[Rn-08-NP10-ToBe]

Hi Everyone,

I'm beginning my MSN in a Womens Health NP track in the fall.. and I may be jumping the gun a bit on this question.. but what "matters" to employers when going for an NP job. The reason I am asking is because during my BSN program.. I got the impression that it was really important to be active in clubs, do community service hours, receieve awards/honors, etc. to find a job as a RN. Through out school, I wore myself short attempting to be involved in everything and keep a high GPA average so that I wouldn't have a problem finding a RN job.. should I keep the same mind set in graduate school? What do you feel are the most important elements of a career that employers look for at the NP level? How much time do you feel is important to invest in extra activites at the student NP level? Thanks for any feedback

[ghillbert]

My program is interviewing NPs at the moment, and we do not give a hoot about what extracurricular activities they did in school. We only care what clinical experiences they have, and how quickly they can be up and running and helpful to our program RNs. In addition, personality characteristics, and how good of a fit they would be with our staff is a huge consideration.

[christvs]

Well, each employer is different of course, but just so you have an idea of what they might look for: I am a new grad NP and just accepted my first NP position (yesterday!!!!) and the hospital that is hiring me has a points system that determines NPs' salaries. For instance, there is a starting salary for all new NPs at my hospital, and then you get more money depending on if you get points for things. For example, I got points for working as an RN for 3 years, precepting new RNs and nursing students at my RN job, and because I received 2 awards (school related and scholarship) this year. So for all that, I got $13,000 more than the base salary. They also give points for if you present oral and/or poster presentations at conferences, any lecturing you do, journal articles you published, if you work as Charge Nurse, etc. So I know, for me at least, that these things mattered when it came to salary. The MD who hired me also looked closely at my 3 references, and also because I was so enthusiastic during the interview (because I have been dying to work in hospital medicine since even before I started my NP program!!!) I think that is what also helped me get the job. Hope this helps. Best of luck in NP school. It's definitely all worth it!!!

[traumaRUs]

I have been an APN for two years and some of the things I was asked about on interviews:

1. Everyone loved my extensive (10 years) in a level one trauma center.

2. They liked my certs - I already had BLS, ACLS, trauma certs, etc.

3. My volunteer activities added to my resume and I was asked why I volunteer. I am very active with my church's food pantry and I am also a pre-hospital RN with my rural EMS squad.

4. I had quite a bit of teaching experience with BLS, ACLS, ENPC courses and I had also done some poster presentations at national conferences. They liked the fact that I would get out there and run with an idea without needing supervision.

5. My references only added to the package but they weren't as important.

6. Enthusiasm and smiling during the interview and appearing interested even if you had no plans to take the job. This is probably the most important thing - make eye contact. Send thank you cards individually written.

Good luck and its never to early to consider where you are going to work.