New NP Job

Published

Specializes in Pediatrics, Med-Surg.

Hey all, just started a new np job 2 weeks ago, am having a bit of a hard time adjusting to 5 days a week 8 hours/day. This has not been the most difficult challenge though. I accepted a position in a in patient drug rehab facility. I knew that the population would be a challenge but the biggest challenge I have faced so far has not been the clients. On my first day I was informed that I should strive to see 10 or more patients per day, I was not given an orientation unless you count me sitting in a corner watching the other np write an orientation, I was then expected to work on my own after. I don't expect my hand to be held but I would appreciate some feedback or some guidance especially since this is my first job as an NP. Any words of wisdom from anyone? I don't want to be a quitter and just give up but I'm just not feeling this right now. I don't think I will grow if I'm expected to hit the floor running. As of right now I see clients by myself without any guidance or overview. :confused:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, Cardiac Medicine, Retail Health.

Tough situation to be in, is there anyone at your facility that you can discuss this with?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Med-Surg.

I've emailed the person who hired me and have not gotten any response, spoke with one of the other NP's and was told I know you want a support system but you can't count on me because I've been here x amount of time and don't know what I'm doing either, I just read up on the disease and treat, and hope for the best. That kind of left me in shock because if anything I thought she could be a resource person since she has been at the facility for some time. My collaborating physician just comes in and asks me are you ok, smiles at me and then says great and walks away. My office manager states that my notes look good and that my numbers look good so I'm doing fine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Orthopedics, Hospitalists.

Wow, not the best environment for a new grad! I'm not sure what to say, except that if you feel you are practicing unsafely, say something or get the heck out of there. No job is worth your license. I think a week or so at minimum is reasonable for a new hire, I'd insist on at least that to get comfortable with the charting / patients / etc. Do you see the same type of patient each visit? if so, you should catch on quick! Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi,

I am sorry to hear about the situation you have been put in. I was in a similar position and blamed myself. The MD I was working "with" had no desire or interest to train anyone and seemed to gain pleasure out of seeing people fail.

The job I was in offerred minimal support if any. Not a good way to start out! I lasted a year and quit. Now I am lookiong for something else in a very tough market. Try to stay positive. If it doesnt have any chance of getting better, then get out. Your sanity is important! Keep us posted!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Med-Surg.

Thanks Max, I don't think the physician wants me to fail but he is too pre-occupied with whatever he feels is important and isn't really to caring regarding new grads. I just hate that the other NP's believe that this is the way things should be. I think it's not horrible but it's also not what I want. I feel bad about complaining because I had lunch with a former classmate of mine and she is currently seeing 40-50 pts a day and has no time to go to the bathroom or eat lunch :confused::confused: I was like wow, I shouldn't complain at seeing 10-15/day. Hopefully things get better for me and at the same time I have my feelers out for any other possible positions which may suit me better. I'll keep you guys posted.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in retail.

This sadly seems to be the way NP's are supposed to work.

There absolutely NEEDS to be an NP residency program! there are a handful out there now.

Relying on the luck of the draw to get a friendly teaching environment is ludicrous. Almost all my classmates are in this type of situation, flying by the seat of their pants.

I quit the first job I was supposed to have, giving up big loan repayment, because they had a non existant "training" week which consisted of my going to see person after person who was supposed to orient me, and them each saying "No one told me I was meeting with you today." I complained to the medical director, who said how sorry she was that I was falling through the cracks, etc, but still expected me to start seeing patients on Monday. just craziness.

If i had it to do over I would have gone to PA school, where they seem to get hands on training for procedures and real world Midlevel duties.

they get ER and surgical rotations, which I would have really loved.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion