Advice on NP job offers: challenging vs easy

allnurses Guide · Jul 27, 2012

Congrats on having 2 offers to choose from! My first job after graduation was extremely challenging, high stress, high patient volume, with not a lot of support from administration. I put in 40-45 hours a week seeing patients, and then another 15-20 hours a week at home catching up on all my notes. I learned a ton, but by the end of 2 1/2 years I was burned out, had trouble sleeping, gained weight, was always cranky at work, and was not a happy camper. I now work 36 hours per week in a specialty practice, seeing patients for a relatively narrow range of conditions. I have very little stress, never take work home, and I make more money. I don't regret taking the first job. I learned a tremendous amount, but I was not prepared for what it would take out of me. I do have some concerns about my skills becoming rusty, but for me, the trade off is worth it.

Just my:twocents:

mammac5 · Jul 28, 2012

I'm currently in my first job right out of school and it's been relatively easy. I focus on ONE chronic disease. I took this job because I felt confident that I could do it and because it's a research study which is scheduled to last for one year. I figured that if I got bored or just hated it, we could all part company as friends and I didn't even have to quit my first job!

Now that I'm several months in, I feel like I am getting a little bored and ready to branch out. But I have to say that, even though I have focused on one disorder, I still had a lot of stress the first 2 months of this job. I was unsure of myself, geographically challenged in a large hospital spread over two campuses, etc. So I think it was a good starting point in my case.

I have learned a lot this year about what type of schedule I want to work, how much I feel like I would be happy with in terms of pay and benefits, etc. so it's been very beneficial.

morganvibes · Aug 23, 2012

Thanks for the responses, Im sorry to get back to you so late but I just saw them! I thought I would get an email or something if there was a response, But never did.I ended up taking the low stress job and I think it is going to work out because the office manager is very nice and seems to have everything in control, although still a few things up in the air and the owners are not being completely upfront about my benefits and salary. Just a good thing I didnt need a paycheck right away!I had to get my own malpractice, which they said they will reimburse, which is fine, but now its been almost 2 mos and still hasnt happened since opening has been pushed back. I have been working only about 3 hours a day training which I guess will be the way it is until opening. and just got an email saying health benefits dont kick in for 3 months!I am trying not to worry too much about the insurance but not happy about waiting 3 mos more, since I havent had insurance for 3 mos already. Is this normal for a nurse practitioner position? Hasnt been my experience, but Ive only worked for big companies previously.anyway, if I make it through the 3 mos, it sems like it will be a nice, easy enjoyable job, but still hoping at this point.

mystory, BSN, RN · Jun 25, 2013

I hope you don't me reviving this thread, but I thought it was interesting and wanted an update on your situation. Do you still work at the lower stress job? Did you get the insurance reimbursement sorted? I am also considering a lower stress NP job (at a laser hair removal clinic) versus a higher stress but likely more intellectually stimulating and rewarding environment.

morganvibes · Jun 27, 2013

Hi mystory,

This is what happened. the lower stress job was nice, loved it, but since it was a start up in the area, it didnt work out (something to do with medicare reimbursements). So. The search goes on. They did reimburse me for my insurance, etc. I also consided the laser hair removal route, but that would be so limiting, so I wonder if we would have big trouble getting another job if we were there for several years, who knows? Retail clinics are another option, but then you have to work every other weekend and always be by yourself , nothings perfect.

Lately I have been working with older people and enjoy it, so actually thinking about possibly getting a post masters in geriatrics. I know, its craziness, but Ive seen many many jobs for nursing homes that pay very well. I would want some specific training beofre taking that on though, but it would be a very stable job and the listings Ive seen seem to have a lot of autonomy.

Could be stressfull I guess, but could be rewarding.

Lize321 · Feb 13, 2015

What was your low stress job?

morganvibes · Feb 13, 2015

Hi, it was with a start up neuropathy clinic (see above post for more info) but ended up closing because of a problem getting medicare reimbursements for our procedure. Too bad too,because it really worked very well for people. I've been with another start up Co now for the last 10 mos, but still not sure it will take off, but that's the way it goes with new Co's. I love it though and am learning a lot about the clinical and management aspects of running a healthcare business.

If it works out then I will be thrilled, because I have been able to have one on one time with several physicians, and feel very confident in my abilities. That is a key factor for me to be happy in a job. It's Hard to find mentors, so if you have one, learn all you can, and appreciate it!

Anonymous1257 · Feb 25, 2015

I am currently working with a Gero-CNS preceptor. From what I've seen gero pays well and there are plenty of opportunities in my area. You really need to be on top of your meds though! So much poly pharmacy in gero and so many specialists involved in care. It's definitely a complex arena.