Should nurse do breast exam?

[Rosemariex]

I have rang my doctors for a breast check and have been told the nurse practitioner will be seeing me.. is this normal should it be a gp who does this?

Thanks

Most practice nurses are advanced practitioners and qualified to do a lot of what used to be doctor's jobs. Nothing wrong with a nurse doing a breast exam.

Definitely should be a nurse practitioner yes

I didn't think nurses were allowed to diagnose? Might be wrong though.

A nurse practitioner is not the same as a nurse

A nurse practitioner is a very highly qualified nurse. They have started to take on the more 'routine' doctors appointments to free up GPs for more complex cases.

A breast exam is quite routine and they will be able to refer you on to a breast clinic if required.

Thanks everyone i thought it was just my surgery as the wait for the gp is so long this is good to know x

Nurse practitioners absolutely can diagnose and prescribe

Absolutely fine, those at my surgery are wonderful! I can’t remember the last time I needed an actual GP. They’re very well trained, and will be able to tell if a lump is definitely say, a milk duct, and put your mind at ease - or otherwise refer on to the GP if needed. I’ve had them look at moles, poke lumps, prescribe for eczema and tonsillitis!

@ItMustBeBedtimeSurely

Nurse practitioners absolutely can diagnose and prescribe

Within very clear limits.

There’s no diagnosis involved in breast examination, any findings are referred on. Examination alone is not enough.

I’d be comfortable with an NP performing this.

Actually the limits aren’t particularly clear for ANPs. It’s true that ANPs in gp surgeries tend to deal with minor injuries but that is down to the surgery. In A&E ANPs do take on cases that are serious and complex in the same way the doctors do, if they felt a case was beyond them it would go straight to the consultants.

The rule is that they must practice within their knowledge and experience, which will obviously vary from person to person.

@Rosemariex how did this turn out? My gp wait is scandalous and I’ve found a lump.