New grad WHNP - first job as only provider in clinic?!

[iudiva]

Hi all --

I'm a new grad WHNP & I'm looking for my first job. I've submitted a handful of applications and landed 2 interviews. One of the interviews is for a job that I've long considered my "dream job" -- with two major caveats. First, it's 1.5 hrs away from my house. I'm not excited about the distance, but I could manage. However, the other issue is that I'd be the ONLY provider in the clinic. Sure, I could get back-up opinions via phone or email, and I'd have a 2-3 month orientation (which would be at a different clinic!). But after that, it would be me and 2 LPNs.

I do feel confident about the basic things -- prescribing birth control, doing pap smears...but there's a lot I didn't get much practice with during school. I didn't get to work up or manage many "problem visits", didn't see a lot of genital derm pathology, never had to reveal an + preg test... and I have to work on time management. (I was fine as an RN, but the clinic setting is so different!). I only had one clinical placement where there was only 1 provider and a few nurses, and she was awesome -- but she had YEARS of experience before working there. Otherwise, I've seen my preceptors ask for help, ideas, second opinions very frequently from the other providers in clinic. I feel that kind of a setup would help me learn & grow a lot faster, as a provider. But being alone? I know it would make me grow -- I'd have to, or I'd break. And I'm so afraid I'd break, or the stress of constantly wondering "did I do the right thing?" would consume me.

So -- question 1) Practicing solo as a new grad -- good way to build confidence, better than no job at all? Or dangerous to patients/my sanity?

Question 2: This job is with a company that I would **love** to work for. If I turn down the interview... is that a bad move? This would be an opportunity to interview with the person who runs hiring for almost the whole state. I may very well apply for a position with the company that is closer to my home (if one opens up), as long as I'm not the only provider *or* after I have some experience. I don't want to destroy my chances with this company... but I do want to start my new career off on the right foot, and I'm so concerned this isn't the right move.

Thoughts...???? Have any of you done something like this?

[JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP]

well... it's an interview. It's not a job offer. I hear your reservations but it's still worth it to go to the interview and see what comes of it. If nothing else you'll get some valuable interview skills. Or as you say you can meet with someone responsible for hiring for the whole state, and she can keep her eyes and ears open for a job more suitable for you. Whatever happens, you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain by going to this interview.

Good luck!