New FNP

[PansyKat]

Hello,

I am a new FNP of 4 months(although I have been an RN for over 25 years). I also have a MSN in healthcare administration. My question is this...how many patients does a new FNP typically see? I work in a walk in clinic and see upwards of 30-32 patients in a 9 our shift. Sometimes, I only work with a couple techs and receptionist. I do not have a designated time to eat or to take a break. I just keep chugging along seeing patients. I am finding myself starting to get a case of burnout!!!! Next week I will start to rotate to the family practice clinic and see my own patients 2 days a week. The other 2 days I will be back in the walk-in clinic. I am concerned how this will work!!

Any feedback or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[sandnnw, BSN, MSN, EMT-B, APRN]

Wow, you kinda sound like me!

That is unfortunately the "nature of the beast" in a walk-in. Worse so in an ED. At least in the ED we have triage RNs who can help weed out the truly needy vs lower priority folks.

M-F: I'm the whipping boy in the ED (I love being him though), I know, bad, bad NP

EOW: one of two providers, usually a PA and we crank out anywhere from 30-50+ in 8hrs. Occasionally, there's a q**et hour or two and we enjoy them.

I know during the week, the walk-in is open 11hrs and they see even more. Its like the ED, no set hours for breaks or lunch, etc. With more experience you'll get faster, and ultimately, it depends upon what's wrong with the folks. Refills/sniffles take minutes, abdominal pain can take hours, everything else, somewhere in between.

I suggest you relish your clinic days, enjoy them and polish your skates the night before your walk-in days. Sounds like a nice blend of work and your are definitely getting great experience.