Frustrated

Specialties NP

Published

Specializes in FNP-BC.

I need advice as I am not sure what to do. I passed the ANCC FNP board in December, 2015 and was granted my license in February, 2016 for Tennessee and Georgia. I have over 30 years of healthcare experience including EMS as a paramedic, ER as an RN, and currently work as an occupational health RN.

I think that urgent care is an area where my learning curve would not be as great as a new NP. As such, I have applied for every urgent care job I see in TN and GA and have had no interviews. I have had 3 interviews (primary care, hospitalist, and cardiology) but none for urgent care. The positions that I have encountered all wanted 3-5 years of experience.

One of the problems is that there are at least a dozen PA or NP programs in the state of Tennessee alone so the market is saturated. Any suggestions on areas where urgent care options are available? I don't want to get another license and be in the same boat. I appreciate any feedback.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Did any of the positions you interviewed offer a position? Sometimes starting out you just need to get in the door and start working...any experience is better than zero experience (is one school of thought) and everyone will tell you to network your butt off....join NP chapters, ENA chapters and talk to anyone who may have a lead on a job. If you are set on Urgent care you may have to broaden your job search or flat out relocate for a year... there is always plan B, C, D, etc....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

What about retail clinics? Do they have them near you? They pay very well and are a great stepping stone or even a great career job.

Has your school faculty been able to help you network a bit?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in FNP-BC.

I have applied to several of the retail clinics and receive no feedback. Most of the practices in my area want 3-5 years of experience. Thanks for your reply.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in FNP-BC.

JellyDonut,

None of the interviews have offered jobs. They all want 3-5 years of experience. I may need to just focus on what I can get instead of centering on urgent care. Thanks for your input.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

Did you go to a local program?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

A lot of the new APRN are much younger than either of us. I'm in school now, and one the oldest. Ageism is a possibility. Does your resume clearly reflect the dates of all your experience?

Mine only lists my dates back to 1990. Earlier than that, only the institution, and a brief description of relevant practice, are listed. My resume still indicates I'm over 40, but is somewhat vague after that. If you think that perhaps your resume makes you look too old, then a few strategic changes may increase your interview rate.

Best of luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in GENERAL.
A lot of the new APRN are much younger than either of us. I'm in school now, and one the oldest. Ageism is a possibility. Does your resume clearly reflect the dates of all your experience?

Mine only lists my dates back to 1990. Earlier than that, only the institution, and a brief description of relevant practice, are listed. My resume still indicates I'm over 40, but is somewhat vague after that. If you think that perhaps your resume makes you look too old, then a few strategic changes may increase your interview rate.

Best of luck.

The 3-5 five year thing is just another smokescreen. You have a ton of experience. But you hit the nail on the head. The field in most places worth a damn is saturated. But I will say this: better it be saturated by experience as in your case than those with zip experience who are merely following their neophyte dreams. Surely there are people with sense out there who would hire you in a N.Y. minute. C'mon people!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Any luck? Im in the Tampa Fl area but graduated over a year ago and I still can't find a job. I can't even get called in for an interview!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in FNP-BC.

I have recently started to get interviews. I have one position that I will be providing temp coverage. I have 2 more interviews this week so hopefully one will pan out. I upgraded my resume to be specific about what tasks I performed and put it more of a CV format and that made a difference. I feel your frustration. What is your background?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment