Checklist

NewFNP likes to think that one day - one fine, sweet, sunny day - she will leave her current practice and enter into a world where practice isn't so, how might newFNP put this, fucked. When considering this throughout her workday, newFNP finds herself thinking that she should remember certain aspects of her current practice that are troublesome and should write them down in order to wean out practices that may continue to vex newFNP.

Given that graduation is right around the corner, newFNP thought that she would share some of these ideas with her readers. Now, when newFNP graduated almost two years ago, she felt as though she should pay someone just to hire her. That feeling lasted for all of three days of work and newFNP strongly recommends against feeling that very way.

Take heed, new grads. You will work your ass off.

Thus, point one. Research your salary. NewFNP's starting salary was reasonable, but she negotiated a big increase her second year based on internet research. In newFNP's clinic, the NP's see as many patients as the MD's and newFNP works damn hard. She, therefore, has no problem asking for big salary bumps.

Point two. Salary isn't everything. NewFNP is obsessed with saving for her retirement. 401k baby. Does your company match? Huge! Free money. Do they actually have a retirement plan because that would be spectacular!

Point three. Time off. Holy crap, will you ever need time off. So how much do you get? When newFNP begins her third year with her clinic, she will start to have three weeks of vacation per year, plus one week of CME allowance plus four personal days. It is newFNP's intention to use every single one of those days. NewFNP loves time off.

Point four. On call time. Will you be expected to have it? Is it paid? How frequently are you on call? Is there a service? What is the average call volume? Oh, how newFNP loathes her on call time.

Point five. Malpractice insurance. You need one with a tail.

Point six. Actual practice policies. Are late patients allowed in? NewFNP saw two physicals two hours late today. The receptionist did write the helpful note "patient filling up the paperwork" on the superbill, as though we are a Chevron station. When her 3:00 physical appointment showed up at 4:00, she told the manager that this was unacceptable. He basically told her to shove it. These are the types of policies that make newFNP crazy.

Point seven. Walk-ins. Is there time built into the schedule or do they just get squeezed in? In newFNP's clinic, they are squeezed in which is just a lousy system.

Point eight. Help. Who is available to you? Do you have access to databases like Cochran or Up-to-date? These are helpful. NewFNP's clinic doesn't have them.

Point nine. Licensing. Does your clinic reimburse you? They should because your DEA number and your licensing fees add up. They should also pay for CME's and the good conferences aren't so cheap. For instance, this summer newFNP is having a CME vay-cay in a relaxing location with one of her BFF's from grad school, BostonFNP. The conference is $600, the hotel is $1000. See, staying smart is pricey! Hanging out with your pal, learning and then lounging - priceless.

NewFNP is certain that she will think of more points during her days, but this is a good start. NewFNP is looking forward to taking her own advice!