First FNP job

[Sweetee313]

What practice setting is ideal for a new graduate FNP? (FQHC, private practice, community clinic, HMO, retail clinic, etc.)?

[bayouchick02]

Bumping this thread! I want to know too....

[cmhnp]

Oh hell, that is one loaded question.

In a nutshell, it depends on you, your state, your experience, your passion or population of choice.

I am an FNP in Ohio with background teaching children and adolescents on the autism spectrum, have worked in state mental health facilities and as a psych RN. My first job so far has been in a mobile primary coach serving homeless and chronic mental health patients for a community mental health clinic. I was used to aggressive, frustrated, complex scenarios where our nursing theory and interactions that seemed "all fluff" are actually put to use. For me, it was a perfect fit, for others, not so much.

I hate getting questions as answers, but what is your background? What do you like? or at the least, what would you hate to do 40+ hours/day?

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

What practice setting is ideal for a new graduate FNP? (FQHC, private practice, community clinic, HMO, retail clinic, etc.)?

The ïdeal"first job is one where you are encouraged and supported to learn. That means having colleagues and supervisors who are willing to mentor. I don't think any particular type of practice/setting is the best, as long as the above mentioned is present. My first job was in a crazy-busy urban community health center doing primary care. My co-workers were awesome and I never thought twice about going to one of the docs or more experienced NPs with questions. I learned more there than I would have in a private practice or specialty practice. However, I often felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of patients I had to see in a day, and all the psych/addiction issues I dealt with. I burned out after 2 1/2 years, but I know I could work in any setting after that trial by fire. I never would have survived in that job without my colleagues. If you can find a job with that kind of support, you'll be all set.

[BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN]

The ïdeal"first job is one where you are encouraged and supported to learn. That means having colleagues and supervisors who are willing to mentor. I don't think any particular type of practice/setting is the best, as long as the above mentioned is present.

Yup, I simply could not agree more with this statement. There is still a huge learning curve ahead, and you need to be in a place that will support you, but not hover so much you can't grow. You need to feel safe making mistakes and saying, "Hey, I made a mistake, help me fix this." Even better, saying, "Hey, I have no idea what to do, can you help me so I don't make a mistake?" If you don't feel totally at ease doing that, it's not the right place. I don't think anything else really matters for the first 3 years.