Neurology NPs

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Specializes in Neurology, Geriatrics.

Hi everyone! I was hoping to get some input. I graduated about a month ago and will be starting in an outpatient neurology practice as an AGNP in late August to early September. Are there any outpatient neurology NPs here that could give me advice on how a typical day might look for me? In my current position, I have experience in dementia, memory loss, and Parkinson's disease, but I'm taking it upon myself to brush up on other neurological conditions prior to starting. I have actually been reading a neurology textbook in an attempt to get some insight on disease processes and treatments, and have gotten a few other textbooks, as well. I will be shadowing each of my collaborating physicians prior to seeing patients (there are five) to determine each of their personal preferences on patient care.

Any advice would be appreciated. I do have 10 years nursing experience behind me, but that is a lot different than being an NP. I am nervous, naturally. Thanks!

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Specializes in Neurology NP.

Hi. I graduated May 2015 and am a Family NP whose first official job was in neurology. I started at an OP Private Neuro Practice in March 2016. I had no neuro experience other than what I saw in the ER as an RN and what I learned throughout school etc. I'd defnitely brush up on Headaches, seizures/epilepsy, migraines, parkinsons, neuropathy, dementia, parkinson's, essential tremor. These are a lot of medication management and tinkering with doses. You'll learn alot from reading patient's notes. Your docs will probably show you the comprehensive neuro exam they want you to do. When I started they said they dont mind new grads because they don't have to undo bad habits. Most neurologists I've met are fairly easy going. I ask lots of questions but I definitely won't guess! :) It's quite the transition! Still getting used to it but I've learned a lot in a few months.

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Specializes in Neurology, Geriatrics.

Great, thanks for the response! The neurologists I will be working with seem very nice, and I know one of them well already, as I work closely with her in my current position. I officially start on August 8, and the plan is to have me shadow for 60-90 days. Exactly how long with each neurologist, I'm not entirely sure. A couple of the neurologists' notes are a challenge to follow, so that should be interesting. The diagnoses you mentioned are the ones I thought I might see most frequently. Since I originally posted, I discussed my schedule, and I'll be in office every day with a half day on Thursday. The end goal is to have appointments in 20 and 40 minute increments. If you don't mind my asking, how long are your appointments?

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Specializes in Neurology NP.

Wow, 60-90days! lucky duck I shadowed for 2 weeks! They started me out with 1-2 patients and I took as long as I wanted with them and built me up to 30 min appts for rechecks and 1 hour for new patients. In 1-year I'll have 20min appt rechecks and 1 hour new patients. The doc gets 45 min for new patients so, 1 hour is nice.

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Specializes in Neurology, Geriatrics.

Wow, only 2 weeks? I would be seriously stressing about that! But if you did it, I'm sure it's doable! I will initially have 60 minute appointments. I'll probably start out with half days, is my guess, so maybe 4 patients? I'm just going by what I've seen other NPs in my organization do in the past. Ultimately though, she said we would discuss it when it's time to actually do it. I don't think they are going to have me do new patients starting out, though. I think I'm only doing rechecks. I guess I should probably ask about that! :-)

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Specializes in Neurology NP.

Rock on! You'll do great. It sounds like you have a good, supportive team. I think that's what definitely makes or breaks you. I'd be a lot more nervous if the providers were less than helpful to me. I didn't get new patient's until I told them I was ready. I started out with headaches, then seizures, then syncope, "dizziness". :-)

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Specializes in Neurology, Geriatrics.

This is really so helpful to me, I so appreciate it! I really haven't found many neuro NPs. I don't know any in my area. There is one in my office right now, but she is retiring in October. She isn't a traditional neuro NP, either, she sees a lot of kids for psych issues and ADHD and actually has her own panel of patients for that. I'm adult-gero, so I won't be seeing any of those. She does see some rechecks, but...she's a bit of an odd bird. :-) She's a very nice person and very experienced, though, so she could definitely give me some pointers. It is so great to get some advice from others in the same boat as I, though.

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Hello everyone!! I am a new grad NP starting in a Neurology practice and just wanted to ask if there are any books/references you recommend to start reading up on for the basic neuro diagnoses. I do not have any experience in this field and don't want to go in totally blind. Thanks in advance :)

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Specializes in Neurology, Geriatrics.

I have a recommendation - I really liked a book called Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice. It has a lot of good info in it. If you're able to access Up to Date, that's fantastic - I access it routinely on a daily basis. Once you actually join your practice and have access to CME funds, subscribe to Continuum, which is a really good resource.

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