5 Must-Ask Questions Every NP Should Ask Before Accepting a Job Offer
Let’s be honest, most job interviews are a two-way street in theory, but in practice, they can feel like a one-sided interrogation. As nurse practitioners, we’re trained to care for others, not negotiate our work conditions. But if you want to avoid burnout, set healthy boundaries, and find a job where you can actually thrive, you have to ask the right questions upfront.
Whether you're a new grad or a seasoned NP making a move, here are five high-impact questions to help you evaluate a prospective employer and protect your peace.
1. What’s the average patient volume per day and how long are the visit slots?
Numbers matter. If you're seeing 20+ patients a day with 15-minute slots and no admin time, you're setting yourself up for late nights and unfinished charts. Ask how visits are scheduled and whether complex patients get more time.
2. How are inbox tasks like labs, refills, and messages handled?
The inbox can be a hidden full-time job. Find out if you’ll be expected to manage all patient messages, test results, and refill requests, or if there’s team support. This one question can tell you a lot about how sustainable the workload really is.
3. Is there protected time for documentation or administrative work?
If the answer is no, that work will likely spill into your evenings or weekends. Protected admin time (whether daily or weekly) is a sign the organization values provider well-being.
4. What does onboarding and mentorship look like for new providers?
This is especially important if you're a new grad or switching specialties. A thoughtful onboarding process signals that the organization invests in its clinicians. If they say, “You’ll figure it out as you go,” that’s a red flag.
5. How long have the other NPs been here?
Retention speaks volumes. If nurse practitioners are staying long-term, chances are the culture, workload, and compensation are decent. If there's a revolving door, dig deeper to find out why.
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