Developing Relationships with Pediatricians

Our thanks to NAPNAP member, Mary Ann Rosencrans, MSN, CPNP, for providing the answer to this question.

Question: Does NAPNAP have any suggestions for developing a positive working relationship with pediatricians in their state from a grassroots perspective? Many of us feel our institutions aren't really supportive of PNPs.

Answer: It is fairly easy to establish a positive relationship with individual pediatricians, but establishing a positive relationship with organized medicine may be more challenging. Below are a few suggestions for cultivating a relationship with your local pediatricians and their related organizations.

• Visit to the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) web site to become aware of the national issues, policy statements and initiatives.
• Check out your state AAP Chapter's website (you can link directly from their main site) to learn the issues and initiatives important to them. Typically you can find where the Chapter stands legislative issues impacting children and professional issues such as health care coverage and malpractice. Do not automatically assume that you have the same goals and even if you do have mutual goals you may have very different approaches to those goals.
• Explore other pediatric gropus in your area, there may be a specialty pediatric oncology society, society for pediatric radiology, etc. Look for connections that "fit" with your individual and chapter's interests.
• Identify common issues/legislation that local PNPs can support and throw all your efforts towards making it happen. Write letters to Chapter board members, committee chairs, and legislators expressing your willingness as a professional organization to support their efforts.
• Establish a link to the AAP Chapter's website from your NAPNAP Chapter's website.
• Invite AAP members to speak at one of your meetings or a conference, or even better, extend invitations for joint Pediatrician/PNP presentations.
• Look for opportunities for joint ventures, some examples are inviting the local AAP chapter to participate in your chapter events, sponsor a continuing educaiton program together, work on a pedaitric related charity event together, etc.
• Get involved in committees, task force, or boards on a county or state level that demonstrate your expertise, professionalism and commitment to kids.
• Join and become active in your local NAPNAP Chapter. There really is strength in numbers and you need the support of like spirits.

It is harder to oppose people you know and respect. There are members of organized medicine who are nurse practitioner friendly. It may be helpful to look for pediatricians who have worked on joint projects with NAPNAP such as Bright Futures. Remember, however small any inroad is a success and the political landscape is forever evolving.