FROM GRADUATION TO PRACTICE
Module 8 Assignment
From Graduation to Practice
Purpose
This assignment is designed to help students understand that graduating from the PMHNP program is only one step in the process of becoming a practicing provider. There are many steps involved after graduation before you are ready to begin practice. Many new graduates assume that finishing school means they are immediately ready to practice, when in reality there are multiple legal, professional, and employment-related steps that must occur first.
Instructions
Create one document outlining the steps, requirements, and considerations involved in moving from graduation to practice as a PMHNP.
For each section, list the items involved and indicate whether the item:
- Can be completed now
- Must be completed after graduation
- Must be completed after passing boards
- Must be completed after obtaining a job
Required Sections
1. Board Certification
List the steps required to apply for, schedule, and pass the ANCC PMHNP certification exam.
2. Licensure
List the steps required to obtain APRN licensure in Florida.
3. Job Application Readiness
List the documents and materials commonly needed when applying for PMHNP positions.
Include:
- Updated CV
- Cover letter
- Letters of recommendation
- Professional references
- Licenses and certifications
- Immunization records if required
- Background check documents if required
4. Practice Readiness
List the items that may be needed before beginning practice.
Include:
- Malpractice insurance
- Protocol or collaborative arrangement if required
- DEA registration
- Controlled substance prescribing requirements
- E-FORCSE
- Buprenorphine/Suboxone prescribing requirements if applicable
- NPI
- CAQH
- Credentialing
- Medicare and Medicaid enrollment
5. First Job and Contract Readiness
List the items you should understand or ask about before accepting your first PMHNP position.
Include:
- Expected salary range
- Compensation structure
- Productivity expectations
- Patient volume
- Time slots for initial evaluations
- Time slots for follow-up visits
- Documentation expectations
- Orientation and onboarding
- Malpractice coverage
- Benefits
- PTO
- CME support
- Reimbursement for licensure, DEA, and credentialing
- Noncompete terms
- Termination clause
- Call or weekend expectations
