“APPs increase access to care and decrease the amount of time people wait to see their providers.”
Yavapai Regional is celebrating its APPs, highlighting the essential role they have in delivering high-quality patient care and showcasing their commitment to improving health outcomes.
What are Advanced Practice Providers?
YRMG Cardiology Nurse Practitioner Delyte Nasch explains that APPs are health care professionals who have completed advanced education and training – a master’s degree or higher.
“We have a high level of expertise and collaborate with the physicians, medical assistants and other members of the team,” said Nasch. “We engage with our patients and support physicians in the care of our patients. At Yavapai Regional, our APPs are typically Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs).”
NPs are registered nurses with a master’s or doctoral degree. They are licensed medical professionals who diagnose conditions, prescribe medications and manage treatment plans.
PAs are licensed professionals, also with a master’s or doctoral degree, who work collaboratively with physicians and the health care team. They diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans and perform procedures.
“About 50% of the providers in our family practice and specialty clinics (YRMG) are APPs,” said Nasch, who is the department chair of Advanced Practice Providers for Yavapai Regional Medical Center and YRMG as well as a member of the YRMG leadership council.
Why are APPs Important?
- Increased access to care. “It’s widely known that there are not enough physicians, particularly in rural settings like ours,” said Nasch. “APPs increase access to care and decrease the amount of time people wait to see their providers.”
- Holistic approach. APPs often emphasize a holistic approach to patient care. They consider lifestyle, emotional well-being and overall health in addition to medical needs. This approach can lead to more comprehensive and personalized care.
- Cost-effectiveness. APPs help to reduce healthcare costs. Their involvement can decrease the need for more expensive specialist consultations and hospital visits, making the healthcare system more efficient.
- Collaboration and support. APPs work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide an improved model of patient care. Their presence allows for better management of patient care and helps physicians in delivering care.
Choosing an Advance Practice Provider Career
Many healthcare professionals are increasingly choosing careers as APPs because of the flexibility these roles offer. APPs often enjoy a more balanced work-life schedule compared to traditional medical roles, along with the ability to specialize in areas of personal interest.
“Being an APP gives you the versatility to branch out and learn new specialties. It also allows more autonomy as a decision maker,” said Nasch, who has been an Advance Practice Provider for 17 years. “As an APP, you can be a lifelong learner and do anything you want to do.”
“I worked 22 years as an RN in multiple areas of hospital medicine,” she continued “I chose to transition to being an APP so that I could have increased autonomy while providing high-quality care. As an APP, I’ve been able to expand my practice and my ability to help patients.”
Family Nurse Practitioner Yvette Grijalva had a similar experience.
“I grew up in a family of nurses and was an emergency room nurse for many years,” said Grijalva. “When the opportunity to advance as an FNP was offered, it was the natural progression of my education and practice. As an APP in a YRMG family medicine practice, I am supported by a great team of professionals who take pride in what they do. They make it a great place to be.”
An Asset to our Hospital, Clinics, Community
The passion that the APPs have for their jobs and their community is evident in their dedication to their patients.
“Knowing that my efforts are helping people in their everyday lives and having the relationships I’ve developed with my patients – these things make going to work every day so rewarding,” said Grijalva.
Nasch agrees. “APPs are truly filling a need. It’s a benefit for the physicians, the clinics, the hospital, the APPs and for our patients. I’ve been in health care for a total of 40 years, and I feel like I’m at the top of my career. There’s no doubt that it’s sometimes a challenging profession, but I would choose it all over again.” QCBN
By Joanne Mack Robertson
For more information about Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center and its providers, visit DignityHealth.org/YRMC.
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