Soon to be NP. Nervous.

allnurses Guide · Nov 18, 2014

The role change is a little more drastic than the role change between student RN and RN.

Remember it's ok to ask for support/help.

It's okay to over-refer if needed. Read the referral notes and start to understand the diagnosis and treatment.

If you think about ordering something, do it.

Schedule close follow ups.

Remember at the end of the day the most important job is discerning normal from abnormal.

Sent from my iPhone.

NJprisonrn · Nov 18, 2014

It's a big change! My best advice is to keep reading. Go over your notes from school or from your review course. I still listen to the review cds in my car. I also keep journals in my bathroom. Seek out a first job that offers you support. You will have a lot of questions, so don't be afraid to ask them. I totally agree with BostonFNP's recommendations.

allnurses Guide · Nov 18, 2014

I would be concerned if you weren't nervous. I remember feeling like a total imposter when I graduated. It took a while to gain confidence in myself. When job hunting, look for a supportive environment where you will have adequate orientation and ongoing support. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

I think you're right on track......

anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP · Nov 18, 2014

One of my concerns is about over ordering tests or referring for a stupid reason. But, yes, it is better to send them than not and I know experience helps cut down on that!!

And one of the criteria for where I want to work is to have experienced people around me. I don't want to be in a rural clinic by myself as a newbie :|

STILL THE NERVES. I just started feeling comfortable as a RN not too awfully long ago and now I'll be back at square one lol.

allnurses Guide · Nov 19, 2014

One of my concerns is about over ordering tests or referring for a stupid reason. But, yes, it is better to send them than not and I know experience helps cut down on that!!
And one of the criteria for where I want to work is to have experienced people around me. I don't want to be in a rural clinic by myself as a newbie :|
STILL THE NERVES. I just started feeling comfortable as a RN not too awfully long ago and now I'll be back at square one lol.

Ordering too many tests is not an issue. Better to order and get negatives to confirm than miss. You will quickly adjust.

You absolutely need support. Other NPs is a huge plus.

Sent from my iPhone.

guest538567 · Nov 19, 2014

I will mirror the previous posts. I would much rather a new NP be nervous than overconfident. In my opinion the most important aspect in a new position is a good orientation and mentor-ship with your supervising MD or an experienced peer. Ask questions and read as much as you can. You may want to consider using some of your CME money for a subscription to a clinical resource like uptodate. I did not take a review class when I graduated but took one last year for CME hours. I found that it was a great clinical practice review.

As the other posters have mentioned, don't be afraid to refer and order tests when needed.

anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP · Nov 19, 2014

Well I bought Holliers review cd's and was thinking is sell them as soon as I passed the exam but yall bring up good points. Maybe I'll keep them a while!

Already learned something!!

allnurses Guide · Nov 19, 2014

Invest in UpToDate before you graduate with two year sub then have your new employer pay for it.

Sent from my iPhone.

ryguyRN · Nov 19, 2014

I'm right there with you anh06005 I feel the same way.

Trauma Columnist · Nov 20, 2014

Audio digest is a great resource and source of CME. Look for a practice where you click with one or more if the other APRNS or PAs. I was fortunate to get a great job right out of school but it was in a specialty practice where I knew nothing! I was fortunate to have a great orientation and to this day, over 8 yrs later, we are a close knit group and we frequently bounce stuff off of each other.

allnurses Guide · Nov 21, 2014

Join your local NP group also for networking and mentoring!