New grad NP taking a position at a Retail Clinic

[SunnybeachRN]

I know this topic has been discussed on here before a few years back, but I was hoping to get some current feedback. I graduated a year ago and passed my boards as an FNP last December. I have been having trouble finding a position that does not require experience, or a least a position that would be days versus nights. I have been working nights as an ICU nurse for the last 7 years. I was also hoping for an office or clinic position as opposed to hospital, seeing as how that is what my clinicals consisted of and I have had no hospital training from the NP standpoint. I had one potential office position a few months back that fell through because their NP unexpectedly decided to come back after her baby was born, that was pretty upsetting I really liked the office and physicians. I seem to be on the brink of an offer with a retail clinic at the moment and am planning on taking it because I feel that the longer I wait without a position of some sort, the rustier my NP skills will get and worse I will look to potential employers. I was even asked as the first question of my phone interview with the retail clinic very cleverly in not so many words why I still have not found an NP position, I believe I handled it well but that's not the point, I don't think I want to encounter that again, and it sure won't get better with time. I do realize that accepting this position will limit my scope of practice and many people in this industry have a distaste for these type of clinics, but I feel I need to start somewhere. Thus far the people I have met seem really nice the position itself seems like a good place for a new grad to start, sick visits for adults and kids, URI's, strep, UTI's, that sort of thing. The clinic offers physicals and diabetic and hypertension evaluations but I am not sure how many they perform. This all seems pretty good aside from the fact that the NP is completely alone in the clinic. That part is a bit worrisome, apparently there are many contact NP's and a collaborating physician available though. Just wondering if anyone has been in my predicament or has any good advice. Thanks!

[Psychcns]

It may not be ideal but it's a start. You will work as an NP. I say, take the job!!

[SunnybeachRN]

Thanks for your support! I actually did accept the offer today. I am excited and of course somewhat nervous as well.

[Tinabeanrn]

Dont be nervous. You will do fine! I hope its going well. I think its not a bad start. I would have started there too if they would have called me back. I was lucky enough to get a family practice job, believe me I am running my little butt off. I am learning so much! I think if you keep yourself current you will be fine. You will see acute illnesses and their computer automated systems take the thinking process out of the way for you. So you should definitely learn protocols for acute illnesses. And you will see kids and adults so thats cool. Its probably not the best place to start and probably a better place to retire, but you have to start somewhere. I know a few girls that started off there from my school and they like it. How is it going? And congrats by the way! There is no shame in an honest job :)

[SunnybeachRN]

Thanks! It's good to hear from someone else in a similar place entering the first job and all. It can be a scary thing. I haven't actually started yet. In 2 weeks I will have orientation online live online for 3 days straight with new NP's to the company from all over the country. I am curious how that works exactly. This is assuming the whole credentialing process goes as planned, I recently got married and my ANCC certificate needs to to be changed into my married name for me to be credentialed. I am not sure how fast the ANCC will do this, even though they assured me it would only take a few days once they received a copy of my marriage certificate. If they don't change it fast enough my hire date will be backed up. Do you have any good advice for entering the new job? Things you wish you had done ahead of time and such, brushed up on etc.? I am trying to prepare the best I can.

[Tinabeanrn]

Labs! When, what, frequency, meaning. But I'm sure you won't have to worry about that.

[ariel25]

Hello,

I was also contemplating a position at a retail clinic? How do you like it so far? What are pros and cons? Hope you are loving the job!

[SunnybeachRN]

Hi Ariel25,

Sorry for the long delay, I don't check this too often. In response to your question I am really loving my position in the retail clinic setting. It has taken some getting used to In terms of pros and cons: I feel that my orientation was a bit short considering my new grad status. I believe it was 9 shifts with a preceptor. Also, I started during their busiest time December (winter in general) very heavy patient volume during this time, it has definitely slowed down. It is a bit difficult working entirely solo, especially at first. This is where it helps to have really nice helpful co-workers to call on for help and advice when you find yourself feeling lost or unsure. There is also a physician assigned to each clinic available anytime for consult, if you run into a difficult case. Most of the time having a difficult case can be ruled out by guideline exclusion. There are strict guidelines set forth to follow that usually keep things from becoming to complicated or time consuming in an environment where you are generally expected to complete a patient visit in about 15 mins. This sounds like typical doctors office time slots but it is not. As a retail clinician you will perform EVERY aspect of the patient visit starting with entering insurance information, performing a full set of vitals, the hx, and assessment of the pt., e-prescribing medications if necessary (of course) closing the visit with taking any required payment. This can sound like a lot but once you get used to it this becomes second nature. Overall the position offers great pay, benefits, and retirement plan. Let me know if you would like more info.