Random Thoughts

I stumbled across this interesting sub and wanted to share my two cents plus ask some questions. I'm NOT a noctor. I'm also neither a physician nor med student. I'm just an RN with a (non nursing related) PhD.

Anyway, here's my two cents: 1) Most NP programs are low in quality, especially in recent years. Even NPs themselves admit that. 2) However, I think PAs, NPs and CRNAs aren't on the same level, contrary to what most physicians think. CRNAs have more serious education. Although they're not physicians, their level of training is far more serious than that of NPs. The GPA requirements are much higher, the pre reqs are different, and it's more intense.

Now, here's my question (unrelated to the points above). Since complaints have been made regarding NP education for some time now, how come the authorities haven't done anything to change the situation?

What do you think needs to be done to protect patients? Should the programs be abolished? Should they be reformed?

I personally believe that NPs should be under the same licensing body as physicians and PAs. It doesnt make sense for them to be under nursing licensing bodies when they literally practice medicine. They may call it advanced practice under the nursing model or whatever, but they practice medicine. In countries like Australia, these kinds of professions are overseen by the same bodies which regulate doctors. I once heard of physicians suing NPs over misrepresenting themselves as being physicians. I don't know how it ended.

What are your thoughts on how things can be improved?