Comments on: Retail Clinic Route Best Low-Cost Care?

Dr. Jennifer Ashton Discusses Pros and Cons of Clinics and Shares Tips for Using Them

[mindyfine]

It was a misrepresentation of what Nurse Practitioners are, and how we are prepared. I hope that this HUGE error is corrected. NPs are Masters-degree prepared and have to sit for boards just like MDs do. Unbelievable!

[RyanFNP]

Please don't forget that many NP's have Doctorate's and many have completed post-doctorate work. The other funny thing is that many medical students are taught by NP's! We must not be all that bad huh?

While NPs also sit for boards, they do not take the same boards as MDs. While nurses are a respected part of the health care system, they are not qualified to deal with complex health issues. If you want the same responsibilities as an MD, go to medical school. While your experience may make you more knowledgeable than medical students, you aren't the one bearing the legal responsibility for the patient.

[ellerbybrown]

I watched this segment this morning. I am appalled that Dr. Ashton referred to Nurse Practitioners as "nurses that can write prescriptions and LPNs". This statement is partially correct. LPNs are Licensed Practical Nurses with a high school diploma and one year of vocational training. In the state of Tennessee, LPNs can NOT prescribe meds or even push certain IV medications. Nurse Practitioners are Registerd Nurses with a graduate degree,a Master of Science in Nursing. Nurse Practitioners are mid-level providers that are well trained to work within their scope of practice and recognize when to refer to a physician. The information stated by Dr. Ashton was misleading and not a true representation of the role of Nurse Practitioners in healthcare.