Help...

[Freedomsong, NP]

Here's the dilemma. I was hired to work in a private practice specialty clinic owned by 2 physicians. They already had 2 NPs and needed one more. The clinic was initially ran split as far as patients and other staff went, for ex: one side was ran by physician A who employed his own receptionist, NP, and nurse, the other side was ran the same. A few months before I came the doctors combined the clinic and decided to share all staff and the patients would see whatever NP had an opening, they thought this would be more efficient. The problem is this clinic had run split for about 14 years. The 2 physicians do things quite differently and things have not meshed well. The staff is unhappy and a lot of the patients as well as they'd gotten used to seeing "their provider", which I can understand; this is a specialty clinic. One NP resigned because she could not deal with things being combined. The physicians now have decided to split things back out because they feel it worked better that way. I was told last week I needed to choose which physician I wanted to work for. Physican A's original NP whose been with him since the start of the clinic is still there. Physician B is the one whose NP resigned. I feel uncomfortable choosing because Physician A is the one who offered me the job but as it stands physician B has no NP. They both talked with me and said they would be okay with whoever I chose to work for, and that at this point they've decided the main thing is they don't lose another NP. They also said they still plan to hire a 3rd NP. I don't like the position of choosing after I've been there working with both for the past 4 months.

[Jules A, MSN]

If you really don't have a preference tell them so and I'd imagine you will be placed with physician B. I think it speaks highly of their regard for employees to even give you a choice and would be appreciative.

[Freedomsong, NP]

Thanks so much Jules. I was thinking along those lines as well, input from others always helps though.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I agree that allowing you to have a choice is wonderful.

As to change in practice organization - being flexible as an employee is always a good trait. I've been with the same specialty practice for over 11 years and we have changed the way the APRNs provide care more times than I can count. The end result is if you like the practice and specialty leaving after only 4 months would not be a positive. I've found that its important to never burn bridges. Even if you are actively looking for a new job, always always do your best at your current one first and never badmouth a practice.

[aprnKate]

its very professional of them to let you have a choice. If you are okay with both of their personalities and how you get along why not choose Physician B even though Physician A was the one that hired you. It will show how flexible you are when it comes to the needs of the clinic and the patients. Besides, someone will have to take over the patients from the NP that resigned, take it as a chance to establish good rapport with the patients the NP has left. Also, remember that you are supposed to be there to serve the patients. Unless, of course there is some really bad reason why you do not want to work with Physician B. Working with Physician B may also help decrease the burden of his workload which I'm sure he/she will be appreciative of.

[Freedomsong, NP]

traumaRUs, thanks so much for your feedback. I do enjoy the practice so far and don't plan on leaving. I intend to give things time and stick this transition out.

[Freedomsong, NP]

aprnKate, thanks for the feedback. As it stands I plan on going with physician B.