Advice

[Anonymous489]

I accepted my first NP jobs a few months ago.  I was very happy bc I worked my butt off, worked a full time job, had two babies while working and going to school. I knew it wouldn't be easy but I was mentally ready for the challenge. I accepted a position making housecalls for pts who can't go to the Dr or those who don't have a pcp. I only accepted the position contingent on the company providing myself and my assistant the appropriate PPE.  Given the pandemic I wanted to make sure I protect myself and my family.   I wasn't too long after I started I had issues getting supplies to work,  gloves,  face masks, faceshields.  I reached out to my supervisor and director where they indicated that the issue would be fixed.  They then asked me to purchase gloves from the pharmacy so I can continue seeing pt. I was taken aback by the request and told them I would not be purchasing gloves out my pocket.  So to protect myself,  I purchased faceshields, mask,  shoecovers just to protect myself.  Fast forward a couple weeks ago I reached out to the person in charge of supplies requesting more gloves bc I see Max ten pts a day.  But week after week I got less and less gloves. A few days ago I brought the issue to my superiors again and they once again told me to buy gloves with my card and they'll reimburse me.  Keep in my every pt being seen are being billed for all the supplies I'm requesting and not getting. I just think its ridiculous. I'm disheartened by everthing and gave them notice that I was leaving.  Did I jump the gun?  I'm very conflicted bc I know there are going to be pts that will not receive the care they need. 

[Alicia777, MSN, NP]

That’s frustrating. Couldn’t tell by your post—Did you give them enough time to actually reimburse you?
 If PPE was your only issue and you liked the job otherwise, I probably would have stuck it out. It’s concerning if you weren’t being reimbursed and they were billing patients anyways, then you absolutely don’t want to be involved with something fraudulent.