PCNs are ‘the glue that binds’
By Letter to the Editor on May 30, 2018.
I write this in hopes that the public understands the PCN role. Often I have found friends confused by a “PCN” and a trained staff member who is able to do weights, blood pressures and perhaps swabs. I believe this causes confusion to especially the elderly. A PCN nurse is one who you visit and converse with. They exhibit great knowledge in disease, treatments, medications, and assess to patient information. A very involved area. Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are such an asset to the medical team! They are the glue that binds the health care together. They deliver high quality to patients utilizing high quality assessments to health services by exhibiting an extreme knowledge of the body systems, community resources, and medical based knowledge. I am amazed how well-educated the PCN is. Educated to insure updates on changing medications, medical testing, treatments, observation skills and the list goes onward. Continuing education is much updated, and this they take to the office. They are computer geniuses and can locate lab results, test results and available resources. I am fortunate my doctor uses a PCN nurse. “Sherri” greats you with a smile, takes time to listen, observe and locates medical reports for a person. I find this also frees up the doctor. Some dispute my feelings of PCNs, however, each is responsible for doing a great job. In any job area one may find a person who goes above and beyond duty, keeps updated, while some slide through. A qualified PCN will be able to describe test results to you, assess medications, and often diagnose infections. They are well rounded in dealing with the “new born” to the very elderly. Observations and results are then discussed with you doctor. Yet for the most part the PCN has evidence produced for a probably solution. Patients be aware. Not all staff in uniform are PCNs! I urge you to simply ask your doctor! Do not assume one is a PCN unless you are clear. It’s like a health care aid in hospital taking vital signs, they are great at the task but often do not understand what the numbers mean. In conclusion I seriously respect PCNs and the role they play. They are a strong link in the chain of our ever changing health care! Keep the link joined! In appreciation for PCNs L. Pederson Medicine Hat 15-14
