1. “NPs only see easy patients.”
Not true! NPs are trained to handle everything from diabetes to heart disease to COPD. We’re not just checking blood pressure and handing out prescriptions; we’re managing complex, chronic conditions and helping patients live healthier lives. Studies even show that NPs deliver outcomes just as good as—and sometimes better than—our physician colleagues. The secret? We take the time to look at the whole person: their physical, emotional, and social health. That’s what patients want and need.
2. “The quality of care is less.”
This one’s a hard no. Decades of research say otherwise. NPs excel in preventive care, patient education, and managing ongoing health issues. Patients consistently rate their experiences with NPs higher because we listen, explain, and focus on building partnerships. It’s about more than just treating symptoms—it’s about empowering people to take charge of their health.
3. “NPs refer out more and cost more.”
Actually, NP-led care often costs less. By focusing on prevention and catching problems early, we keep patients out of the ER and avoid unnecessary hospital stays. Plus, we’re not quick to refer unless it’s truly needed. Studies show NP practices save healthcare dollars without cutting corners on quality.
4. “NPs are an option of last resort.”
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Patients actively choose NPs because we’re approachable, we listen, and we genuinely care. Our holistic, patient-centered style means people feel heard and supported. And in underserved areas—from rural communities to homebound patients—NPs are often the ones showing up when no one else does. A Fierce Healthcare article even highlighted how NP full practice authority improved access for Medicare-age African American men, a group often left behind in healthcare. We’re not just an option; we’re leading the way.
NPs Are Here to Stay
With more and more physicians retiring or selling their practices, NPs are stepping in to fill the gaps. Nearly half of all primary care providers today are NPs, but only 5% of practices are NP-owned. That’s changing fast. As practice owners, we’re proving every day that NP-led care isn’t just a good alternative—it’s a vital part of the future of healthcare.
It’s time to rethink the outdated myths and celebrate the role NPs play in keeping communities healthy, accessible, and cared for.
References
- Mundinger, M. O., Kane, R. L., Lenz, E. R., et al. (2000). Primary care outcomes in patients treated by nurse practitioners or physicians: A randomized trial. Journal of the American Medical Association, 283(1), 59-68. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.283.1.59
- Buerhaus, P. I., DesRoches, C. M., Dittus, R., & Donelan, K. (2015). Practice characteristics of primary care nurse practitioners and physicians. Nursing Outlook, 63(2), 144-153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2014.08.008
- Martinez-Gonzalez, N. A., Rosemann, T., Tandjung, R., & Djalali, S. (2015). The effectiveness of nurse-led chronic disease management for improving quality of care and clinical outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 47(1), 58-65. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12112
- Perloff, J., DesRoches, C. M., & Buerhaus, P. (2016). Comparing the cost of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries assigned to primary care nurse practitioners and physicians. Health Services Research, 51(4), 1407-1423. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.12425
- Fierce Healthcare. (2021). Full practice authority for nurse practitioners improves access for underserved populations. Retrieved from https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/full-practice-authority-for-nurse-practitioners-improves-access-for-underserved
