Question for OHNPs

[bsherry]

Hi,

I will be graduating from my NP program in June as an ANP with a concentration in Occupational Health. I have been given the opportunity to work as an OH RN in disaster preparedness after graduating in an 18 month position. The NP jobs in my area (SF Bay Area) tend to be a bit scarce and actually don't pay that well for starting NPs. I plan to take the short term position as the OH RN. I feel it's an opportunity I can't pass up (and it pays better than new grad NPs)

My only fear regarding taking this position is that I will forget some of the NP skills (predominately PE skills) I have just spent 2 years learning. Does anyone know of any NP refresher courses available? I know there are plenty of RN re-entry programs for those wanting to get back into the hospital I just wonder if there is something similar for NPs.

Thanks

Beth

[hcmanp, NP]

I'm an OH NP. Fell free to ask me anything. :)

Tina, RN, APRN-BC

I just got done with the interview, and I must say it didn't grab me out of the sky and make me holler Eureka!

I have been working in private practice for the past 3 years, and this is so very different from what I have done, I am not sure what to think. I think this department has 4 nurses on staff daily and an MD 3 days per week. It sounds like they want an NP to cover the days the doc is not there, but want the np to revert to rn on the days the doc is on site. My concern is that the job will be more "nursey" than "practitionery", if you know what I mean.

I am also concerned because this is the first NP position they have ever had, and during the interview, I had to inform them about the state NP act, and how their plans would need to be modified to meet current legislation. They did not even seem to know what a collaborative practice was.

How does it work where you are?