New FNP grad - Need info on retail health clinics Target, Walgreens, Minute Clinic?

[Cloud29]

I am a new FNP grad that passed boards recently and I am looking into a FNP job in retail health such as Target Clinic, Walgreens Health Care Clinic, and CVS Minute Clinic. I am applying for positions in the Chicago, IL area. Some questions I have are:

- How long is orientation typically for a new grad?

- What is the interview process like?

- Salary, schedule, vacation time, benefits?

- Opinion on differences between all 3 clinics? Pros and Cons for each?

- How is the support system? (between other NPs, medical assistant, and collaborating physician?)

If anyone has interviewed or worked for any of these clinics I would appreciate any info, opinion, or feedback. Thank you so much!

[BostonFNP, APRN]

I don't have any personal experience in retail health but I have a number of colleagues/friends that have worked in or continue to work in retail settings.

Each retail company is different and some are drastically different. Really the best thing you can do is shadow in each of them.

All retail clinics should be on the high-end of the salary range for new grads in your area and most pay hourly. The retail clinics around here seem to be in the mid-40/hr range starting.

The clinics around here (Minute Clinic) have rotating weekends and 3-4day work weeks. They seem to have fairly good support from other NPs and from collaborating MDs.

[Adenium]

I interviewed with Minute Clinic (preliminary round with a recruiter, very low-key and easy) and they said I'd be able to shadow before accepting an offer. The schedule would be every other weekend, alternating hours per week, so Week 1 you do three 10-hr shifts and Week 2 you do two shifts during the week and then also work both Saturday and Sunday. Orientation was being expanded from something like 6-9 days to more like 2 weeks based on trainee feedback. There's no one else there with you afterwards but you'd be able to call your clinical manager with questions.

I was offered an interview with the local manager, but took a different job. I was happy to get away from working weekends, however it's a great option for some people particularly balancing kids' schedules. I did worry a bit about performance incentives and patient satisfaction (the dreaded "she's horrible because clearly I needed abx and she didn't give them to me") but they said they're aware of that issue and working to maybe change the evaluation system. It did sound like their current system is based on patient numbers and Press-Ganey style surveys. I would clarify that with whatever group you interview for.

Good luck!

[zmansc, ASN, RN]

I know of a Facebook group and a linked in group for retail NPs. Both would offer a group of providers who have experience with each of the various chains. Hope that helps.

[momofm1998]

I can speak from experience...orientation is horrid!!! Plop you in the chair the first day and tell you to start seeing patients, operate an EMR you have never laid eyes on before and totally humiliate you in front of the patient because you dont "remember" what was told to you about the computer. You never see anyone except the NP who are "orienting" you and becoming extremely and visibly frustrated with you because you aren't operating at peak efficiency on your first or second day in orientation. You are sitting there just wishing the day is over. I would caution anyone to make absolutely certain you will receive a proper orientation period with the clinic, procedures, EMR and skills needed to avoid a belittling experience. Actually, this applies to any position you are considering. No one wants to feel uncomfortable simply because of a poor orientation.