Journal editor challenges use of ‘midlevel’ for NPs

A letter from a nursing journal editor to the editor of Becker’s Hospital Review took issue with that publication’s characterization of nurse practitioners (NPs) as “midlevel” providers and criticized the implication that employing NPs at a Chicago-area immediate care clinic could place patients at risk. Faculty at the Rush University College of Nursing sent a letter to Becker’s expressing similar sentiments. Both letters described the body of research indicating NPs provide high quality care and increase access to health services. Addressing readers of Nursing Economic$ on behalf of the journal’s board, Editor Donna M. Nickitas, PhD, RN, explained the decision to respond to the Becker’s article. “We believe that during The 2020 International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, the nursing community has a unique opportunity to inform the public and policymakers about the vital role NPs play in advancing health access, equity, and quality care,” she wrote.