How do you build confidence when making the transition from an RN to an NP?—MARIE A. BRIGHT, RN, MN, GNP, Los Angeles
Let your colleagues know your comfort level, and negotiate for what you think will help you do the best job. For example, you may want to ask for a few days during which you can follow your collaborating physician(s) around to familiarize yourself with his or her work habits and model your practice so as to be complementary. This improves patients’ satisfaction with the entire clinical team and should increase your confidence. You might also ask for more time to see each patient than might be expected of a seasoned NP. Request specific consult time at the end of the morning or afternoon to review with your collaborating physician all the patients you saw during that period (rather than seeking advice between patients). That way, you can send patients home and follow up with them later by phone. Keeping your work environment under control as much as possible should help build the confidence you need.—Julee B. Waldrop, MS, PNP (144-3)
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