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Hello to all NP's and Clinical Nurse Specialists, (hello to all PA's as well, of course I realize you have your own group-but we can still exhange stories).  I would like to encourage a discussion of issues specific to "advanced practice nursing" out there.  Could we hear how some of you are doing? Is it going well and do you have the physician and management support you need?  Are you working with other NP's who would benefit from certification?  I would especially love to hear a success story from someone who has built his/her own lipid clinic?

Carol Mason, ARNP, CLS, FAHA, FNLA, FPCNA

I was working for a group of cardiologist running a lipid clinic. However April 2009 I was laid off, not by the cardiologist, but by administration. They did a comparison of my patient's LDL's, (the worst case senarios) and compared the LDL of the general practitioners, and said that I was not do any better than the general practitioners. Not to mention that I ran Direct LDL's, while they compared my outcomes to calculated LDL's in this highly diabetic and metabolic syndrome population who have false low LDL's. When I started the clinic, I chose to become certified and did a lot of studying on my own time and dollar to become certified. None of the doctors understood lipids at the level I did and therefore lacked the support in my approach. Because they did not understand the lingo or the concepts. I am now working in the midwest at a minor care retail clinic. Not using any of my education and talents. This particular retail clinic is looking at starting to manage lipids, and I alread see that the same common errors are going to be made and misinterpreted. I am very frustrated, and would love to work for a physician or group in a satalite clinic. PLEASE Help ME!

We just created an NLA Career Corner on lipid.org for both employers looking to fill jobs and candidates seeking positions.This is free to NLA members.

Please select "Careers" from the drop down menu on the "About Us" tab in the main navigation on lipid.org.  To post your CV please contact Amy Waller, Communications Manager, at awaller@lipid.org or (904) 309-6222. In your e-mail, please include your CV as a .pdf attachment and a short paragraph (max. 200 words) to accompany your listing with any information you wish to provide regarding your credentials or the position you seek.

Since we just launched this feature last week, we don't have too much activity just yet...but we're hoping this becomes the "go to" place for both employers and candidates in the coming months.

Good luck!

Karen Kent

Director of Communications, NLA

Hi Carol,

I dont believe that I have had the pleasure to meet you. I became a CLS in September of 2009, and shortly after that started a small Lipid and Cardiometabolic program in my Cardiology practice which was overall supported well by the PCPs and less supported by the administration. Due to some events out of my control (and my physician resigning), I am no longer with this cardiology practice and am currently in geriatrics/long term care. I am starting my DNP this week, and would love to be able to speak with you regarding research on dyslipidemia or metabolic syndrome. Could you email me offline at annmarie.swanson@yahoo.com.

Thanks for your assistance,

AnnMarie Swanson, MSN, APNP, CLS

I am a NP who has successfully manages and runs a lipid clinic. I do 50% general cardiology and 50% lipids. I offer dietary info and smoking cessation. I am part of a 18 doc group and 3 NP's and 3 PA's. I recieve inside/outside and self referral. I keep running data and have an approx 75% LDL goal rate. I love my job! Lori Neri, CRNP

Hi Carol and fellow CLS APN's!

I obtained my CLS certification in November, and hope to find a Cardiology practice in the Denver area interested in adding me to their staff part time for lipid management with some general cardiology. My current employment setting is primarily focused on interventions. If we devoted as much time, effort, and resources toward prevention, our outcomes would be incredible! Has anyone been able to link up with a position thru the job postings on NLA? Has anyone set up an independent consultant practice? I would love to hear from you!

Judy Collins

303-697-4094

 Hi Lori,

I'm a PA in cardiology just starting to establish a lipid clinic within our practice. I plan to obtain the CLS certification. As you, I will remain in general cardiology as well. We have 12 cardiologists and myself and we hope to be well supported by the PCPs.

I would appreciate any time you have in sharing your experinces with me. I am attending the NLA confereance in San Diego next month and will gain insight there, I'm sure.

Great job- 75% to goal!

Susan Robinson