[Marisol]

Avery:
Reading your post fills me with sadness, as I have heard similar sentiments expressed by many colleagues who made the decision to pursue their DNP. When I shared my interest in pursuing my doctorate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I received similar responses, especially because my entire nursing career had been focused on working as an MICU nurse. This transition may have been confusing to some, and unfortunately, the reactions I received were far from encouraging; they were judgmental and disheartening. It’s frustrating to witness fellow nurses being met with judgment, mockery, and even shame as they embark on new paths in their careers. Rather than being seen as an accomplishment, the decision appears to be perceived as a betrayal. I can relate to your experience, as I also lost contact with many colleagues when I began my own journey.
Avery, I want to celebrate and applaud your decision to further your education and serve your community. It’s a truly honorable and commendable choice to pursue personal and professional growth. As you embark on this journey, I advise you to carefully choose your support group during your graduate school experience. Surrounding yourself with positive and understanding individuals will make all the difference in your pursuit of success and fulfillment.

[Marisol]

Susan,
Thank you for sharing this bill that would directly affect our practice. I understand the patients’ predicament when trying to find a healthcare provider due to the multitude of credentials that can be confusing. The different letters attached to a an individual’s name represent varying levels of education, which can lead to uncertainty about the provider’s specific qualifications. Nevertheless, as providers this risk can be easily minimized by openly showcasing our credentials in our workplace. Displaying our qualifications on name badges and during interactions with patients can help establish trust and transparency. My inclination is to believe this bill was intended to penalize individuals who use the listed titles to intentionally mislead patients and abuse their trust. I adamantly support any legislature that prohibits the violation of sacred trust that is bestowed upon us by the community. With that being said, the title “doctor” is given to individuals who have completed a doctoral program in their field of practice, not just in medicine. Patients need to receive proper education about the precise meaning of terminologies and be guided to verify their providers’ credentials. This will ensure that patients have a comprehensive understanding of their healthcare professionals’ qualifications and not solely rely on the titles they hold.

[Author]

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