NATIONAL NURSES WEEK
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT www.scdemocratonline.com
FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019
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NATIONAL NURSES DAY National Nurses Day is observed annually on May 6. On this day, we raise awareness of all nurse contributions and commitments and acknowledge the vital role nurses play in society. This day is also the first day of National Nurses Week and is sometimes known as National RN Recognition Day. National Nurses Week begins May 6 and ends on May 12, which is the birthday of Florence Nightingale (May 12, 1820 – August 13, 1910). Florence Nightingale was a celebrated English, social reformer, statistician and the founder of modern nursing. She became well-known while taking care of the wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. Nightingale was dubbed “The Lady with the Lamp” because of her habit of making rounds at night.. Inside
The rise and popularity of Nurse Practitioners
N
urse Practitioners (NP) have been making an impact on the healthcare landscape for nearly 50 years, and continue to be a growing presence in medical practices in all 50 states. In the past 20 years alone, the number of NPs delivering medical care in the U.S. has grown from just over 68,000 to more than 270,000. That number continues to rise as millions of Americans turn to NPs for their comprehensive perspective on healthcare and the ease of accessibility they provide in Primary Care, Acute Care and Long-term healthcare settings. NPs have not only become a popular part of the healthcare community, but an indispensable one as the general population continues to grow, and agerelated health issues and chronic diseases come along with it. “Our Nurse Practitioners work autonomously and in concert with the rest of the team at Catskill Regional Medical Group, treating patients of all ages and for a range of health issues,” said Greater Hudson Valley Health System Medical Group Primary Care Medical Director Joseph Chavez Carey, MD, FAAFP. “They play key roles in the diverse, patient-centered care we provide to the communities we serve in Sullivan County.” NPs build their expertise on a foundation of six to eight years of rigorous postsecondary education, clinical preparation, peer reviews and certification. Requirements include a foundational bachelor’s degree in nursing as a first step, followed by obtaining a license as a Registered Nurse (RN). NPs must then achieve an advanced degree – master's or doctoral – for an additional two to four years of
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The Catskill Regional Medical Group Urgent Care facility on the corner of Route 42N and Concord Rd. in Monticello. education. National Boardcertification and state NP licensing follow. By comparison, the American Academy of Family Physicians reports that becoming a Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) require an average of 11 postsecondary years of education, including medical school and residency. As with all MDs, DOs and nurses, NPs must adhere to specific ethical practices, and pursue ongoing education and professional development necessary to stay abreast of clinical innovations and best practices in their fields. Like MDs and DOs, NPs can prescribe medication, examine patients, diagnose illnesses and provide treatment. Coinciding with the continued emergence of Medical
Groups as the main providers of patients’ Primary Care services, NPs have elected to enter Primary Care practices at a greater rate than those entering the medical field as physicians or physician assistants. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) reported that last year, nearly 90 percent of those who studied to become NPs did so in a program focused on a Primary Care area, and the majority continue on to practice in Primary Care settings. NPs also hold hospital and longterm care privileges. Along with expert patient assessment, diagnoses and prescribing capabilities across a broad range of health conditions, patients are drawn to NPs for their added emphasis on disease prevention and overall health and wellness
management. Within the framework of Primary Care, NPs can specialize in certain practice areas. Their prevalence in the area of Family Medicine, also known as Primary Care – nearly 70 percent choose this specialty – makes them a desirable choice as today’s “family doctor.” The next most popular practice area, at nearly 20 percent involvement, is Adult and Geriatrics, which speaks to our overall aging population. NPs can also be found practicing Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Acute Care and Mental Health. “Between Catskill Regional’s Primary and Urgent Care teams, our practice includes more than a dozen NPs, the majority of whom are Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP-
BC),” said Dr. Chavez Carey. “Along with Family Medicine, we also have Board-certified NPs practicing in Emergency Medicine, as Hospitalists and Pediatric Hospitalists, Psychiatry, Post-Acute Care and Wound Care.” When it comes to availability, it is worth noting that more than half of practicing NPs see three or more patients every hour. By handling that kind of patient volume, NPs have made a considerable impact on the access patients have to quality healthcare at a time when demand for Primary Care services continues to climb. The high acceptance rates for various coverage options – Medicare, Medicaid, Private Insurances all at or above 80 percent – also contributes to the accessibility and popularity of NPs.
Today, practicing NPs have been doing so for an average of 10 years. Although still a relatively young facet of the healthcare community, patients benefit from a measure of experience that is commensurate with the level of academic and clinical education that contributes to an NP’s expertise. With NP visits exceeding 870 million per year, patients report “extremely high” satisfaction rates according to the AANP, with two out three patients supporting “legislation for greater access to NP services.” When patients consider their own care and their family’s healthcare options, they are attracted to NPs as medical professionals who will partner with them for optimal health; who are able to evaluate their current health, prescribe a course of action and be a familiar provider for well and sick visits. Patients remain with NPs for the inclusive approach they provide, and forge relationships with them as trusted guides through the health and lifestyle choices patients must make to maintain their well-being. Catskill Regional Medical Group is proud to have more many expert Nurse Practitioners on staff to provide its patients with this kind of encompassing care. To find a Nurse Practitioner within Catskill Regional Medical Group, please visit https://www.crmcny.org/find -a-physician. Our rapidly growing, multispecialty practice has five convenient locations across Sullivan County: Monticello, Harris, Callicoon, Livingston Manor and Bethel. For detailed information on all of Catskill Regional Medical Group’s specialty practice services, locations and hours, please visit www.catskill regionalmedicalgroup.org.
Celebrating Nat a ional Nurses Week May 6 – May 12, 2019 Only exceptional nurses can contribute to exceptional patient care. Because you be b gin at above and beyond, Because you make extraordinary seem ordinary y, For the many ways you touch lives... Cats t kill Regional extends its t deepest gratitude for the selfless care, com mpassion and commitment you offer our comm munity every day.
To join our nursing team, visit crmcny.org/careers M e m b e r s of th e G r e a te r Hudson Valley Heal a t h S ys t e m , one of the 2019 World’s Most Ethical Companies. “ World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC . 72160