So I will graduate this year as an NP, and I am curious about something. You see, my preceptor and I get along wonderfully, and she has mentioned/alluded to/etc that she would actually hire me if she could figure out where she would put me (she has a tiny office). Also, she has never employed an NP before, and so has no clue how it would go. What I want to do is gather a bit of info on how exactly NPs make money for the docs they work with (this is of course assuming that they are not working off of their own steam or in their own practice but actually work FOR a doc.) My only guess is that it goes something like this: The NP is hired at $85,000, he/she brings in $150,000, and so the doc profits by $65,000. I know there's other overhead costs that go into the mix, but to be brief about my knowledge of the subject that's what I'm saying. So I'm looking to become more knowledgeable about the working relationship between MD and NP in this situation so that when the topic comes up again, I can offer some info. I've done searches on this site but there's nothing addressing THIS particular thing. And a general web search doesn't get me very far either. So I come looking for practical answers from y'all. Thanks in advance for any info. Have a fun day!

Start with a lit search; there is lots of research out there to support you.

You can also try ADVANCE and your local NP association.

One tidbit of advice from colleagues that went the same route as you, starting as a new NP in a practice that had never had an NP is challenging. Be prepared for that. Good luck!

Thanks! I know it will probably be difficult navigating through with no experience with NPs and all, but with the way the job market is here, well, I'll take it anyway. Especially since I already like the practice, and it is a very supportive environment.

starting as a new NP in a practice that had never had an NP is challenging. Be prepared for that. Good luck!

+1 on this.

I've done this and don't recommend it to anyone.

What you want to know is how reimbursement works and what patient volume is.

+1 on this.

I've done this and don't recommend it to anyone.

What you want to know is how reimbursement works and what patient volume is.

I will add to this a tip that will make your life easier:

Make sure you negotiate a ( slow) ramp up!

Yes, in between classes and clinicals, I am trying to find info on reimbursement and NP/MD relationships and whatnot so I can perhaps be somewhat better prepared than just walking blindly in. I plan on trying to take a coding crash course immediately upon graduation, too.

And as for the slow ramp up, very good advice. I have a friend who blindly took the first NP job she was offered and didn't think twice about putting any kind of protective clauses for herself in her contract. Not a great outcome so far. She's happy, but I think it's still that "I'm just happy not be a floor nurse anymore" kind of contentment.