Today I finally decided to set an appointment for my annual "girlie" check up. So, I went thru the hospital's sites, and read a bunch of Doctor's resumes and qualifications, etc. To finally decide for this one doctor that I thought was the best suited for me. So I called, and they told me today was her last day and that she was moving to another state, and that all the doctors were already booked until december....

I must have sounded shocked (of course I told her I was new to the country, etc) so she asked me if it was ok with me, she could make an appointment with a practicioner's nurse. I said ok, and she gave me a date....

Then I was like... what the heck is a practicioner nurse? Why cant I see the doctor? so I got explained that it was something between a nurse and a doctor, and they were very qualified... yadda...yadda....

My question is, should I still make an appointment with the doctor? or is this appointment ok? Btw, I am not sick or anything, just regular check up and see if my baby factory is running well...

Input people??

PS: In Venezuela, if you want to go to the doctor, you just call and tell them when YOU want to go.

A nurse practioner is very qualified to do a annual check-up and she is more than qualified to know when it is time for you to be referred to a regular gyne ! I wouldn't worry about it. She is probably better than a dr. to discuss any problems with and they refer you to one. She would do things more by the book then rushing through to her next patient.

exactly... a nurse practioner is the best of both worlds... usually someone who was a nurse for a while and then went to school for masters level classes that are nearly equivalent of a doctor (a midwife is an example of a nurse practioner)... they do clinicals like residents... and work under a doctor and usually can prescribe meds... they can relate to you as a nurse, but provide care professionally as a doctor while under the supervision of one

in fact, where i work, there are 2 nurse practioners that i would go to BEFORE i would go to a doc when i need something for a baby... i trust them more... they seem to see the babies more whole, rather than just a diagnosis

of course, it will all boil down to whether you click with him/her... just like with any doctor or nurse

good luck

I absolutely agree that nurse practioners are competent, caring and they have more time for you because they don't usually have as many patients as doctors. And if there's a need to see the doctor, mine has went and got the doctor and he came in. Of course, it's completely your decision and your comfort level, but I would never hesitate to recommend a nurse practioner.

Thanks girls...

Then I will go and see her....

Actually I dont have babies... but we're planning on looking for one next year. So I wanted to get my check up and go thru all the hoops and stuff, before getting pregnant. It might be work better for me, since she might be able to be there with me during birth and all? That would be cool!... and yes, definitely it depends on the chemistry. I have a feeling all will go well...

Thanks again...

PS: Isnt it weird that a simple thing like going to the doctor is different here?? ... hehe.

I'm a nurse that works for 2 nurse practioners. IMHO, I think they are much more detailed with their exams and the patients {at least at the clinic I work in} tend to like them more. The doctors seem to rush, rush rush. Unless I had a very serious problem, I'd see an NP any day.

I agree with the others. I have complete faith in the Nurse Practioners in my area and would see any one of them as well as the Physicians.

Karen

Yup, I go to one aswell, the only thing they can't do here in Canada is write prescriptions. You have to be a registered nurse first then back to school - then you can practice + they are mostly women- a fact I like.

I noticed that physicians here are always in a rush. That make me feel so unconfortable

PS: Welcome to America!

yes nurse practioners are great.. they go through plenty of schooling and they are more likely to have much nurse experience beforehand.