What's a Nurse Practitioner Do? Healthcare Triage Podcast

This time on the Healthcare Triage Podcast, we're talking about what exactly a nurse practitioner does. And what better way to learn about the gig than to talk to a nurse practitioner? Aimee Carroll joins us this week to tell us about what nurse practitioners do, and the liminal space they occupy between the roles of nurses and doctors. We'll also answer your questions, and talk about the latest on taxes and healthcare, and the big news this week about the so-called forbidden words in government health bureaucracy.

[ScholarlyPotato]

Please Do PA's next. I swear no one knows the difference between PA's and NP's. The training and focus is very different.

[Schru]

You can hear how much love and respect Aaron has for his wife, so adorbs

[JennDyer]

I usually prefer to see a NP or PA because they take more time with me and don't dismiss my questions usually.

[kevinmoore]

Great interview. During my inpatient stay post-op for brain cancer, RNs, and NPs are all really supportive, and give a lot of help to patients. Thumbs up.

[Stacyann_]

Aimee, thanks for sharing your experience with us. I understand how you skipped working as a RN, but you surely know a little more than you expressed about what RN's do. Expressing the role of an nurse as takes vitals is similar to when physicians minimize the role of NPs. It's hurtful and incorrect. As an experienced NP if you don't know what it is that RN's do, please seek that information out. Not all RN's are inpatient either, there are RN's everywhere. As a hospice RN (and future FNP) I never worked in a office environment but what I imagine an RN might be able to do in this environment off the top of my head is review pt plan of care, medications, alert NP to any concerns, research such as professional barriers to HPV vaccinations and present to providers, follow up to sick patients to determine if the POC prescribed is effective. The list is really endless. WAY more than vitals.

[dwood]

Only part way through the video, but it's worth noting that Aimee is *less* close to the role of a doctor than some nurse practitioners. Look at a nurse practitioner in a NICU or other ICU environment, and in many places they're pretty much running the show. They round on patients, do admissions, intubate etc. The doctors are there for the really complex or unusual cases, and for legal oversight.

Using nurse practitioners when possible more widely would help us control healthcare costs.

[arielfeasts]

I work in city community clinics and we almost exclusively work with NP's. Thank you so much for this!! <3

[egonmilanowski]

I was a school nurse in northwest Indiana and I was completely unaware clinics like this existed. This is amazing and I hope to see more schools with clinics like this. Thanks for sharing.

[jeffreyroylopez]

Wow, thank you H.C. Triage for disclosing a part of the USA Health Care System (esp the PHC part) --- which is amazing for the advancement of nurses... I'm here in the Philippines with a dual license as a teacher and an RN, a master's degree holder in nursing and a PhD holder in Education (and I am called as a School Clinic-Teacher), pretty much doing like Nurse Practitioner Carroll do, but some of us here are so underrated and just perceived as plain RNs... no other (-) implications intended here, but just expressing how amazed I am that US values their advanced nurses... I hope in the Philippines we have a nurse-practitioner professionalization too...

[elektrikhd]

I'm amazed by what the school has these services, and I think that must do so much good. I really would like to see this sort of thing everywhere.

[steveupperman]

I'm all for going to an NP. But, my insurance considers them a specialist and requires a higher co-pay from me. I make my appointments with my regular doctor. Any idea why the system is set that way?

[lauchingtae]

Excellent episode! I’ve been going to school to be a NP but it’s still nice to confirm that I’m on the right track with this.

Just one question, I can’t find this or a few other of the Healthcare Triage Podcast episodes on other platforms where I’d listened to them before. Anyone know why?

[madelinemcdonald]

Her job sounds amazing for public health. I wish my school had this

[OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

Peace be to you all! I'm a new subscriber. This was a WONDERFUL interview! I have seen an increase in the use of NPs in the hospital where I work. As a Physician Assistant working as a Hospitalist, I must say that I REALLY enjoy working with them.! I find that they are easier to contact compared to some MDs. I hope there are more incentives for students to consider NP as a career choice. In Washington, DC, NPs have total autonomy apart from the MD. Peace!

[kevinhynes]

Can we get this podcast up on Google music?

[noman]

Did Aimee do any formal training in mental health therapy? If not, does she recommend books or online modules for this?

[billyclabough]

can home school students access clinic?

[dkecskes]

Hi Aaron and Aimee! Considering the probable repeal of the individual mandate, what ways do you two think insurance companies (and the government) can give positive incentives for presently healthy people to buy insurance?

[eugenetswong]

I never heard of nurse practitioners. Why don't all countries have more of this? They would be good for walkin clinics and family clinics.

[kryptoid]

How often do NPs have to take national boards? I know MDs, DOs and PAs are typically every 10 years with yearly CME requirements.