A smoother road to practice

The first story in this week’s pick of the news highlights the importance of organizational culture in determining nurse practitioners’ roles in patient care. It also says something about the limits of legislative solutions. The study surveyed NPs in Massachusetts, which has laws in place recognizing their ability to serve as primary care practitioners; and has implemented healthcare reform measures that have increased the number of patients seeking care. It would be logical to assume that NPs in Massachusetts would have no problems practicing to the full extent of the law. But apparently that’s not the case. Hindrances including lack of understanding of NPs’ role—among medical and administrative staff—stand in the way.

As the advanced practice professionals debate rolls on, you can hone your understanding of NP privileging and assessment using The Medical Staff's Guide to Overcoming Competence Assessment Challenges and help keep things running smoothly with Resolve Practitioner Turf Conflicts, coming soon. The study concluded that familiarity with NPs and their work decreases the obstacles they face—these two books can help MSPs expedite that process and prevent issues along the way.

Thanks for reading!

Mary Stevens, managing editor, Credentialing Resource Center