A Nurse Practitioner's View

Here is President Obama's speech to the American Nurses Association from 6/17/2010. He specifically refers to NPs by stating: Now, there is more work to do. And that's why today my administration is announcing a number of investments to expand the primary care workforce. This includes funding to allow students training part-time to become nurse practitioners to start training full-time. (Applause.) We want to speed up the process where folks go from the classroom into the exam room. And we’re going to provide resources for clinics run by registered nurses and nurse practitioners. (Applause.) More work to do indeed.

Here is some validation for the work that we do as recognized by our Commander in Chief. Thank you, Mr. President. Now its time to "Buck up!"

ABC News recently sat down with President Obama for their "Prescription for America" forum. You can read the transcript here . It is a wonderfully transparent and thorough conversation on the major issues of health reform today. They address the primary care and nursing shortages, comparative effectiveness, putting an emphasis on prevention/wellness and even discuss nurse practitioners and physician assistants as being part of the solution. I truly believe we will see steady, incremental progress regarding health reform because all of the stakeholders are/will be part of the process. This has started with a dialogue where respect for each other is paramount. We all know that it is rare for everyone to agree and that's ok . But if we can respect one another's views and roles we are well on our way to addressing this ailing system. This is a prescription that must be 'dispensed as written.'

Politico.com reports on a new Obama ad that uses a Planned Parenthood nurse practitioner narrator. The ad happens to be about the pro-choice vs. pro-life debate. The nurse practitioner says: "“Let me tell you: If Roe vs. Wade is overturned, the lives and health of women will be put at risk. That's why this election is so important,” says the nurse-practitioner who narrates Obama’s ad. “John McCain's out of touch with women today. McCain wants to take away our right to choose. That's what women need to understand. That's how high the stakes are.”" While my intention is not to turn my blog into a political forum, this certainly is a poignant event for nurse practitioners - to be featured in the national spotlight by the Democratic Presidential Candidate of the United States. It is, however, on a polarizing topic that may further shape individuals views of nurse practitioners either positive or negative. I have been unable to hear the ad for myself so if anyone ...