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Fitzgerald Health Education Associates
™
May 2016 fhea.com
to find or create the right position. In addi-
tion, NPs need to develop sophisticated
negotiation skills to maximize the compen-
sation for their new position, as well as ef-
fectively leverage the clinical experience
many NPs bring to the workplace. Few NPs,
whether they are new to practice or are
long-time clinicians, feel adequately pre-
pared to take on the task of high-level
employment negotiation. The following in-
formation has been developed to help NPs
with this important professional journey.
Before embarking on this next stage of
your professional journey, set time aside
for reflection. You might be tempted to
skip this, believing you do not have the
time; however, you have devoted tremen-
dous energy, resources, and time to be-
coming an NP. You owe it to yourself and
to those who have supported you in your
professional and personal development to
invest in this. During this time of reflection,
write down your answers to the following
questions. You do not need to share your
answers with anyone, but personal dia-
logue can serve as a guide as you look for
the NP position that is the best fit for you.
As you ponder these questions, you might
also realize that you have strengths that
you have not appreciated.
Q
Why did I become an NP?
A
If you are a new NP graduate, you
might now find yourself asking the
question, "Why
did I become a nurse practi-
tioner?" You left a comfortable and respect-
ed role in your former nursing practice or
other line of work. Now, as a newly graduat-
ed NP, you are in the rather unfamiliar, often
uncomfortable, role of the novice.
As you
seek your first NP position, remember
what motivated you to make this change
.
Q
How do I view the contribution of
NPs to healthcare practice? How
does the NP role enhance the delivery
of healthcare? How is it similar or differ-
ent when compared to the physician,
physician assistant, registered nurse, or
other members of the healthcare team?
A
The ability to clearly articulate the NP
role, both for what it is and what it is
not, is crucial. A well-developed frame of
reference will help you communicate your
vision for the NP role. This will help you de-
velop personally and as you interview for
NP positions.
Q
What have I achieved profession-
ally to date in my career?
A
Most NPs have been professionally
successful, whether they are relatively
new to nursing or seasoned nursing clini-
cians. Draw up an inventory of your profes-
sional history, highlighting the high and
low points, successes and challenges. Iden-
tify what you have learned from both the
good and the bad. Your responses will help
answer the next question.
Certification Q&A;
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