Setting up a Private Practice

Published

Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum but I have been viewing it as a guest for quite some time. I am currently about to finish my BSN and about to start my FNP. I am looking at some insight for some future career advice. I am very interested in the field of Dermatology and I was wondering if it is possible to start my own practice once I finish my FNP and get a few years of work under my belt? I know Nurse Practitioners can start a Family Practice but I am still a little bit unsure when it comes to specialties. By the way I live in New Mexico which from what I understand is a very NP friendly state. I appreciate any help given. Thanks in advance!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Dermatology is a specialty. New Mexico has independent practicing rights sure but in their scope of practice (http://nmbon.sks.com/uploads/files/New%20Mexico%20Nursing%20Practice%20Act.pdf) it clearly says that an NP can: (3) serve as a primary acute, chronic long-term and end of life health care provider and as necessary collaborate with licensed medical doctors, osteopathic physicians or podiatrists. It makes no mention of dermatology specifically.

One potential legal problem will be whether you can prove competency and specialization once you have graduated in order to justify your dermatology clinic.

edit: specific section in the NPA regarding NPs is 61-3-23.2 on pg 16.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So are there currently any NP's running a dermatology practice in other states?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Internal Medicine.

I'm not sure about independently running dermatology clinics, but I know of several FNP's working with dermatologists in their clinics. I can't imagine that it would be allowed independently, even in New Mexico where I am quite familiar with their pretty liberal scope of practice (graduated with my BSN from NMSU and live 30 minutes from the NM border).

It would be like me deciding to open up shop in Las Cruces as a Cardiology specializing Nurse Practitioner. Can't imagine too many cadiologists or the New Mexico Medical Board being too keen on that.

A better alternative would be to open up your own primary care clinic, but advertise some of the dermatology things you can manage like skin care, acne treatment, suspicious moles, punch biopsies, etc. That will ultimately bring in more business slanted in that direction.

My best advice overall though would be to find a dermatology clinic with a physician and get on board there. Being in New Mexico you will still be practicing autonomously, but have the resource of a specialist in house.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

Baby steps.

You have a long way to go before you are close to education/experience/competency level it would require to open and provide for an independent speciality clinic.

Focus first on getting derm experience as a student and then a provider-level job in a dermatology practice. Your general FNP experience will need significant post-grad clinical experience to function in dermatology. Once you have sufficient clinical skills you can begin to learn the business side.

Best of luck.

Sent from my iPhone.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion