Championing for Providers in Rural Areas

How can we champion for more providers in rural areas and expand the network of access?

We need to get the word out that Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are trained to practice medicine, and are highly advanced in the practice of nursing. This combination enables the NP to provide a high level of care unmatched by other disciplines. So I believe it first begins with policies that allow nursing at all levels to practice to their full scope, and advanced practice nurses to practice medicine, also to the full scope of their training and capabilities.

The patients needing care in these rural areas, are typically older, in worse health, and have lower incomes than those in urban areas. Many don't understand what NPs are capable of, what they are trained for. They don't understand the "whole iceberg" approach to care that NPs provide versus the "tip of the iceberg" care generally provided by Medical Doctors and Doctors of Osteopathic medicine. Many MD and DO direct their care on or at the illness, not with or for the patient. A response to disease or abnormalities, rather than prevention of the disease and acute management.   

The current AMA campaign (n.d.) #FightingforDocs doesn't really help the matter either. This campaign is spreading the idea that NPs are not equipped, trained, or experienced enough to provide Primary Care or lead a healthcare team. The AMA has been preaching about "preventing scope creep" which fosters further mistrust in these rural areas, effectively grooming the population to feel they are getting less than optimal care when being treated by an NP versus MD or DO. I do believe that not all MD, DO, or NP fit into the “typicals” I am discussing, but generally speaking about these disciplines…well, this is my opinion.

Finally, limited access to programs of study and local, advanced training programs for nurses who are currently practicing in rural areas, may be a result of faculty shortages, community support, or financial limitations that coincide with a current state of economy. Increasing that training access and quality would enable those already living rurally, to continue practicing in their locale, at an advanced level. 

Reference

American Medical Association (AMA). (n.d.). AMA recovery plan for America's physicians: Fighting scope creep. American Medical Association. Retrieved November 11, 2022, from https://www.ama-assn.org/amaone/ama-recovery-plan-america-s-physicians-fighting-scope-creep