Health Care Providers and Professionals Prompt: Compare and contra ✓ Solved

Compare and contrast 2 of the following major types of health services professionals: physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives. Include their roles, training, practice requirements, and practice settings. Discuss the interrelationship between medical providers and professionals and the patients they serve within the context of overarching health care delivery systems.

Response should be at least 600 words with at least 2 peer-reviewed sources citations, in addition to the course textbook, in current APA format, and integration of at least 1 biblical principle.

Paper For Above Instructions

Health care providers and professionals play a crucial role in the delivery of health services across various sectors. Among the many types of professionals in this field, physicians and nurse practitioners are two essential categories that impact patient care and outcomes. This paper will compare and contrast their roles, training, practice requirements, and practice settings, demonstrating how they work collaboratively within a health care delivery system to serve patients effectively.

Roles of Physicians and Nurse Practitioners

Physicians, often referred to as doctors, are highly trained professionals responsible for diagnosing and treating various medical conditions. They specialize in different fields such as pediatrics, cardiology, or internal medicine, requiring a comprehensive understanding of medicine and surgery. Their primary responsibilities include conducting physical examinations, performing diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and developing treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023).

Nurse practitioners (NPs), on the other hand, are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have acquired additional education and training to provide a broad scope of healthcare services. They can diagnose and treat illnesses, conduct laboratory tests, and prescribe medications, similar to physicians. However, NPs often adopt a more holistic approach to patient care, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and everyday health management (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2023).

Training and Educational Requirements

The journey to becoming a physician involves rigorous educational and training commitments. After completing a bachelor’s degree, aspiring physicians must attend medical school for four years, followed by a residency program that typically lasts three to seven years, depending on the specialization (Dorsey et al., 2019). This extensive training equips physicians with the knowledge and skills required to manage complex medical cases effectively.

Nurse practitioners require a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing, which encompasses advanced clinical practice and education. Many NPs hold Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees, providing further specialization and advancement in the field. Their training includes clinical rotations in various specialties, ensuring they are well-prepared for direct patient care (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2020).

Practice Requirements and Certification

Additionally, NPs may have varying levels of autonomy depending on state regulations. Some states grant full practice authority, allowing NPs to operate independently, while others require collaborative agreements with physicians (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2023). This variation illustrates the differing legal frameworks that define the scope of practice for these two providers.

Practice Settings

Interrelationship Between Providers and Patients

Conclusion

References

  • American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2023). What is a nurse practitioner? Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org

  • American Nurses Association. (2021). Nurse practitioner scope and standards of practice. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Physicians and surgeons: Occupational outlook handbook. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm

  • Dorsey, E. R., et al. (2019). The coming of age of telemedicine. The New England Journal of Medicine, 380(22), 2117-2127.

  • Gonzalez, J. M., et al. (2020). The roles and interprofessional collaboration of nurse practitioners and physicians: A scoping review. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 34(4), 459-466.

  • Kuo, Y. F., et al. (2019). The role of nurse practitioners in improving patient outcomes. Nursing Outlook, 67(3), 253-261.

  • National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2020). Nurse practitioner practice. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org

  • National Conference of State Legislatures. (2023). Nurse practitioners: State practice environment. Retrieved from https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/nurse-practitioners-state-practice-environment.aspx

  • Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Biblica.