AANP's Angela Golden Responds to New York Times

The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) launched a national campaign to raise public awareness of the critical role nurse practitioners play in our country’s healthcare system.  With their continued effort and commitment to educate the public on the high-quality, patient-centered healthcare option that nurse practitioners provide, AANP President, Angela K. Golden, responded to a New York Times article titled "Doctor Shortage Likely to Worsen with Health Law" with a letter to the editor.

On August 2nd, The New York Times published Golden’s letter which includes the following responses:

• Nurse practitioners can play a critical role in addressing the country’s growing physician shortage.
• With advanced degrees, they are skilled diagnosticians and clinicians who treat acute and chronic illness and prescribe medications.
• Four decades of research show that nurse practitioners provide high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive, patient-centered primary health care with excellent outcomes.
• In a growing number of states, a nurse practitioner can own and operate an autonomous, independent practice, not requiring any physician involvement. But in too many states, antiquated laws prevent us from practicing to the full extent of our advanced education and clinical training.
• Elected officials in affected states should work to remove these unnecessary barriers. Doing so will instantly increase access to quality health care, improve outcomes and make health care more affordable for all Americans.

With President Obama’s new healthcare law, expansion of health insurance is expected to increase to 32 million Americans over the next 10 years.

The topic of a physician shortage has become a significant area of discussion and concern.  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.”

The AANP aims to raise public awareness through the web, print, television, radio and community involvement.  Learn how you can get involved!

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