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In reply to the discussion: UPS receives 667 packs of playing cards for Walsh after open letter circulates [View all]Wounded Bear
(58,598 posts)except for referrals and specialist visits. Hell, over 25 years ago, I was asked if it was OK if I saw a "nurse practitioner" instead of a "doctor" for a routine visit at my HMO. I was OK with it. I have known for a long time that a nurse with many years of experience knows as much and maybe more than a typical intern in his first few years of practice. Nurses see it all, and have rather practical attitudes about their patients.
I don't know about the real percentage, but I'd bet that most hospitals and clinics have senior nurses doing most of the front line work with patients and won't bother calling doctors unless they get in over their heads or need a certified approval or signature on a prescription. That's how it is at the VA.
Hell, I trust nurses. They care.