Don't like my first NP job

Specialties NP

Published

I think I hate it. I've been there for 3 months, and I can't think of one good thing about it. I do office, hospital, nursing homes, rehabs, snfs, and take call. I feel like everything is being dumped on me. At first the doctor was super helpful, but then after a few weeks, he started really slacking off. My typical day goes 8am - 4pm, office, then head over to the hospital, depending on how many patients, get home around 6. The office has been there for over 20 something years, and the office and equipment there is quite old. Also, there are so many faxes that come in every day and i think thats the thing that bothers me most. Nothing gets scanned, so I'm flipping through paper charts looking for labs, x-rays, imaging, etc. Fridays suck, cos i have to go to nursing homes. And getting pages/calls from patients, ER admissions, nursing homes at home. Every time i get a text message I start freaking out. I'm miserable. This is my first NP job, and this practice is super busy. I don't know if it's worth it. All I do is work. I worked the last 2 weekends to do rounds in the hospital, get home late. I regret taking this job, I don't get any reimbursement of any kind. I wish I worked for a bigger company, if I don't know something, I sometimes step out of the room and call the MD, and sometimes he'll answer, and sometimes he wont. Sometimes he'll refer out, but he doesn't want to usually depending on insurance. If i quit, I have to give a 1 month notice, but I don't have any other job prospects. If anything it's good experience, but I don't wanna be miserable. I actually miss being an RN, at least when I was done I didn't have to worry about work, and I had way more time off. I don't have any benefits, and my pay is a little below average in my area, but nobody else would hire me, and I kind of just took the first job that i was offered to get experience, but i didn't think I would be this miserable.

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Sorry that sounds miserable. Maybe start applying for new jobs just to see if there are other options?

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I have been casually applying, but many places here require at least 1 year of experience. I'm now even seeing jobs that say don't even bother applying if you don't have 2 -3 years of experience as an NP where I live.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Okay so since you're an NP now, you gotta handle it with the doctor:

1. Make an appt with him for a discussion.

2. Have your points written out, concisely.

3. Don't make them complaints, come up with solutions and propose them.

4. Also, come up with some type of review process - like in 6 months, I get x-amt of raise and increased benefits.

What my whole point is, now that you are an NP, you have moved up the food chain and most physicians expect us to act like they would - no nonsense and state your case.

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Specializes in Med nurse in med-surg., float, HH, and PDN.

Wondering how long you worked as an RN before going into your NP role?

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9 years as an rn. The doc isn't available this week. I'll try talking to him next week.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I suspect we will see more posts like this as the numbers of graduating NPs continues to increase. There seems to be a lack of preparation to practice not only with regard to diagnosing and prescribing but also licensure, negotiations and expectations of duties which in my opinion should be taught by the place you spend a large hunk of cash: your schools.

It took working side by side with physicians for me to fully understand and appreciate the amount of time, responsibility and dedication this lifestyle requires.

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Personally, I would try and stick it our for a year. You have been there 3 months, and that would be a huge red flag for future employers to see. If had to select between a newbie and someone who bailed after three months I would take the newbie. Maybe it is not the right fit and maybe it would be beneficial to sit down with your boss or cut back your hours, but to leave after only three months is harsh. If nothing else this experience should teach you what to ask and what to look for when you do start interviewing for a new job.

Good Luck!!

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I think you should leave.

It really might not get any better despite "talking" to the physician.

That is definetly the first approach to address your concerns, but I speak from the experience of leaving my first NP job after almost two months.

Nursing home, office, hospital, ALF, and he owned real estate. I mention this because the MD offered a rental and also he would be in his office addressing rental concerns while the office was backed up with patients.

I understand as someone posted about the responsibility of the job, but seriously you don't need to be on staff at every hospital, nursing homes, etc... plus not have adequate providers so you feel pulled in all directions.

I spoke for two hours to my boss and he was a very pleasant person but no changes. Couldn't sleep after a few weeks and it was related to my job.

I showed up up at one of his offices and he wasn't there till ten. This was supposedly our late start date long evening. Myself and the patients sitting outside, at least inform us. I talk to him another time about call and it's like talking to myself.

I told my husband that I had a feeling my first check would be messed up. Money was fine but my name was spelled wrong. No not one letter or two but instead some crazy name. I went to his wife who does payroll and she told me the payroll girl did it, but she did notice it. But oh don't worry the money is there. Second check, final check, same thing.

I can go on and on. But don't stay there if no changes are made and put your license at risk and peace of mind. Maybe consider if it's too saturated in your area moving.

My friend that stayed with this MD was stressed beyond measure but she stuck it out. She left because some issues with the wife, and again no changes she stayed almost two years.

I have a little over a years experience now and I'm in a better place. Still busy, don't mind being busy and working. but the climate is so much better. Sorry I'm going on and on but it was weird to be so mentally fatigued and to come back to normal

When I was going to leave he asked if I wanted to work part time and not leave . In one of our private meetings he said he could do all the work himself and didn't need anyone. Go figure.

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Oh and I also left early because I was in the three month probation window and yes I did sign a contract. But I got out out before being locked down. Stick it out if you can I say max for six months while actively looking. Or maybe with more experience you'll feel better about the position.

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I love the idea of speaking to the MD about your concerns. He/she needs to be aware you are unhappy. It benefits them to keep you around! Make a strong case for what needs improved, why, and how. It stinks that burden falls on you but it does. I also like the idea of suggesting a follow up appointment in 6 months to review what has improved and what has not to continue making changes. Make it seem like you are being proactive as a way to help them. "Help me help you... More efficiently." I also think if you've been there 3 months you can hang in there another 9. You can! It may REALLY suck but you can. If nothing improves at the year mark, show them the door. GL!

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Wow, pczoonurse, i feel like you worked for the same doctor that I work for. He is in his office talking on his phone about other business that he he "has" to tend to, while patients are piling up. And then there are patients that only want to see him, and he's not there to see them so they wait there for him to show up. And that wastes more than an hour a day. He says to schedule the patients that only want to see him after a certain time but he doesn't show up until an hour and a half later to see them, so I have no rooms to move on with my day. When I first accepted this job, he said he was looking for somebody to split his time in half, and now he barely shows up and I feel like I'm being dumped on, what he said he would not do. I'm going to just try to stick it out for six months and see what happens. Even though I really don't want to but I feel like I have no other choice.

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