9 months into FIRST FNP job

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Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.

I updated a few months ago because I always searched these forums for anything to show me the light at the end. Here's another update:

I am about 9 months into my first FNP position. I could have cooked a baby at this point in time but, instead, all I got was a poodle. Anyway...

I am able to run through some rooms without my phone to triple checks dosages and tests. I haven't killed anybody (that I know of). I have some regular patients who comment on my new haircut and thank me for helping them. I feel like I'm getting an entire city caught up on PAP smears (since there aren't any full time local OBGYNs and my partner in the office is a young male physician).

I feel like I have learned sooooo much in these last few months it's unreal. I THOUGHT school stuffed my head full of knowledge but it's finally really clicking.

I still look up plenty. Refresh myself before a patient by glancing at an algorithm.

At this point I'm really seeing medicine (oh, uh, ahem...advanced practice nursing) as doable. I think I will eventually be like some of my favorite preceptors who I aspire to be. To be as knowledgable as my physician counterparts but still have my nurse-y ways.

I passed that dang test 10 months ago but I'm still studying almost daily to better understand what I'm doing.

For NP students: you will finish.

For new NP's: you will feel more confident.

Just give it some time!

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Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.

Yes the first year or two can be uncomfortable. There will come the day when you show up for work with coffee in hand & digging at the bottom of your purse for a pen, grab a stethescope and go. You won't be looking up stuff, soon you will go the entire day without looking up anything at all. Keep us posted.

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Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.

I'm hopeful and know I'll get there eventually! I'm still tweaking to incorporate more EBP, recommendations, etc. because it's tough knowing ALLLLL of them at one time.

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Specializes in ICU.

Thanks for sharing your update!! Congrats on becoming more proficient. I love reading posts like these! They help me see that not only is there a light at the end of the tunnel- but that it's attainable!

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Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.
Thanks for sharing your update!! Congrats on becoming more proficient. I love reading posts like these! They help me see that not only is there a light at the end of the tunnel- but that it's attainable!

That's why I am trying to update every few months!

I loved reading the updates too.

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Thank you so much for this post! I am 4 months into my first FNP job and feel like a guppy in the ocean! I only work 15 hours a week, which makes learning a lot longer as well. Your post makes me feel less incompetent and more in tune with doing the best with the experience I have. Knowing that everyone goes through this learning curve and that it does get better is very reassuring! :)

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Specializes in Family Medicine.

Love this update. Thanks so much for sharing. I just started FNP school and do not see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I found your post extremely helpful and encouraging.

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Specializes in Family Medicine.

Oh, and congrats on the poodle! :)

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Thank you for your post. I am 7 months in and there are days I barely have time to breath. In fact, it's been a year since I passed boards. Never thought I would be here. It's totally worth it. Please keep the updates coming. Hearing others experiences helps when you are feeling overwhelmed.

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Thanks for sharing... my first nine months is just around the corner and I am eager and freaking all at once..

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You will be done before you know it. School seems like it will never end. It is worth all the hard work. Being a FNP is the best job. Know that the feelings of being overwhelmed is normal. Just remember you are not alone.

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Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.
You will be done before you know it. School seems like it will never end. It is worth all the hard work. Being a FNP is the best job. Know that the feelings of being overwhelmed is normal. Just remember you are not alone.

Absolutely! I see so many posts on Facebook in the NP groups I'm in about feeling overwhelmed as student or new NP. It is absolutely normal! Just like being nervous as a new RN but as a NP you don't usually get as much orientation as you probably did as a RN and the responsibility is so much more. Get a few good resources (I personally love 5 Minute Clinical Consult and Lexicomp) and don't be afraid to ask questions! Oh and the CDC has some pretty great apps about STD's and choosing antibiotics.

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