New Nurse Practitioner Interview, Contract, Job Search Tips | RED FLAGS

[@nataliedowning4563]

I had an interview that was an hour long, clinical situations, with a panel of people. Not only did I have to have medical knowledge but if I got that right it would turn into a legal or ethical issue. I wanted to say... well I got the dang diagnoses right and no one died! I've been studying before every interview since then and none have involved a quiz since 😂

[@RealWorldNP]

Each interview can be so different. Good work on studying incase of another pop quiz :)

[@neriayllon7430]

When interviewing I was asked “how many patients can you see per day?” Or “how efficient are you at writing soap notes.” in all the big health systems that dominate in my part of Pennsylvania.

[@RealWorldNP]

If you feel comfortable you can answer this questions. I would recommend framing it around what components of clinic support allow you to be successful in seeing x amount of patients a day. (ex. I can see 16 patient per day when I have adequate support staff, administrative time, a good EMR system, ect. ) This way you are setting expectations, as well as, giving the employer opportunity to tell you where they may be deficit.

[@lassamielor2218]

I love this video! I had an interview for a psych position and i was asked questions on the type of anxiet medications and the patho behind it in front of 4 doc. First ever in my life that i been ask test questioms. I was soo nervous. They aslo ask me diff diagnosis and how to treat to. Omg i felt so belittle in the interview bc one of the doc stared me down n kept sighing at me.

[@RealWorldNP]

So glad the video was helpful!

[@middlesys9180]

Wish I had found you sooner. Relocated for a job that didn't pan out. Hired to work in primary care but started training with a cardiologist who wanted to cut my pay 15k since I was a new grad. Worst experience ever!

[@RealWorldNP]

I am so sorry - I hope we had some thoughts that were helpful!

[@middlesys9180]

@@RealWorldNP Your videos are great. I've chalked it up as a learning experience. THANK YOU so much for posting videos for new grads!

[@daniellewilson3416]

I had the most unethical NP interview this past week, where after looking at my qualifications, I was asked directly asked if i had any obligations outside of work, how many kids I have, their ages, and whether I was married. I have been licensed for 2 years as an FNP and am now a PMHNP as well I was applying for a primary care office .... so those questions were asked directly to rule me out. Even if they offer me this job I am declining, I am no one's work horse.

[@RealWorldNP]

That is truly unfortunate. And, illegal. So sorry you had to go through that. I do hope you find the right job for you!

[@gregshank5061]

Was going for your PMHNP worth it? I am looking into it!

[@lourdesrivera8372]

I just had my first NP interview. I was bombarded with nothing but medical test questions. I was so frustrated!!! I used your example answer for a few that I felt too nervous to remember. Thanks. I did go through the process that I would take to come up with a few differential diagnosis and that helped. He said he was impressed with my assessment and Anatomy knowledge and he liked my demeanor... I had a hard time resenting being put on the spot in my head.I sent him a thank you txt and answered the questions I missed because I blanked out due to nerves and I let him know that I was interested in working in a facility willing to orient and mentor me. I have to say it was good practice. Thank you ladies for your guildance and support.

[@RealWorldNP]

Thank you for your kind words! And congrats on a good start!

[@amerettej09]

I had my first NP job interview and was asked medical questions by a physician during the face to face. It was very uncomfortable. I didn't get the position and now can't help but think if it was because I gave answers he wasn't happy with.

[@RealWorldNP]

You can always reach out the the interviewer and ask for feedback. They may or may not respond but if they do you may find it helpful in the future.

[@theresumerx]

I feel like a celebrity being interviewed TWICE by you, Liz! Thanks for the great chat as always :)

[@RealWorldNP]

Yay!! So fun 😊

[@RealWorldNP]

I got a question about feeling out the vibes of a place if you can't shadow (remote interview). Any thoughts?

[@theresumerx]

Real World NP yes! Ask if one of the other NP/PAs would be willing to chat with you over the phone - a peer can offer a great perspective during the interview/hiring process.

[@victoriawallin2259]

Thank you for sharing this episode with us! When would you recommend discussing patient ramp-up and on-call schedule? Is this something the new NP would ask towards the end of an interview? Or would you recommend having this discussion during the contract negotiating process?

[@RealWorldNP]

Hi thank you for your question. I think you can have this conversation whenever you deem appropriate. If you are seriously considering a position just make sure to have the conversation and get things in writing. You want to have clear expectation and boundaries before starting and employment relationship.

[@alexnguyen9274]

Extremely helpful episode as a new grad putting in applications. Especially the part about clinical knowledge type interview questions

[@RealWorldNP]

Amanda is so amazing - glad it was helpful!

[@ssk4609]

This was an excellent video! Very helpful too! I’m a new grad np. I’m flying out to meet a prospective employer next week as I am moving to the area soon. I have a few questions. 1. During our initial interview, the conversations went really well. But, I didn’t feel like it was a formal interview. She didn’t ask me many medical questions. I felt like I had to redirect the physician a few times to get more information. She asked when can I start towards the end of the interview. She hasn’t met me in person yet, but said she wanted to hire me based on my resume and conversation. Is that normal? Does that happen frequently? Based on the information she provided during that interview, I think I would be happy working with her. Just wanted to hear your thoughts on what a “normal” np interview is like. She’s a mom of two young kids, so she seemed distracted during the 2 times I spoke with her on the phone. But, she was always excited to talk to me and pleasant. Just wanted to hear your take on this experience. 2. I’m shadowing her next week when I meet her. Do you have any advice when shadowing? What should I expect? How hands on should I be? What was your experience like when shadowing? 3. My np license has not been issued yet. I know that the physician wants to hire someone immediately. Would you recommend that I shadow her, get acclimated to the emr system and practice while waiting for my license if I were to be hired? Or, should I wait to do anything work-related/associated until after my license issues? Thank you so much!

[@RealWorldNP]

Hey! Thanks for all your questions. Unfortunately I can't consult with people individually on these kinds of questions, but I definitely recommend checking out Amanda's free and paid resources at theresumerx.com ! She's got a great instagram account with highlights of FAQs that may be really helpful for you.

[@sonjagriffith1061]

Excellent--and conversations can lead into the wrong area....my last interview asked if I had a partner that would move with me because they had a program to help them get a job. I said I'm single but wow...

[@RealWorldNP]

Oh man yikes!

[@naturaljayde111]

Great conversation! I had an interview last week for an NP position and was asked by the MD how old is my child and what my husband does for work. I don't think that's appropriate smh.

[@RealWorldNP]

Oh gosh, hopefully that was a mistake, but definitely should not be asked in an interview!

[@lorimoore9623]

Can they ask about what you are making currently? How do you navigate the question about that or asking for your current W2? Thanks!

[@RealWorldNP]

Lori, Check out Amanda's site. She has tons of resources to navigating in the interview process. www.theresumerx.com/

[@bluefamily3937]

Frequently it seems many of the online applications it seems to include questions at the end about "sponsorship" status, gender and race. can "productivity pay" be presented as "based on the CPT codes" and in turn getting 43% of the CPT code added on to the salary.

[@RealWorldNP]

Remember you always have to option to not answer any questions you don't deem inappropriate during the interview. This can be direct or a polite decline. I would like to note a practice asking inappropriate/ illegal questions should send up red flags and should weight heavily in your decision to work there. In regards to your productivity question approach this topic when you feel it is appropriate. CPT based reimbursement is a very nice way to step into the conversation.

[@tracyross4115]

What do you recommend saying in response to a red flag interview question? I'm thinking "I'm not comfortable answering this question". But I also worry it will look bad and they will automatically toss my application

[@RealWorldNP]

Totally, I think that's definitely an appropriate answer. If someone's asking you about if you have kids, they may have slipped up accidentally, but if they're in leadership and DEFINITELY in HR, they should already know that, unless they're brand new themselves. I guess I'm wondering too, unless it's entirely accidental, if it's a red flag in the interview, it may point to a red flag type of position, you know? So even if you were to be offered a job like that and take it, it may not be what you want (even if you're desperate for a job!).

[@heikepetersen1555]

Great advice! Would you recommend engaging a nurse attorney to review a contract prior to signing it? I have heard this advice before and was wondering if it was beneficial? Thank you.

[@RealWorldNP]

I think Amanda's perspective is that she recommends consulting with one, I have not personally, but I think they typically run around $500 for that kind of consultation. I think it depends on how well you understand it, if it's clear or not, or anything you have questions on!

[@NurseLiz]

This was so helpful!

[@RealWorldNP]

Yay!!

[@johnnapogwist5845]

Hi Liz! For new grads when answering a difficult patient question in an interview, would you advise discussing a situation one had as an RN or as a student NP? Thank you!

[@RealWorldNP]

I think either are appropriate, although if you have NP that would be ideal. I think the difficult patient question is highlighting the types of patients you've seen, and how you've handled those situations before as a sneak preview of how you'll handle it in this new job/role. It's tough to answer but I usually talk about how there's two main types of difficult -- medically complicated and the other type of difficult situations that deal with psychosocial considerations, touchy subjects, etc. when I answer that question!

[@cheyennebenton9956]

Hey Liz, thank you for providing this great video. I do have a question. If you are in your last semester of NP school should you start applying for potential jobs or wait until you pass your boards?

[@RealWorldNP]

Hey! I suggest you get over to The Resume Rx for some guidance - we truly believe in the work Amanda does over there. We are an affiliate of hers and you can check out more info here: realworldnp--theresumerx.thrivecart.com/djr/. Good luck!

[@bluefamily3937]

After you identify red flags....then what do you do with that information?

[@RealWorldNP]

Usually I walk away! Typically those are not an ideal place to work if they have those red flags.

[@dianerodriguez6546]

Would the non- compete Claus only apply to the actual clinic location or any of the companies clinic locations? For example, not being allowed to work within 15 miles of any of the clinic franchise locations or only the clinic that you worked at?

[@RealWorldNP]

The contract should specify this, if it does not then you as a provider may have leeway. Very important to know if you are in an area with limited job options.

[@selinaleewright5730]

Great advice.!

[@RealWorldNP]

Glad it was helpful!

[@adannaonyia7549]

Liz, you have a NEW subscriber!

[@RealWorldNP]

Thank you! And welcome!!

[@isura1493]

Great info ! Thxs

[@RealWorldNP]

Thank you!