Pdoc visit, Doc or PNP ?

Hi guys...

I've got an appointment this afternoon at the pdoc. These visits always make me so nervous. I'm sure that's from anxiety more than my bipolar.

Anyway, when you go to your pdoc, do you actually see the psychiatrist every time, or do you see the psych nurse practitioner? I almost always see my PNP.
The PNP actually makes med changes, makes my dx, etc. I am totally fine with this because most nurse practitioners I've seen, whether at my pdoc or my GP are every bit as good, sometimes better, than the doctors.

Wish me luck at the pdoc.

From my experience I personally don't think it matters as long as the person is qualified in mental health and able to prescribe medication.

I think it all comes down to the prescribers ability to listen to the patient, learn what works and doesn't work, make you feel comfortable, and be knowledgeable about the drugs being prescribed to the patient.

also, why are you anxious? You're the one in control. Those people work for you, not the other way around.

I love nurse practitioners. They have the same knowledge base but typically have a better bedside manner and will take more time with you. Yay nurses!

I really like the nurses I'm currently seeing.

I think the anxiety about going is due to all of my anxiety issues. I'm actually pretty relaxed once in the room with the nurse, but it is so difficult for me to get ready, find parking, and especially sitting in the waiting room. I really hate panic and social anxiety !

I've seen psychiatrists before but currently The clinic only has a psych NP and she's great. I'm always nervous before appointments too. I practically panic until I get into the room. Idk why just has to do with my anxiety disorder I guess, some kind of anticipatory anxiety or something

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You guys don't know how happy it makes me to see that you all have good opinions of NPs. I've wanted to be a psychiatrist for the longest time, but going through the intense stress of med school with this illness feels impossible. I've been playing with the idea of becoming an NP for the past few days, but I thought patients wouldn't respect me or would be upset that they couldn't see a real doctor.

You guys are helping me realize that there is more than one path to accomplishing my dream, and I really appreciate that.

I understand bring nervous but don't forget you are in control. Good luck!

I always see my pdoc.

Might be cos of where I live?

Well, I survived my trip to the pdoc. I had to wait about 1.5 hours in a packed waiting room. Had a pretty good visit with the nurse, and I don't have to go back for 3 months, unless something comes up.