To kick off Nurse Practitioner Week, I decided to interview a local talented and compassionate male Nurse Practitioner (NP), Noel Ysip, an amazing individual who I consider myself lucky to work alongside currently as his preceptee.
As a 2nd year NP student coming into my new role as a provider, I have been fortunate to be paired with a mentor such as NP Ysip, who has created a supportive and non-judgemental clinical setting for me to provide safe patient care. This is essential at a time like this, because as a novice nurse practitioner student it's hard not to have a great deal of fear in regards to making a mistake. Even as I am gaining valuable experience and learning to hone my skills in history taking and performing the physical assessment, other challenges such as formulating a diagnosis and a plan for patients have presented themselves in clinical. NP Ysip is patient and nurturing in his teaching method, which provides reassurance that this process is a learning experience and that I will gain more knowledge as time progresses.
An exceptional role model and mentor, NP Ysip is well experienced and has a diverse nursing background. Here are a few questions I asked him to help you all become acquainted with NP Ysip’s background, his views on precepting, and advice for current and prospective NP students.
NP Ysip, please give a brief description of your educational and professional background.
For my Bachelor of Science in Nursing I attended Point Loma Nazarene University and for my Master of Science in Nursing- Nursing Practice I attended University of San Diego. Marlisha is currently attending my alma mater for her degree as well. Professionally, I was a Navy Aviation Safety Equipment Technician for nine years and a Neonatal, Pediatric, and Adult ICU Nurse for four years. I continued to serve as a leader throughout my career. I was the head of Managed Care Department for two years,then went on to become a Family Nurse Practitioner for nine years prior to retiring as a Naval Nurse Corps Officer after 31 years of service.
What are your past and current responsibilities as a Lieutenant Commander and a Family Nurse Practitioner in the Navy?
In addition, to the aforementioned duties I have held positions as, Command Infection Control Officer, Faculty for Emergency Nurses Association Trauma Nurse Core course, Command Case Manager, Senior Medical Officer, and Department/Clinic Head. Currently, I am a Staff Nurse Practitioner at a Naval Clinic in Southern California.
In your opinion, what is the ideal working relationship between preceptor and student?
First and foremost, we are both nurses and patient care and safety comes first. As an NP I see a mentor to mentee relationship with a common goal of advancing, promoting, and improving the role of nurses in a primary care setting.I am hoping for more recognition in the healthcare field in general.
What have been some of your most educational and/or rewarding experiences thus far as a preceptor?
Seeing schools like USD that offer an advanced nursing degree put significantly more effort and emphasis on quality than quantity in producing new NPs.
For current and prospective NP students, what advice do you have for them in terms of making the most of their clinical placements?
Be preoccupied with doing things safer and better. Do not be satisfied with the right answer but always look for the best answer, and utilize evidence based practice. When the visit is over, look it up, use your resources, and look at the possibility that someone may have done it better.
Any final words of wisdom?
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” —Confucius.
About the author:
Marlisha Smith is a Cardiac Nurse from New Haven, Connecticut. She is currently a Doctor of Nursing Practice Student at the University of San Diego. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Emory University, whereupon she practiced for 5 years as a Cardiovascular and Neurovascular Registered Nurse. Marlisha is passionate about providing high quality care to underserved populations. When she's not studying, Marlisha enjoys traveling the world and providing healthcare internationally to populations in need. Follow Marlisha on Instagram!
