advsmuch08

At my old job, we would spend all morning talking to our patients, physicians, and nursing staff. By the time lunch came around, we were tired of talking, so many of us would read a book or scroll on our phones. There were complaints that we weren’t talking or interacting with each other in the break room.......

My friend did a 1 year residency in ambulatory medicine after she completed pharmacy school. She works in a large primary care office, working mainly with chronic disease management patients. She works one-on-one with patients educating them the disease processes, medications, regimens, lifestyle changes, etc. She does appointments with patients both in-office and virtual. I’m uncertain of the technical part, but if she is consulted, she can adjust the patients’ medications. Usually she does this for the hypertension and diabetic patients. She seems to be happy and enjoy getting to know her patients over time. Just a thought for you...

I applied to a job posting that opened when someone retired as positions open very rarely in this department. The phone interview went well and I was told it may take a few weeks for the hiring manager to get back to me. I followed up with the recruiter after waiting for awhile and I found out the department is facing some changes. Hiring for this job is on hold till they see if it’s affected. No further information was offered. A friend who is familiar with the position said they face budget cuts every few years and people are nervous. My gut reaction is that these are red flags: budget cuts and not notifying applicants of the hiring hold. In some ways, I am tempted to wait it out to see what happens as this would be a step up for career advancement and pay. Realistically, I think I should withdraw my application and look for other opportunities. What are your thoughts on this? Thank you for your responses!

This interaction with my supervisor had really caught me off guard. Thank you for your responses!

My supervisor asked me in private about my observations of the dynamics between two of my peers. Each one feels they are given unfairly difficult assignments and the other is not pulling their weight. My opinion was sought because I work with them the most often, though not in a leadership role. I gave a noncommittal response that I frequently see each of them busy at work but I felt like I was being asked to spy on them. Any suggestions on how to proceed if I am asked again? Thank you!

Thank you for your advice! You brought up some great points to consider. I've thought some day I'd be interested working in management, just didn't expect it now. I'll definitely look into the support offered to new managers.

I have an opportunity to work in management. My supervisor and co-workers are strongly encouraging me to do so. I'm hesistent because of the potential added stress, lack of management experience, and department politics. As an introverted person, I tend to avoid conflict but at the same time I don't want people to take advantage of me. How did you know you were ready for a role in management?

My advice is to listen to your gut instinct when interviewing or on the job. If something just doesn't sit well take a moment to reflect before taking action.

Generally, do you see a difference in how well NP students are prepared based upon their school, for-profit versus non-profit? In your experience, has their choice of colleges factored into the hiring process?

I went through an accelerated program and it was very intense. School is basically your full time job. Wake up early for clinicals, go to clinicals, eat a quick lunch, go to classes, come home to do homework, eat, shower, repeat. We only had like 2 weeks off between semesters. I was glad I went the accelerated route but you must be especially prepared for the time committment and be highly organized.

Some things to look into may be a physical therapy, exercise physiology, or cardiac rehab.

I have heard from a CCF Florida employee that they pay the least in that area. I didn't hear any specific numbers. I don't know how true that is. You might want to ask HR.

I pretty much recommend this for anyone considering nursing as a career but you really need to shadow several nurses. Shadow nurses working in med/surg, critical care, peds, etc. Check out different hospitals at different times. I know you've done these clinical rotations in med school but it's important to see these areas from a nurse's perspective. If you're set on nursing, going the NP route would probably be best with your background. Consider the direct-entry MSN in that case. On a side note, I was excited to see your reference to the movie Gattaca as when I've referred to it most people have no idea what I'm talking about.

I think the toughest part of nursing school is the time management/organization. You have to be at the top of your game preparing for classes, studying for exams, preparing presentations, and prep for clinicals. It takes time to fine a routine that works best for you.

I would suggest pursuing the clinic route. The work hours are predictable and consistent. It will still have stress, just not the kind of stress you're used to. The pace will likely be slower than that of a med/surg floor. You may get to know the patients over time. I think the clinic job will entail some education which will be great since you have the hospital perspective.