new NP cant find a job

Specialties NP

Published

Hello all,

I graduated from NP school a year ago this month, passed boards and received my license in Oct 2012. Unfortunately, I have not found a job in my new chosen profession as of yet. I have been on several interviews but, in the end the job always goes to the NP who has the experience. And the jobs that are advertised on the career sites (career builder, indeed etc...) want NP's with 1 or 2 years of experience. At first I didn't worry too much but, now I'm down right frustrated and depressed that I am still working as a RN. It seems like no one wants to invest the time and patience to hire a new grad NP these days. Any advice, or suggestions please.

Thanks

Hey SheRN1,

I just wanted to follow up with you to see if you found a nurse practitioner position thus far (since your post was from last year)?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

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I am still having a problem getting hired as a new grad and am now frustrated and a little depressed. I am aware of the $300 million available in grants for expansion of community clinics or to start them which is part of the ACA through HRSA. I really do think that if these funds are used to expand clinics for the purpose of making care available for those who do not have access that they should have to be wiling to hire a new gad NP!! By doing that, the trained, ready, and qualified providers are able to provide care and we can use that experience to pay back student loans. This would help accomplish the original purpose of having NPs in the first place and also help to accomplish the goals of the ACA. If there was a way to propose this to those providing or writing the grants, maybe that would help us newbies get hired and into the workforce which helps everybody!! If I had the email addy of the new Director of the HHS, Burwell, I'd email and present my request that those receiving the grants have to take new grads. I know I posted this grant info already but it is an avenue to strongly consider. How can we make this happen? I need to go to work!!

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Specializes in PACU predominately.

Barinbass

Why don't you try to get in to a residency program? They are starting to crop up due to the high demand of FNPs and the issue of no one willing to take on new grads.

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I wouldn't do that as I am not assured at all that taking that route will guarantee me a job afterward. Plus, I am NOT an FNP!! If those programs are for FNPs only, then that would not be a route open to me.

I still think it would be a great idea to make it mandatory that those clinics that receive the grant money as part of the ACA have to take new grads. I can write the RN in my area who I used as my contact for a paper I had to write in my Advocacy/Health Policy class. She may know how to get it done.

UPDATE:

Now, I found an ad last Tuesday for a position in Internal Medicine and in less than 10 minutes after submitting my CV, the doctor responded and I had an appointment for an interview. The interview was today! The ad said he wanted to hire two and he wanted me to come this afternoon. In the interview, he said he wanted someone who treated patients well. I took that to mean good customer service. Hmmm. He also said he thought I was the one he was looking for, but didn't want to cancel the other two interviews he has this week and would go through their interviews. We shall see. He said he would send a contract by Thursday, three days from now, but he never mentioned salary!!!! I get the feeling it may be low as he told me all of the benefits but never mentioned salary. Maybe he has to get with the office manager first. Also, GET THIS!! He prefers a new grad!!!!! Hooray!!!! Granted we may be cheaper in his mind, but he also said that he liked to mould us into our role without the preconceptions one who has worked as an NP may come with. Sounds like a sort of internship! This is great for me, and the patient load is very light at first. This sounds perfect, although I would have to take call every 6 weeks. At least it may be a start. He has 3-4 NPs and two locations. He even showed me where my office might be!!! I am not sure just what to believe. This doc is in his 40's. Exciting but scary too. I want to make the right decision. Just had to share this. I will let you know how it turns out.

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Well, I am pretty sure he said he'd send a contract by Thursday, but it is now Friday and I haven't heard anything. I know it is a holiday, but he does this via email and probably will use the same contact that he used with his other NPs. Just losing all hope of finding work!

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Well, I am pretty sure he said he'd send a contract by Thursday, but it is now Friday and I haven't heard anything. I know it is a holiday, but he does this via email and probably will use the same contact that he used with his other NPs. Just losing all hope of finding work!

That is great! Yes, it's a holiday, don't get discouraged.

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Yes, pls don't get discouraged! I bet you he probably forgot about the holiday coming up. In any case, i would call him on monday to see what is going on...good luck

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Thanks both of you! During the interview, he did mention coming back over to meet the other NPs which makes me concerned that he would ask their opinion or leave the final approval up to them no matter if he liked me for his practice. From my experience, when that happens, personalities get involved and objectivity is not the prominent factor. One of the NPs suggested that he run the ad where I read about the position. I will give him until Monday and contact the office. Thanks a bunch!

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Don't give up! Even though I found a career in a community health center making little salary and there is no way my student loans will be paid because of my HRSA score being 13. I interviewed last week with a NH of whom I spent most of my baby RN career with. I interviewed with two MDs one being the medical director and the other was over the pain center. They both liked my energy and they said my CV was impressive. They wanted me to meet the lead ARNP and I did and I preceptored with him back in my Geri rotation. He said he would put in a good word for me. My only worry is with salary. Once you get over that "new grad" hump, the jobs will be overflowing. The only thing to be mindful of is the offer they produce. Good luck! ?

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Hi and thanks so much! I wasn't sure what you meant by "the offer they produce" unless it means the salary they offer. I have been told by one of my former NP preceptors that since the doc said to start that my patient load would be one per hour for me not to expect much. I can understand that for sure! She also suggested that I ask if the offer can be renegotiated once my load picks up.

Congrats to you on getting your first job in the community Center and good wishes on this new one too!! Because his practice is not listed as one of those that can be used for loan repayment by working, I talked to one at HRSA who said the doc can apply for that status. If he is agreeable to that and if approved, then I may be able to use that site. There was one approved practice in that area before, but it is now not listed so there is none. Seems like there would be too. Course that will be down the road a bit as getting the job and and learning this new role etc are first. If he agrees to it. it would be a marketing tool for additional staff if needed. If I don't pay back my loans, they will take it from my Social Security when that time comes. That is a scary thought.

I hope you are right re jobs once over the new grad hump as I am an older new grad, birthday is next week, and my age is on the Net! Can't worry about that though. Thanks again for all the supportive comments.

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Hi. I couldn't stand not knowing, so I called the office today and asked to speak with the office manager. I also sent an email to the doc asking the status of the position. The office manager told me that the doc had told hm to send me a sample contract, but he said he needed to clean it up some first. It could be that everyone they are interested in gets this sample, and if they do not agree, they do not get the job. I have never had to sign a contact before, so I have no idea. It sounds more positive but still until it arrives via email which he said it would and I read it etc, it is still a guess. I did contact one of my profs from school, and she told me what types of thing may be in one and added that she always gets an atty to look over the contracts before she signs them. Anyway I feel a bit better and more hopeful but still in a holding pattern. Wanted to give you this update. Thanks for your support.

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