 |
|
 |
 |
| |
|
|
| |
| Celebrating PA Week with Some Great NPs and PAs |
 |
by David Mittman, PA - October 19, 2010
|
 Provided by Clinician 1
Last week I spent one day of “PA Week” at a large hospital in Milwaukee. They had invited me to speak for PA Week after one of their chief PAs heard me give a talk at the Society of PAs in Pediatrics about six months ago. The great thing was this lecture was not just for their PAs, as they invited their nurse practitioners, some physicians and even some administrators to also attend. There also was a special award presentation to their “PA of the Year”. He was a wonderful man who represented the profession well. I was also most impressed that something like 20 PAs were nominated. They are really trying to make a difference to the NPs and PAs employed at this hospital system and it shows. My talk reviewed the history, similarities and differences and ultimately the future of the NP and PA professions. It also did so much more. It educated both professions about EXACTLY why and how we do not understand each other and reviewed why that must change. It showed how our history is a mirror image of each other, but we were never told. How we both feel passionately about the same things. And most importantly, how and why we need to work together. Trust me, it is pragmatic, not flowery, and goes over in detail much of what we do not usually talk about with each other. Topics we don’t usually speak about in “mixed” company.
The lecture was followed by a lively “Question and Answer” period where we reviewed why mid-level, allied health and physician extender are names to be banished in the trash can of history. We spoke about how both the NPs and PA professions were so amazing and what the best thing was that we could do to REALLY start honoring each other for the fantastic work both professions we are. One question stopped me for a few seconds and it was the one of the best I was ever asked. “If a young person came to you and asked if they should be a PA or an NP what would you tell them?” I answered from my heart and truly realized just how much both professions mean to me.
After the presentation some of us went to dinner to continue our discussions. I again had the opportunity to meet and get to know NPs and PAs I never met before. As usual it was a treat to be in the company of such nice, committed, caring people. PAs and NPs are always so interesting. I was so glad to have gone.
There are not many more things I love more than giving this lecture to both our professions. I am fortunate to be able to broaden my circle of friends while talking about what I know best.
Anyone need a speaker for NP Week?
Dave has been a PA, and later NP, leader for thirty years. He strongly believes that NPs and PAs must work together to insure a better future for both professions. Most recently Dave has been busy launching another dream; Clinician 1, the first internet community for PAs and NPs. In October 2008, Dave was honored by the New Jersey State society of PAs with its “Lifetime Achievement Award”.
The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.
RECOMMEND THIS ARTICLE
You must be logged in
to recommend articles
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
