The NP who can't function in the role

Specialties NP

Published

I have heard of this a few times over the last 20 years. People who graduate with their NP degree, and never have the confidence to function in the role.

Right now I know of two people, an NP and a PA who are not functioning in their role. Neither are new grads, both have several years of experience, at least on the books.

One has already given notice, and the other is waiting for the ax, because she doesn't meet minimal productivity standards.

It could be that LTC work is not their niche, but the work is at one's own pace, unlike a clinic, and the expectations for productivity are quite reasonable.

If you cannot see 12 patients a day as an NP, and keep up with the associated documentation, I am not sure where you can work. You are probably unemployable in the field.

I haven't analyzed either of these individual's work habits in depth, but I have observed they often get bogged down in details, and misunderstand their role in the LTC setting.

It isn't like previous nursing jobs, where the pay comes by sitting in a chair for 8 hours. The pay only comes from billing.

The NP must shift into a mindset where they focus on providing good care, and billing for it. A boring meeting is an opportunity to pick up referrals. And bill.

Well, this is my rant for the evening.

LTC work is no joke . We did not have breaks, or coverage , or floaters from other units . Our pt load was crippling .

Specializes in NICU.

I'm curious (since I work in a NICU and don't see clinic patients). What's a good "number" to see of clinic patients per day to justify keeping a NP on staff? Do you get more time if the patients are particularly complicated or for new patients requiring a full h&P? Can specialty clinics see less patients because they can bill more as compared to primary care? I'm sure it varies based on region as well...

I can't speak about other specialties, but psych is not better reimbursed than primary care.

From my experience, the usual expectation is at least 20 patients a day.

Psych has traditionally paid by time spent. So there is the 15 minute med check, the 20-30 minute brief psychotherapy visit (with med management) and the 45-50 minute psychotherapy visit ( with med management as well).

The trouble with that, is that if you give everyone 30 minutes, you soon will be closing your practice.

I have no issue with it, because most people just want to come in and ***** and moan, but that is a topic for another day.

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