Things to think about when choosing jobs.

[rn_patrick, NP]

This is my own biased, un-researched list. leaving this out here for other people to find. Ideally learning from my mistakes.

1. Google where you are going to be working. Maybe even google the last couple providers attached to the clinic if you can find them. Maybe find out if the person you are taking over from lost their licenses for malpractice before you start.

2. What is their policy on pain medications, benzodiazepines, and prescription stimulants. Do they have a policy? Are their dose limits, are their rules for "Emergency refills." You don't want to be the one on a holiday Friday when you get asked to do a refill for Xanax 2mg TID for your co-worker's patient.

3. Is the Collaborative MD going to get your back on clinically difficult situations? Are they engaged in the practice or there to sign some charts.

4. Is the practice run or managed by a Prescriber? Many times the Executive Director can be a social worker or similar.

If so do they understand that the expectations of how we as NP's practice is different. The standard of care is treating the patient for the problem, time is a factor. The real issue is did you address the problem, at the standard of care, and not miss anything important, and do all the things you needed to do to meet the standard of care. "Can we just reschedule them...?"

Do they also respect when you say no to things like inappropriate request? Number 1 reason I have seen people request a different provider is controlled substances.

5. Do they schedule lunchtime meetings frequently, or before shift or after shift meetings? I find this lack of respect for your time sets the tone for other things in the practice. We all know Lunch is for calling patient's back and getting caught up in charting. Many NP's stay late doing the same, since patients who work are home to take a call. Also day-care and super scheduled kids these days, before and after work is scheduled like a military operation.

6. Do your peers and the MD usually leave work somewhat on time? On-time does not mean having dinner with the kids and then charting after they go to bed from home.

7. Are the NP's names on the door. On the wall? Or is it just the docs?

8. Is they pay within 15% of the average for your specialty for the area? Is for smaller practices if you think you are going to be there a while an opportunity to join the partnership?

9. Is there a productivity bonus?

10. Is the staff and office "Ready to go" for the first patient of the day. My dentist the first appointment is 9:00 but the receptionist and I are standing out there at 9:00 waiting for the manager with the key. So 9:00 is really 9:20.