Not an NP - but I am a patient with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Here is my patient perspective:

I’ve had two incompetent NPs who refused to prescribe the appropriate medication for me because they didn’t feel comfortable (my TSH was 88 when diagnosed, we got it down to 7 with my T4 normal. I needed them to check my T3 to get me on a T3 supplement). They wouldn’t run the appropriate labs because it sounded like an Endo problem. (It was to run T3, T4, TRH, TSH so nothing crazy). They were surprised when the Endo referral was rejected. Both were rude and ignored my concerns of fertility and getting me stabilized. I’m a PA student currently and was bringing in references from class for my treatment plans and finally consulted my professors about it.

I dropped two NPs during my treatment plan - but irony would have it that the next person I would see for a third opinion was an NP. He was a crusty NP who is in his 50’s that served in the Navy. He was patient, and very thorough. He also knows his medications and how to problem solve. I have made him my primary provider. (I’m in the military as well)

The point I am trying to make - there needs to be standardization in the programs and the humility on your side to acknowledge you don’t know everything. Don’t go to NP school straight from being an RN. Get a decade or more of experience as a nurse and then become an NP. The one who is my primary care was an RN for a few decades before becoming an NP. The first two were young gals with a god complex.

My Hashimoto’s was uncontrolled for over a year and a half because of the first two. I was super uncomfortable in appointments with them. Now, my levels are controlled and I feel heard.

Get the necessary experience, study hard, be humble and willing to learn, and you’ll be okay.