salaries.”
“And the physicians who hire them benefit greatly. Patients triaged to NPs and PAs are often happier because their visits are longer and they can get same-day appointments. Without a knot of patients in their waiting rooms, physicians are less harried—and many make money on each patient the NP or PA sees.”
“Primary care PAs in multi-specialty groups gross slightly more than $3 for every $1 in compensation, according to the Medical Group Management Association. Internists, in contrast, gross slightly more than twice their compensation. If an NP or PA produces $30,000 in annual profit—an attainable figure, according to the MGMA—the physician practice partners can divide that money among themselves.” more... see the Primary Care Resources link, Benefits to Hiring a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.


To inquire about jobs visit Melnic Consulting Group or contact:

Jill Gilliland
800-886-7906
jill@melnic.com