New FNP

Gator FNP · May 15, 2009

First, find out what the salaries are in your area. You can go to Advance for Nurse Practitioners website, they do a salary survery every 2 years. This will give you a guideline.

Make sure you get everything you agree on in writing, most offices want a contract with a non-compete. Find out how many pts you are expected to see daily, hours, holidays, weekends, call, benefits.

If possible talk to the NP you are replacing (if there is one) and ask questions.

Hope this is helpful.

lifelong · May 17, 2009

Congratulations on the interview, wow, you must be excited. I am coming from an ACNP perspective so please take that into consideration. But some questions that come to mind after reading your listing are:

Typical conditions/diagnosis you might be expected to manage (will you only see call ins or have an appt book), number of patients to see/day, appt time slots for new pt vs. f/u

How are no shows/cancellations managed?

Who would be collaborating MD and are they available, esp. since you are just starting out.

How are referrals managed?

Direct billing

Is all equipment there that might be needed?

Have they worked with NPs before, what's their experience with them, why is there an opening?

Is there an MA assigned?

Are there other NPs there or are you the first (this may bring up additional?s especially if they aren't used to NPs)

I think the biggest thing for you to come away with in the interview is if this is a place where you feel is a good fit for you. Knowing jobs might be tight...but you need to have the support you feel you need in the beginning of your career. Does the position feel right, are the people you intermingle with appropriate or from another planet, etc??

****other things that eventually need to be talked through, probably not at first interview though****

Hours/times/weekends/evenings/call etc

Insurance, DEA fees, etc.

Benefits

I hope this helps.

Tracey

lifelong · May 17, 2009

You know after rereading your question, I focused on questions you could ask...not what might be asked of you, sorry! Questions they may ask you might be focused on your newness and the type of support you may need, which to them may mean who needs to be available, how will you bill, how to staff you (time slots/MA support, etc.), do you room your own patients. They may give you scenarios and ask you to problem solve, I am not sure. My guess they are trying to figure out the value you bring to them. You could emphasize your keen assessments skills, ability to work with people, trouble shooting experience as an RN. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Tracey

allnurses Guide · May 17, 2009

I recently got my first job as an NP, and went on several interviews. I don't think anyone asked me the "technical" stuff-they were more interested in why I chose the field, how my previous work/life experiences would help me in the NP role, and what I hoped to find in my first job. They sort of took it for granted that my program had prepared me for the nuts and bolts of the job.

Good luck with your interviews!!

Sheri FNP-C · May 18, 2009

I have been on 4 interviews so far. Every single one asked why I applied for that position, where I wanted to be in 5 years, wanted me to describe a difficult patient encounter, asked what areas I felt most comfortable and least comfortable in. Only one asked me specifically how I would treat a newly diagnosed diabetic, a patient with abdominal pain, chronic pain, depression, etc. It felt like an oral exam to be honest with you and they didn't offer any feedback, positive or negative...only jotted down my answers on their pre-printed list of questions. It was my least favorite interview!

Congrats on your upcoming interview.

ceeNP · May 18, 2009

Thanks!! These are questions I never thought of. I will let you know how it goes.Thanks again

ceeNP.