I have another question for all APN's out there. I'm a new grad APN and I will start working in a clinic with a doc in june. It could be several months until I actually have my license. I'm to start in the clinic as an RN. How did the mentoring process go for you all as newbies. Did you shadow a doc or APN? How long? How did you make yourself useful during the learning process?
I'm just concerned that I'll be in the way and the docs and PA will get tired of having me looking over their shoulder 24 hours a day for months on end.
Also, as a new APN without a license, did you see patients on your own and then have the doc sign behind you or did you strictly shadow?
Sometimes from graduation to testing to license can be measured in months (not weeks)... More than a few of my classmates had jobs prior to graduating. Three of them, I believe, did their final clinicals at their future site of employment.
One can't practice as an NP prior to licensure (pretty sure that law in all the states) but that does not stop some from using their RN license and "orientating"....
I gathered from your post you might not think it's a good idea to begin orientation before APN credentialing process is completed.
My point of view is that I'm not going to have any more responsibility at this point than an RN in the clinic, and I won't be practicing out of my RN scope of practice. Therefore, it seems perfectly reasonable to begin the learning process now so that when I am credentialed I will already "know the ropes" and be ready to put on my APN hat.
BTW everybody-I've encountered a snag. My fingerprint cards were rejected and returned to me. I know this sounds weird-but I have literally washed off my prints over the years. There are literally large white spaces in the middle of the pattern with NOTHING. The police officer who took my prints suggested I not wash my hands for 2 weeks so that they can "grow back". Whatever...can't do that for several reasons. Not even sure it would work. So, anybody have any idea of how I can prevent a delay in my licensure because of this problem.
Thanks everybody for all the great feedback! I feel much more encouraged about this. Tomorrow is my big day where I get to interview for the position I really want. Hopefully, something will pan out.
I gathered from your post you might not think it's a good idea to begin orientation before APN credentialing process is completed.
My point of view is that I'm not going to have any more responsibility at this point than an RN in the clinic, and I won't be practicing out of my RN scope of practice. Therefore, it seems perfectly reasonable to begin the learning process now so that when I am credentialed I will already "know the ropes" and be ready to put on my APN hat.
No not at all, I think its a great idea.... I guess I should have written my comment better (...but that does not stop some from using their RN license and "orientating")....
I don't intend to sound negative here. I think it could be a great experience, however I would want more details. I was offered a similar deal, but upon further questioning they wanted me to work as a nurse so that I could observe the way the physicians function. That is it 100% nursing duties with the honor of observing if I had time. They tried to sell it as a way for me to be ready upon being licensed, but basically it seemed like the place has a bad reputation and could find nurses so they were using me. No thank you. I have no problem helping out, but let me learn and practice my new skills not be your nurse!
I don't intend to sound negative here. I think it could be a great experience, however I would want more details. I was offered a similar deal, but upon further questioning they wanted me to work as a nurse so that I could observe the way the physicians function. That is it 100% nursing duties with the honor of observing if I had time. They tried to sell it as a way for me to be ready upon being licensed, but basically it seemed like the place has a bad reputation and could find nurses so they were using me. No thank you. I have no problem helping out, but let me learn and practice my new skills not be your nurse!
JDCitizen
708 Posts
Sometimes from graduation to testing to license can be measured in months (not weeks)... More than a few of my classmates had jobs prior to graduating. Three of them, I believe, did their final clinicals at their future site of employment.
One can't practice as an NP prior to licensure (pretty sure that law in all the states) but that does not stop some from using their RN license and "orientating"....