Resources for primary care NP

[Fnpatlast]

I just started a full time job as a primary care NP in an outpatient clinic a week ago. As soon as I was shown my office and logged on the computer. I was told my first was ready to see me. There's little to know guidance from anyone. I feel so lost.

I need several resources:

List of common medical issues in primary care

List of common tests to order in association with the medical condition

List of commonly prescribed medications, dosages, length of treatment

Medications to avoid for the elderly with chronic medical conditions and co-morbidities

Medications to avoid in elderly with chronic kidney disease

Medication to avoid in patients with diabetes

Best medication for the cold, muscle pain, skin rash, dry skin,

and the list goes on....

I am using my school notes and resources but having a list at the tip of my fingers will help a great deal.

In addition to navigating through a complex electronic medical record, not knowing what tests to order or prescribe just make me want to pack my bag and quit.

I just ordered 5 minute clinical consult for rush delivery.

I appreciate your help, advice, tips.

[Barnstormin' PMHNP]

I forgot to add Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory tests. It has three different appendices in the back, one organized by test, one organized by body system, and one organized by disease and organ panels. It is an excellent resource for labs an has a lot of cross referencing.

[PG2018]

Shouldn't you have learned this in school?! Pick one or two good sources and stick with them. No need to overload yourself. No time during the day to check multiple anyway. You'll learn it soon enough.

[Tesses]

I do hope things are getting better after your initial post. It is very normal to get nervous as a new grad but please, don't overwhelm yourself. Out of all the resources you have, just stick to 2/3 of them. You may find the 5min clinical consult to be your best friend for acute problems, then use the national guideline clearing house website as a back up for recommended practice guidelines. I go directly to 'recommendation' to get what I need quickly. Then...medscape/epocrates for dosing guideline. As you see each patient with successful outcomes, you will use that as a tool for a similar patient next time.

Also, don't be afraid to take a little extra time to find your answers.......even after assessing the patient, if you feel your initial plan before coming in to the room won't work, excuse yourself from the room and go make further research! It will get easier with time.

Make sure you are making progress weekly. Goodluck!

[FNP2bMRL3]

Can't go wrong with Family Practice Guidelines (Cash & Glass) and The 5-Minute Clinical Consult. If you can't find it in there then you need to punt to a specialist......

[FNP2bMRL3]

First off, I provided you with some good resources that you requested.

It is not out job to be blindly encouraging or blindly supportive, as blunt as I may have been, it just might be the best advice you get as a novice provider. Being in a dangerous practice environment puts your license and future career in jeopardy.

It is absolutely a good thing that you posted with your concerns and are taking steps to improve your practice. I have suggested some good resources that cover epidemiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, appropriate diagnostics, and appropriate treatment.

Remember that in practice nothing is black-and-white and that general lists and treatments don't work for every patient, plus you need to be sure your diagnosis is accurate in the first place.

"I am shocked that you graduated without knowing" how to be tactful when appropriate.............I don't think he/she needs your emotions or a lesson in life from your incredible wisdom......Sometimes folks need a little encouragement instead of tearing down to get'm over the hill.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Please be mindful that many of these posts are well over a year old. Thankd