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

Graduate Nursing School Tips

Graduate Nursing School Tips!

Here is advice from a seasoned CNS. Thanks Beth!!!

I have been an CNS for years, but am back in school for the ACNP/DNP. I have
several suggestions:

Maintain a portable calendar put all your major due dates on it -if it's
something that needs to be turned in put it on there. I usually build mine
at the first of the semester on my pda.

I also keep a weekly calendar on a desk blotter. At the first of the
semster I sit down and date thru the end of semster and put the big stuff on
it but this really for the details. As I finish labeling pages I make on
last page for course evaluation comments. This is where I write down my
weekly reading assignments so I can check off as I read. work schedule [just
a big w for work on the days I need to be there]. I can write additional
notes on this and tear off weeks as I finish and trow them away. Makes me
feel like I am accomplishing something. If I am having trouble remembering a
concept I will write it on the blotter [sometimes for several weeks] until I
get it. If I have a thought about a paper Iave to write in 3 weeks I flip
to that page and make a note [you can do this on your pda too - I go between
the too].

We use Harrisions Internal Medicine. It is very small print, concentrated
text. It takes me forever to read a page and absorb it. However, I have
found if I use a magnifying glass to read it with, I read much faster.

Find out if there are any little books you can read [and practice if
necessary] ahead of time. For instance, we had to read Dubins 12 lead EKG
[for 2 classes] and a radiology book. I had my books weeks ahead of time, but
did not go ahead and read them. My life would have been much easier if I
had taken that opportunity.

If you find a great chart as you are reading or great information, put it in
a word document and save it in a pda file. Once a month [week whatever]
upload those files to your pda. {there is a way to do it for iPhones too -
but I hear the 3.0 version of iPhone OS due out this summer will let you do
it without additional software]

If you have deep freezer, make some soups and dinners that you can put dish
into indiviual or family servings for a quick meal.

Be sure to schedule some time for yourself. Eat well, take your vitamins,
stay healthy.

Beth

Good Luck!



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

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

Nursing Student New Grad Pediatric Nurse Pracitioner Program

Jill,
Do most new grads do a one or two page resume? Also, I do not think I would include an objective at this point in time, would I? Thanks!

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Student, RN, BSN
--

Your question brings up an important point that many candidates consider as they look for new opportunities in the nursing world. That is, as a pediatric nurse practitioner, are potential employers looking for diversity of experience (i.e. exposure) to different aspects of the nursing profession or are potential employers looking for consistency of experience (i.e. competency) in a given field. The answer is that at the top pediatric centers in the United States, they are looking for nursing specialists that have proven they are capable of doing something really well. In almost every case, the person who will hire you will eventually be working alongside you in the department you end up in. That means that if a health care center decides to hire you, they believe that you will be well qualified and a good cultural fit for the unit. A common realization that new graduates have is that in the world of pediatric nurse practitioners, the hiring process is surprisingly personal. The unit you end up in is eager to see that you will mesh well with the rest of the members you work with. The length of a resume is not as important as the qualifications you have, and if you get along well with the members of the group in addition to being well qualified, you will have no problem finding the job that is right for you. I hope that helps. Feel free to continue to ask questions by email at jill@melnic.com or give me a call at 800 886-7906. Thanks, Jill.


Regards,
Jill Gilliland
www.melnic.com
Jill@melnic.com
800 886-7906