[michelle_icurn]

Hello, I need to interview an NP for school. There are a few questions I would like to ask if anyone is interested.

[traumaRUs]

Hi Michelle - I'm not an NP, but rather an adult health CNS - would be glad to help.

[michelle_icurn]

Originally Posted by traumaRUs

Hi Michelle - I'm not an NP, but rather an adult health CNS - would be glad to help.

Really? That would be great. I just started my MSN program, for one of my classes I have to interview an advanced practice nurse, so it doesn't have to be an NP. Thanks for helping me out. Here are a list of the questions:

1. Role description
2. Type of setting in which the role is enacted
3. History of the role, and plans for the future of this role
4. Are there role conflicts or "turf" issues within the organization, and if so how are they handled or resolved?
5. What are actual or perceived barriers to practice or innovation
6. Are there any special skills that are needed to lead or influence others on the care team or within the organization

[traumaRUs]

1. Role description - Currently, I'm a nephrology RN who does the rounding visits on 200 chronic hemodialysis units located in two areas. I have to see all 200 patients each week. I handle their medical needs: HTN, DM, etc..

2. Type of setting - outpatient chronic hemodialysis units, free-standing.

3. Hx of the role and plans for the future - this is strictly dictated by Medicare requirements. CUrrently the requirements mandate that the pts have one MD visit while on dialysis each month and then three other visits which can be from a mid-level practitioner. No change for the future unless Medicare changes.

4. Role conflicts - I actually am employed by the physician practice versus the actual dialysis company. I am usually able to get what I need but since the dialysis company is for-profit, there are sometimes challenges. For instance, I have a recently dx'd pt who has a documented heparin allergy (positive Factor 4) and he has a permacath. Normally, you would lock the Permacath (after dialysis) with heparin. However, 20% of the heparin leaches out of the system into the pt so that wasn't feasible. However, citric acid 4% is what is to be used and it is very expensive and the request ended up going up the change in the dialysis company which took two weeks. During this two week period, the permacath was locked with tPA. Not a biggie if its aspirated completely prior to dialysis. However, it was an accident waiting to happen. So, the permacath was labelled with bright orange labels stating that tPA was in place and must be aspirated. Not the best solution.

5. Barriers - the two main reasons folks go on dialysis are HTN and DM. Pts run a much higher risk of needing dialysis if they are noncompliant. Many of my patients are completely noncompliant: don't take meds, dont' come to dialysis, don't restrict fluids, etc.. Makes it very hard to care for them.

6. Special skills....hmmm having a hammer to whack some sense into these patients comes to mind - lol. Negotiation skills, ability to try to understand why some of the pts are noncompliant, ability to work with people from all walks of life.

Hope this helps...

[michelle_icurn]

Thank you TraumaRUs but one of my group members just informed me that the interview has to be with someone with my chosen role option. My chosen role option is NP so, my questions do need to be answered by an NP. I really appreciated your help. Hopefully someone else will help me.

[sirI]

Hello, michelle_icurn,

I sent you a private message.