So You Want to Be a Lone Wolf Nurse Practitioner in Florida? 喙
Ever dreamt of ditching the doctor's office and running your own primary care show? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because in Florida, at least for certain APRNs (Advanced Practice Registered Nurses), that dream might be a reality! Let's break down the situation, with a healthy dose of Sunshine State sunshine, of course.
The Good News: Adios Mandatory Sidekick!
In 2020, Florida hopped on the bandwagon and said "sayonara" to mandatory physician supervision for some APRNs, specifically those with a focus on primary care (think family medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine). This means under certain circumstances, you, the awesome APRN, can be the captain of your own medical ship!
But Wait, There's More (Like Qualifications)
Hold your horses there, Maverick. Becoming an autonomous APRN in Florida isn't exactly a walk on the beach (although, with the beach being so close, there's a good chance it might involve one eventually). Here's what you'll need to have in your medical backpack:
- A squeaky clean Florida APRN license. No blemishes, no worries.
- At least 3,000 hours of experience under a physician's watchful eye, and not from too long ago (think within the last 5 years). Basically, you gotta prove you've got the chops.
- A brain full of knowledge! You'll need some extra coursework in areas like differential diagnosis and pharmacology.
Not-So-Independent Independence (Yes, That Makes Sense)
Alright, so you've got the qualifications. Does that mean you can now heal all the boo-boos and sniffles of Florida with zero oversight? Not quite. There are still some limitations. For example, you can forget about prescribing controlled substances for more than a week for mental health conditions.
But overall, Florida has opened the doors for a new era of APRN practice.
How to FAQs:
How to find out more about the specific requirements?
Head over to the Florida Board of Nursing website. They have all the official jargon you could ever want.
How to tell if you qualify for autonomous practice?
This one's a bit more nuanced. Check with the Board of Nursing or consult with a lawyer specializing in healthcare law.
How to find the right kind of extra coursework?
Talk to your university or professional organization. They'll likely have recommendations.
How to navigate the world of autonomous practice?
Don't be afraid to ask for help! There are plenty of experienced APRNs in Florida who can offer guidance.
How to celebrate becoming a boss-lady/man APRN?
Margaritas on the beach, obviously! (But maybe not until after your shift ).
