Questions for experienced NP

allnurses Guide · Jan 23, 2014

These exercises help you as a student begin to network as an future NP. Try joining your state NP association as a student member; other members will be happy to meet with you and you will develop a network contact.

BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN · Jan 23, 2014

I'd answer them for you, but I don't have a collaborative relationship- I'm in a state that doesn't require anything like that. I agree that you would benefit from meeting with someone local and doing some networking.

AdultNPstudent · Jan 23, 2014

Great suggestion. Thanks!

zenman · Jan 23, 2014

Hi I am a current AdultNP student. I will be graduating May 2015. As part of my NP roles class, I have to interview an experienced NP (over 2 years in practice). The instructor is trying to help us get a realistic outlook of the challenges of finishing the program and transitioning into the role of a new NP. If anyone has any insights on these questions, I would appreciate your feedback.
1) What were your challenges while pursuing your education? How did you manage Family, Work, Personal life during the clinical year? Strategies that helped? Were there challenges you did not anticipate? Advice you wish you listened to and didn't?

Does it matter if I'm a PMHNP? I did a post-masters certificate as I already had a masters as Psych CNS. There was only my wife and me as kids were already grown. I didn't work as I was in Thailand. My days were spent studying, biking, going out so personal life was good. I was already an expert learner so that was no problem. Challenges were flying back to the states for portions of some classes, physical exams, for example. I only had to do 2 quarters of clinical so did one at Navy hospital in Okinawa and the other at VA outpatient mental health clinic in Texas. There were a few challenges in Okinawa due to language barrier outside the base. Biggest challenge perhaps was dealing with a certain instructor who had more experience in ivory towers rather than clinical experience. I won that battle though and didn't have to follow through with a lawyer.

2) Do you feel your program prepared you to properly practice in your role?

Yep; I hit the ground running right out of school and started out doing locums tenons which is usually reserved for people with experience.

3) Challenges in your current job?

I'm a contractor with the military and love my job. Biggest frustration is emphasis from Generals who are more interested in treating paperwork than patients. Military is largest employer with the sorriest computer system. They need to bring in Google to straighten it out. Nine servers went down the other day and this is the military for jeez sakes! Charting software sucks but I have my own template and access to hospital dictation. I'm never behind on documentation.

4) Can you describe your collaborative relationship?

I'm in a state that requires a collaborating physician. Previously, I was in NM which is totally independent. Other than dealing with the state BON which was a pain, the collaboration is not a hassle. I wrote up an aggrement and it was signed by the civilian doc who is over us civilians. The agreement was then thrown in a drawer where it will be pulled out and signed yearly. It makes no difference in my practice. I'm the only prescriber for a morning urgent care clinic. I see hospital returns, admit to local hospitals, see everyone's patients who are having problems or med side effects, people who can't wait for their initial intake, suicidal or homical patients, etc.. Afternoons I see my own caseload.

5) What were your biggest challenges transitioning to the role of NP?

Probably with meds and research. Remember I had 37 yrs experience before I got my NP so that kinda helped with role transition. Most research isn't worth the paper it's written on so much med management comes with experience as there's a lot you won't find in pharm books. I don't have trouble with any staff here and have 3 RN's who run patients back to me.

6) Do you precept students? Why, why not?

I precept Army PA students but no NP students have asked. I'd be glad to have some but they better not be dumb around me!

That help?

Thank you in advance for your answers!!

AdultNPstudent · Jan 23, 2014

Zenman Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. It is interesting to hear from a PMHNP! I will be using your answers for my paper.