Time between graduation & NP job

[luv2yoga]

Hi all --

I graduate in a few months as a PMHNP and have started the job search. I interviewed for a private practice job in an office that takes insurance & found out that it takes at least 3 months to become credentialed with the insurance companies. Some take longer (up to 5 months). I'm wondering what the heck I'll do in between the time I graduate and am able to work. What do people do during this time? Go back to working as an RN? What will happen to everything I've learned? ARRGGG. It really bothers me that I didn't know this before I started interviewing too, I must say.

[mammac5]

Depends on where you work. I've heard of some employers actually seeing each of the new NPs patients, signing of on the chart notes, and then billing under the doc's name. Not sure how kosher that is, but someone here can probably tell you more.

I've heard that some practices who really need all hands on deck in order to see a large volume of patients (such as when one provider has already left the practice but the new NP isn't credentialed yet) will have the new NP see the patients, collect whatever copay would be due from the patient, and then write the rest of the charges off -- better to take the financial hit over the short term than to have those patients transfer to a different practice and lose them altogether.

[Annaiya, NP]

I had an employer today ask me if I'd be willing to work as an RN at their organization until my credentialing was completed. So that may be an option if they use RNs where ever you end up working. At least that way, you can start learning the system and the people. I have worked through school, so I will just continue in my current job until I can start my NP job. You could always go backpacking in Europe for a few months:)

[tryingtohaveitall]

Yes, it's true the whole process takes a while-waiting for transcripts to be sent, waiting for ATT, etc. I was happy to relax though i did keep working PT as an RN. I also taught clinicals for a semester while I waited.

[luv2yoga]

Thx for suggestions. There are no RNs at this practice office as far as I can see. I really don't want to go back to the place where I've worked as an RN -- it's really gone downhill -- I think I will look for PRN work.

[mammac5]

I took some time to remodel my closet and my office at home. Cleaned - which I hadn't really done in any serious fashion since I'd started school - and took walks almost every day. Cooked real food for my family a few times. And tried to catch up on a lot of sex I'd missed out of with my husband when school was so intense.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

I took some time to remodel my closet and my office at home. Cleaned - which I hadn't really done in any serious fashion since I'd started school - and took walks almost every day. Cooked real food for my family a few times. And tried to catch up on a lot of sex I'd missed out of with my husband when school was so intense.

This sounds like the best use of time!

I did go to work immediately after passing the boards, I would see patients and the doc would sign off on it. It really was not different than being a student except it was paid and full time. In two months everything was done except my credentials for in-patient coverage which took another month.

[mom2cka]

I had an interview today where the administrator mentioned that I could be paid as an RN while I trained in, learned the EMR, went through the classroom training, etc. He didn't seem to think the delay would be an issue. Good luck!

[pattyweb]

I have all of my licenses, but am waiting on some credentialing and my NPI number. I am working in a rural health clinic, and since the plan is that I will take over the other NPs place when she retires, I am seeing patients with her or one of our 4 docs that are there a day or two a week. So still can't write scripts or officially sign things, but can dictate my notes and such. It is working well, but at 3 months into the job, I am ready to do a little more!!!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I had 5 months orientation which I was able to start prior to my credentialling as long as my APN and RN licenses are current.

[Tinabeanrn]

I agree with previous posters. Why cant you start your orientation during the credentialing process? You should be able to at least start learning the computer system and start shadowing the physicians during that time.

[harmonizer]

You can work for locum Tenens. Some practice let you bill under physician-- he/she can sign off your work and you can bill under him. That way, you do not need to be credentialed.