First NP Job Nightmare...Need Quick Advice/Opinion!

[nursejly]

Brace yourselves this is a LONG story, so here goes:

I was hired in July 2015 as a nurse practitioner for a job in a retail clinic based out of the local hospital. I was so excited and jumped at the offer. I had applied for a few jobs at the facility I was working for (as RN) at the time, but they were all at least 30 minutes away. The new job I accepted also paid more than the other prospective jobs.

Being a new grad with no experience, I did not have a long list of questions to ask during my interview. I was interested in pay, schedule, and orientation length. After I accepted the position, my husband and I took a drive to scope out the retail clinic where I would be working. We quickly learned that...it wasn't built yet!

I immediately contacted the administrator who interviewed/hired me. She explained they would breaking ground on the clinic any day and it would take only two months to construct. At first, I was shocked, but tried not to panic. I was told to shadow the NP in another location (another retail clinic) as an orientation until the clinic was completed and I was comfortable. She also explained I would be needed (and paid) as a nurse "from time to time" in the clinic because they are short staffed. At this point, I was in the process of applying for my state APRN license and prescriptive authority so I understood where they were coming from, but was not entirely happy about it.

And so I began shadowing the NP and everything was going okay...until one of the LPNs quit without notice. Then, I was expected to pick up his shifts and work as a nurse until another LPN or CMA was hired. At this point, I'm getting pretty disheartened, but I need a job so I stuck with it hoping they would hire someone quickly.

In the meantime, I am working with the WV and OH nursing board to get everything nailed down to practice. I will be working in the WV retail clinic and OH retail clinic (the new one). It is during this time I realized none of the physicians or NPs have their licenses to practice in OH. Also, the administrative staff was unaware of the 500 hour direct prescribing requirement for OH. Needless to say, the opening of the clinic was postponed (even though construction was finished by the end of September).

So, I have been working as a float nurse for the doctor offices for the entire month of October. I was torn away from shadowing the NP because "there is not enough office space to train the new office staff and have you shadow." I have applied for other NP positions within the same facility. However, the same two administrative staff do the hiring for those, too. I was told "you were hired for the new retail clinic and that's where you will work first."

I have applied for and accepted another position at a different facility. I have not given my notice yet because their credentialing process takes up to 45 days. I am completely fed up and stressed beyond belief. I was informed 6 days ago that the clinic is opening on Monday, November 2nd and I am expected to be there and work as the NP. I will be the ONLY provider there with a LPN and a receptionist. Am I crazy to be scared to death? Any advice/encouragement is appreciated...thanks.

[sailornurse]

Whoa! Ok what does your contract say? What obligations do you have to give before quitting? Were you being paid for NP salary during these past 4 months? Not sure how much orientation you received? Please explain what the 500 direct prescribing requirement in Ohio means, (I am in New Mexico where we have completely independent practice) How will this happen since you are to start next Monday? I would like to give you feedback but need to ask about details of your contract, who was paying for DEA, prescribers privileges? NP/RN licenses? Will you have to pay back money since you are planning to leave?

[PG2018]

In short, if you have no legal obligation to stay then get the heck out. They sound like idiots, and you're being suckered. Find a new job. It sounds like it may be scenic where you're at this time of year. Nice.

If you're stuck working there then do what you can legally do based on your license, and if you're not doing what they want you'll be discharged. Then you can move on with your life.

[nursejly]

@sailornurse I am an hourly employee and I did not sign a contract. Our employee handbook states hourly employees need to give a two week notice before leaving and salary employees a four week notice. No, I have never been paid NP salary since I began working there. In Ohio, a new NP must complete a certificate to prescribe externship consisting of 1500 hours. 1000 hours indirectly supervised and 500 hours must be directly supervised. Part of our "mid-level practitioner benefit package" is $1500 for licenses/dues, therefore, I don't think I'll be obligated to pay anything back.

[sailornurse]

OK then get the heck out ASAP. Give the minimum quitting notice in writing, I would not waste time getting into details. Just resign with date of effective, in writing. Hopefully new job works out. For future reference (and with the new job) get a copy of Carolyn Buppert's NP Legal Handbook and read up on contracts, no- compete clauses etc. Contracts are negotiated, salary, CME amount & paid days off for CME, try to get employer to pay for DEA, Pharm license, NP/RN license etc. Good luck, keep us posted. You can PM me if needed.