The Next Step

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Specializes in Family Practice.

So I've made contact in person with physicians from each of the nephrology groups I am considering pursuing a position with after graduation (see my previous posts for the back story). All three have shown significant interest. I am not naive, I realize I have to take that with a grain of salt and it doesn't mean I have a job offer on the table. However, it is encouraging to see the amount of interest.

The particular group that I am most interested in working with is in the process of losing the lead physician (to retirement) and the second-most tenured physician is scaling back his practice as well. So there are two younger physicians who are planning to carry the practice going forward. There is a PA and a NP working with the practice already. The physician who rounded at our dialysis center today told me that they just had a record amount of patient visits in the last month for the practice. So he tipped his hand a little in showing that they will be in need of a provider.

The question I am currently pondering is when should I formally submit a resume in hopes of potentially securing a position with them after graduation?

I am thinking that as soon as I get through the insanity of this summer semester, I will work on polishing up the resume a little (not much needed really, other than adjusting dates). I am considering scheduling an appointment with the office manager at the preferred practice to meet in person and submit my resume by hand.

I have a couple things working in my favor: good rapport with all providers at the practice, good rapport with some of the office staff due to frequent communication, and 2.5 yrs CVICU experience followed by 8+ years HD experience. I did give the rounding physician my contact information to give to their office manager if they were interested in contacting me before I get to them. In hindsight, I'm wondering if this might hurt more than help. Too late now.

So, any thoughts on the timing and method of resume submission?

Thanks for any input.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Hey I was wondering what was happening with you! Glad for the update!

I think you are doing fine. And yes, I would definitely start sending out resumes. 8 years HD experience is sure to garner some interest and get you an interview.

Don't sell yourself short but realize that even though you know HD, you won't be DOING HD - if that makes sense. As an HD RN you have some very good skills:

1. Knowledge of HD and the chronicity of pts

2. Ability to accurately assess pts

3. Emphasize that you can think on your feet and know sick from not sick.

4. Try to network with other APRNs in your locale to get a feel for wages/benefits. Look to the specialty practices.

Best wishes

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Specializes in Family Practice.
5 hours ago, traumaRUs said:

Don't sell yourself short but realize that even though you know HD, you won't be DOING HD - if that makes sense.

Definitely understand this part. In communication with two nephrology NPs and a PA I have been able to glean a good bit of information.

As an HD RN you have some very good skills:

1. Knowledge of HD and the chronicity of pts

I am well-versed in ESRD, but feel that I will need to give myself a refresher course in medically managing AKI and CKD 1-4 prior to HD initiation since this will likely end up being key subject matter to know.

2. Ability to accurately assess pts

Combo of ICU and 8 years of HD helps a lot with this.

3. Emphasize that you can think on your feet and know sick from not sick.

Same answer as #2

4. Try to network with other APRNs in your locale to get a feel for wages/benefits. Look to the specialty practices.

I have been able to find out a little from the nephrology NPs. One of them (working for the physician whose wife is office manager) is only making $95k/yr with pretty weak sounding benefits. This NP did not necessarily have the bargaining power I am starting with. First, I have dialysis experience (she had none), second, I’m a male (I know it’s not fair and I don’t agree with it, but I will likely have an advantage due to this fact), third, I have been studying contract negotiation for the last 3+ years. Successfully negotiated a 10% raise a couple years ago when the “maximum” raise for that year was going to be 2.5%.

So I will be working all of these things in my favor. My goal is to hopefully negotiate around $110k/year with modestly decent benefits and some definitive terms for PTO, CE, bonus structure, etc.

Best wishes

As always, thanks for the response @traumaRUs

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Specializes in Family Practice.

Would it be best to deliver all the resumes in person, or just mail them with a cover letter? I do still plan to go in person to the practice with which I a hoping to get a position.

One other point of interest. The physician for the group I hope to be hired with asked me if I would be interested in rounding on patients in the hospital. I told him I would not completely rule that out, but would probably prefer to start in the office to get acclimated to the practice and maybe move into hospital rounds after getting a little more comfortable. He also clarified that it would not be a definite requirement, he was just curious if I would be willing.

The hospital part seems daunting at this point, although I wouldn't anticipate it being a problem after some experience.

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