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Physician Shortages and Increased Wait times

COLLAPSE

In recent years, the media has brought attention to the Veteran’s Health Administration due to the delayed healthcare received by our nation’s veteran’s and the deaths that occurred as a result. It is believed that the extremely long waiting lists for enrollment or appointments and the shortage of physicians is the cause. So how can the Veteran’s Health Administration best use nurses to mitigate physician shortages and increased patient wait times?

There are several possible options to rectify this problem, but each has its pros and cons. First, there is currently a bill that has been presented before the Senate that will grant Advanced Practice Registered Nurses the authority to practice alone without a physician’s oversight. Second, attract more nurses to the Veteran’s Administration by offering the Education Reduction Program and the National Nursing Education Incentive to new employees, not just current employees. Third, change the student nurses’ educational requirements by increasing the necessary clinical hours to match those of a physician assistant. Lastly, there is always the option of “do nothing.”

The best course of action to solve this problem, would be for the government to grant Advanced Practice Registered Nurses the opportunity to work independently; without physician oversight at all Veteran’s Health Hospitals and clinics regardless of their state practice act.