NP working in a non-provider role

[Sha-Sha RN]

I wanted to get some thoughts from other NPs about the following scenario:

A job is being offered in executive health and they want an NP to serve in the role as coordinator for the program. As coordinator this would involve navigating pts thru their all day visits, from one provider to the next, scheduling appointments, financial clearance, helping to build the program and working with the docs to develop tools and forms for the program, marketing the program and be a face of the program as it starts up. However, the NP will not have a clinical role other than to maybe provide some answers to pt questions, providing some pt education, giving vaccines. I did ask why they wanted a NP versus a RN for this role and was told they wanted a higher level than a RN who is more knowledgeable about tests and treatment plans who can present that info to pts if asked. I was turned off that they want an NP for this role but not to perform as one; all the pts will be seen by the MDs including for H&Ps.

This does present some part of a good opportunity because it is a new program an new role for this facility so going in one can make or introduce things that may show that a NP can have a greater role in this endeavor. However, All of the executive health programs I see out there are staffed by MDs only so I guess they are following suit, but I feel a little under respected that as a NP-I'm only good enough to coordinate and guide the pts thru the program and not be one of the providers. Am I wrong?

[sheronep, MSN, RN]

Sounds like a secretary or registration position to me - doesn't require an RN nor a NP.

[Psychcns]

It sounds like an office nurse job. They don't need a provider for that role.

[nursetim, NP]

If they are willing to pay $250k? I'd suck it up for that. That and payoff student loans. Bank the money for awhile and in the meantime work as water to wear away the ignorance.

[Deltaflaze]

No, it sounds like a CNS type role. So an NP could fit within this role. They want higher than an RN because they want someone who is knowledgeable with implementing programs and improving outcomes. It's a system improvement not just a one-patient at a time improvement like nurses are trained. I wouldn't take offense of not "being a provider for the pts," because thats just not what they're looking for. On the other hand, it sounds like they should be advertising for a CNS instead.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Be mindful that you probably need x-amt of pt contact hrs to re certify your NO certification.

[Psychcns]

The poster who says it could be a CNS role is correct. Since it is a new program you may need to write a job description. Also will you

supervising office nurses, front desk people? Are you responsible to oversee collection of data ?? Etc

[Sha-Sha RN]

The poster who says it could be a CNS role is correct. Since it is a new program you may need to write a job description. Also will you

supervising office nurses, front desk people? Are you responsible to oversee collection of data ?? Etc

When I interview for this job it did not involve supervising anyone. It was basically work on the start of the program, scheduling of pts, which they are anticipating to be 1-2/day, prep of paperwork & labs that will come in prior to the visit, doing financial clearance for pts and navigating pts thru their visit to each of the providers ( multiple times during the interview I heard the term handholding). The education part was only if pts happen to have questions when they were not with providers. So I did not picture a CNS in this role either. When I first read the description before the interview it sounds like they want/need an administrative person.

[Psychcns]

If they are looking for an NP to do front desk work and a little extra ( administer vaccine, provide minimal education). They don't know what they are doing. I go back to they need an office nurse. 1-2 patients per DAY!!! Maybe a medical assistanT. Are they paying NP rates?

[Sha-Sha RN]

If they are looking for an NP to do front desk work and a little extra ( administer vaccine, provide minimal education). They don't know what they are doing. I go back to they need an office nurse. 1-2 patients per DAY!!! Maybe a medical assistanT. Are they paying NP rates?

The salary was the only plus. When they asked what type of salary I was looking for and I quoted starting salaries for NPs in this area (around 105k), the interviewer said would more than that be ok.