Collaborating physician problems

[Othernothing]

I'm new here..this is my first post. I really don't know where else to turn, so I found all nurses and thought I'd give it a try.

I have been working as an FNP in a rural clinic. From day one I was on my own. If I ask a question, he will say, "If you don't know you shouldn't have ordered the test" or "give me a medical reason you're concerned about this" in a condescending way. He has laughed at me for things I've said or questions I've asked, and trust me, I don't ask him things often.

Is this even remotely usual? I'm terrified to look for another job, thinking ALL collaborators will be like this!

He is the only physician in the office and I'm the only NP, but he will tell me "all the physicians I've talked to agree you give steroids too frequently". I'm pretty conservative on steroid use, so I'm just left wondering what is going on?

Any advice?

[lvan0904]

I wish you all of the best in finding a job that fits your needs. Sounds like you shouldn't take what happened to you personal as this physician doesn't have the best track record w/ other NPs & he sounds like a jerk (just my opinion). I have talked to other NPs who were not satisfied with their first job and they chose to move onto other positions that offered what they were looking for (better hours, seeing pts in 1 facility rather than several, etc). Best of luck to you. I'll be starting a new job 11/4 and I'm a recent grad so we shall see what the future holds in store for me :)

Another thought: you can use this as a learning experience and as you search for other jobs. You could specifically ask about the collaboration process w/ the physician and perhaps shadow to get a vibe from the physician. Perhaps you could ask about the number of NPs the physician has had within the past 5 years (high turn over could indicate a red flag). Best wishes!!!

[Othernothing]

You bring up a good point. I didn't think to ask about turnover or how he views collaboration. Will do that next time!

[VTach2013]

You will look back at this one day and realized that leaving that physician was the best thing you ever did. I think the physician probably lacks the knowdlege to be able to help you with your consults and was too embarrased to let you know thus acted the way he/she did.

[Annaiya, NP]

I'm so sorry your first job is going like this. I had a very similar experience in my first professional job, I was a lawyer at the time and my boss was a terrible person. I think she enjoyed making me cry and belittling my work. I was a new lawyer and she refused to help me learn anything, and I was working in one of the most complicated areas of law. My experience there was so awful, it's partly why I left the legal profession. Looking back on the experience now (it was over 10 years ago), I know I did as well as anyone could in that environment. I was set up to fail, and she fired me as soon as I had made the firm enough money for her to be able to hire someone with experience. Do not dwell on this experience too much, just find something better. There are good docs out there who support their NPs. You just need to find one.

Incidentally, this is just another reason why we need independent practice laws in every state. Having to have a collaborating or supervising MD, just allows all of the jerks to feel justified in treating us poorly.

[AtomicWoman]

I am so sorry your first NP job was with Dr. Jerkenstein! Wave to him in your rearview mirror as you drive away. Pity the person who takes your place. He obviously is a major head case with a big ego. And probably doesn't like NPs to boot. Find someplace where you can be nurtured, not tortured. I just passed my one-year anniversary as an NP and I must say the two experienced NPs I work with have been the absolute best -- willing to share their knowledge so generously. The doc I work with is fine, but it is the 2 NPs who help me keep my sanity!

[hummingbird]

HOw is it he is having adverse conversations about your practice style with a number of other providers? Is t that slander?