What kinds of patients do you see?

Trauma Columnist · May 24, 2012

Well, I manage renal pts and deal with all aspects of dialysis management, diabetic care and of course HTN. I also manage codes that happen in outpt dialysis units.

allnurses Guide · May 24, 2012

I have always worked outpatient (I am a Direct Entry grad). My first job was in an Adult primary care practice at a community health center. I dealt with everything from diabetes to psych to derm. It was a great education and experience. We (the practice as a whole) did not solo manage extremely complicated patients-that's what specialists are for. We might continue their meds and adjust them after they saw the specialist, but we would refer if the condition was very complex. I now work in a specialty practice (asthma and allergy) and see pediatrics and adults. We manage all aspects of these diseases. I deal with anaphylactic reactions if they happen in the office. I love my job.

If your interested in peds, then try and get a job working with that population. You can certainly start taking classes for your Masters while you're working. I don't think there's a set amount of experience you need to have. Any experience is good, and you'll know when you're ready to move on. I have not worked bedside as an RN, and I've done fine as an NP. That may not be the right route for everyone, but it was for me.

You might consider setting up some informational meetings with different schools so you can learn more about the programs, and see what they would like to see in their applicants. Don't let the opinion of 1 person influence your decision.

Congratulations on getting your BSN!

SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS · May 24, 2012

Please clarify for yourself whether your instructor is an acute NP or a primary care NP. Sounds like she may be the acute care version.

Where I am studying for my MSN, some of the available tracks are: adult primary care NP, adult acute care NP, peds primary care NP, peds acute care NP. Yes, the people in the acute care tracks are all ICU or NICU type nurses now, and passionate about what they do.

Primary care is kinda different. It's all about the prevention. Screenings, immunizations, education, chronic conditions...some urgent care things, the non-ER complaints. Yes, the complicated cardiac patients get referred to a specialist. I think of acute care providers as being specialists for what lands a person in ICU.

I hope that helps.

Congratulation! Best wishes in figuring out what you want to be when you grow up. :cheers:

%63theend · May 24, 2012

My instructor is a primary care NP. That's what shocked me. I want to do primary care as well and that scared me a bit. At the time she told me what practice she worked for but that was a few semesters back when I had her and I've since forgotten. I am SO GLAD to hear this is not the norm!!!

If anyone has anyone recommendations on jobs which will help me as an outpatient pediatric NP please let me know. While I am interested in working in the hospital I am open to other experiences. Would it be a good okay to get a job at a kids urgent care center for example? The hours would be better, that I know!

%63theend · May 24, 2012

Well, I manage renal pts and deal with all aspects of dialysis management, diabetic care and of course HTN. I also manage codes that happen in outpt dialysis units.

I've followed your posts quite a bit. If I end up working in the hospital I am really interested in ER and ICU. I keep seeing your posts every time I look up those things on this site :)

Trauma Columnist · May 24, 2012

Lol. Thanks. I've been here awhile. My nursing background is ER and ICU. That the reason I was chosen for my current nephrology position - they liked the idea I can think on my feet.

allnurses Guide · May 24, 2012

My instructor is a primary care NP. That's what shocked me. I want to do primary care as well and that scared me a bit. At the time she told me what practice she worked for but that was a few semesters back when I had her and I've since forgotten. I am SO GLAD to hear this is not the norm!!!
If anyone has anyone recommendations on jobs which will help me as an outpatient pediatric NP please let me know. While I am interested in working in the hospital I am open to other experiences. Would it be a good okay to get a job at a kids urgent care center for example? The hours would be better, that I know!

In my opinion, the best place for you to work is in a general pediatric practice. That way you will see kids for sick visits and for routine preventative care. You wouldn't get the well child piece in a hospital or an urgent care setting, and well child care is a big piece of being a PNP.

%63theend · May 24, 2012

Good point, thanks so much! I like the idea of working in a peds office, the hours would be so much more compatible with my kids schedules. Working 12's (which we all know are really 13's) plus an hour commute means I wouldn't see my little ones on the days I work. I'll keep my eyes open for outpatient opportunities. I hear outpatient pays a lot less but it could be better for my family with the schedule if I can get something close to home.

1adb10 · May 24, 2012

Congrats on your BSN and good luck on continuing on!

CRF250Xpert · May 25, 2012

I work family practice which is heavy on psych and fat. I've heard every reason under the sun why a person can't shove less food in his pie hole, walk anywhere, or get off of the couch and stop watching Oprah (which causes fibromyalgia BTW). Focus on psych and learn how to look like you are listening while planning your grocery list at the same time.

zenman · May 25, 2012

I'm a PMHNP and see everything. Just admitted a Bipolar patient who is pregnant. Most psych patients also have med conditions. Today also did consults in ICU, PCU, and other med floors with medically complex patients.