Nurcpou

I've heard a lot of mean things in my relatively short career. I've been called a lot of expletives and been threatened with lawsuits and broken bones. Confusion, psychosis, fear, and pain seemed to be at the root of most mean things said to me and know that took away some of the sting. The one that really got me though was the lady who seemed to be mean for her own enjoyment. I was working as an RN at a family practice clinic and was called to perform a dressing change. The wound was in an awkward location, but it didn't seem too difficult. As I was working, the patient commented that the people at the wound care clinic did a MUCH better job than I was doing. No specifics of what I was doing wrong, no suggestions on how to do it right, no complaints of discomfort, just that someone else generally did it better. I was a little taken aback, but smiled and agreed they are very good at what they do. I guess that wasn't the reaction that she wanted, because as I was putting the finishing touches on the dressing she looked at her arm and said again "yep they definitely do it better than you" Out of the corner of my eye I saw her looking intently at my face. I realized that for whatever reason she wanted to see a reaction (not sure if she hoped to see me angry or hurt or what). So I responded by again smiling and happily complementing the other nurses on their skills, but avoided agreeing with her that my work was somehow lacking. Her insult didn't hurt my feelings much, but it bothered me because there didn't seem to be any reason for it, at least nothing that made sense to me. I really hoped that my face didn't show any reaction that she was looking for.

I've only been working as an FNP for about 6 months, but so far I'm quite satisfied with my decision. Disadvantages: 1) a shorter time in training, and it seems like there is a lot that I don't know yet, but as one of the MDs pointed out, my experience in nursing counts for a lot. 2) no "status" of being an MD and honestly I just don't care. When (usually well-meaning) patients ask if I want to "go on" to become a doctor, I smile and shake my head and say "nooooo..." followed by some sort of statement highlighting that I'm happy with my position and I love what I do. Half my patients call me "doctor" anyway despite my repeated corrections. Most of the MDs in the group treat me with great respect or at least kindness, more like a peer. 3) Money - I don't know what the MDs make, but I don't think the rate is that much different than mine. I work in a county clinic, so I'm sure I could make more money somewhere else, but again, I don't really care - I love what I do and I'm making more than enough to pay my bills and build my savings. I also have a good benefits package, and got a nice holiday gift. Other advantages: 1) I work for a supportive and education-focused medical group that values their PAs and NPs and is invested in our success. 2) everyone in the group seems to share a desire to provide quality care to the medically under served. 3) the hours aren't bad at all: I work 9 half-day clinics per week, but if I decide to start a family I think they would be flexible and let me cut back. I also have the option of working after-hours urgent care (not ready for that yet) No weekends or bank holidays. I'm never on call (while the MDs in the group rotate). The medical director constantly urges me to take more vacations and not spend too much time in the office at the end of the day. 4) Did I mention I love what I do? Family practice is interesting, challenging, fun and while I don't look forward to going to work every day, the good days are definitely more than the bad. So, if I could do it all over again, I would still choose NP. Best wishes to you in your decisions.

I think that the clinical experience is very valuable in terms of future practice. Preceptors can't just wave away clinical by saying that you won't learn the "real deal" until you start to work. I saw complicated patients from the second day onward - now, I often run into situations and disease processes that I did not encounter during my clinical rotations, but I'm glad I got as much exposure and experience as I did. My preceptors were faculty for a residency program, so I got the benefit of learning from physicians who were passionate about teaching. If you have the opportunity, spend as many hours as possible in a county clinic or a location that serves low-income populations - it is quite rewarding work, the variety is interesting, and the staff are often eager for more help. Interjecting your plan as part of presenting the patient is an excellent idea, and maybe you'll get more feedback.

I also was responsible for finding a preceptor. My program had a list of several willing clinic sites and made an effort to help students with the process. I commuted 2 hours each way for lecture, so I decided to find a preceptor that was closer to home. I found an excellent site. It took some time for the clinic and university to develop a contract, but after that things went well. My instructor seemed pleased during site visits and I feel that I had a rich and rewarding clinical experience. Best wishes to you and I hope you have an excellent experience as well.

When I started clinical, I received some excellent advice from one of the providers which I will pass along to you: enjoy the luxury of being a student, no one else expects you to be good at this yet and you should allow yourself to be a learner. Take time to ask questions and be okay with making mistakes in a safe environment. (Did I actually take this advice? Not always, but felt much better when I did!) For me, the stress wasn't really working in the clinic, the stress came from having to take more time off from work to finish my hours. Best wishes to you in your endeavors. I just got hooded and it was so rewarding to see some pay-off on all that hard work.

These have been so interesting... and true! When coming back from a "smoke break" with friends, do not attempt to cover up the stink of weed with nasty perfume. It just makes the room stinkier, and nurses are smart. Repeatedly screaming "I can't breathe!" at the top of your lungs is not a convincing argument. Pain should probably not be rated 10/10 if you can barely stay awake long enough to slur out the word "ten" Do not poke, massage or pick at already-inflamed genitals and then complain about how much it hurts. And when ambulating in the hallway, do not support your swollen self with your hand while groaning. Not pretty. Don't stab yourself in the stomach and say it was an armed intruder... that no one else saw. Don't grab the roll bar of the go-cart as it's rolling. Nurses - do not lean against side rails, especially if the patient has been hacking and coughing all day long - you might find a special prize has attached itself to your pants. Don't think you don't need eye protection. (Still doing the follow-up labs for exposure ) Always be as prepared for anything as much as possible. Always double check. I am not immune to making the same mistakes I looked down on others for making. And from my days as a CNA in LTC: If a patient is having liquid stools, make sure to position the total-lift sling so that the stool won't come out at an inconvenient angle when the patient is up in the air. Also make sure the battery doesn't quit halfway through this particular transfer. A little old man can and will turn the most innocent comment or situation into an innuendo. Like asking what kind of dessert he likes Don't take your diabetic family member to Thanksgiving dinner, allow him to overeat, and then keep him out late at night so that by the time he comes back, he pukes all over and has no strength to transfer to bed.