What was your first NP job?

BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN · Aug 1, 2013

I went directly into independent practice right out of school. I bought into an established consortium. We share the building overhead, share the expense of a RN and an office manager, coder, and the DME. Other than that, we are all independent of one another. We don't see one another's patients, typically- (that's called poaching in these parts and considered bad form) and don't cover each other. We do consult each other and do refer to one another in matters that we know someone else is more proficient, etc. I don't have a collaborating physician, but there are physicians and a more experienced NP in the building whom have all been kind enough to give me an ear and some advice from time to time. It's been great for me, really the perfect set up.

Cessna172 · Aug 1, 2013

I also had difficulty finding a job. I got a job with the physician whom I did clinicals with, working along side his full time NP on Friday, which was the docs day off. It worked out well, and even though I was only paid for one day a week, I showed up the other days too. I saw patients, etc, but still was looking for a job at least for mon - thur, without much luck. But, the drug reps who called on us were very helpful in landing my current job, that I start next week. They know who's looking for an np and put me in touch with those docs. Just as I was getting discouaged, I got about 3 leads on who was looking for an np. Getting one doc in particular to call was a challenge, so I dropped in with my resume. I'm glad I did, he called HR and sent me to be hired. Timimng was everything as I had just interviewed with another doc, and I had a little leverage to negotiate a better salary. So, I understand where you are coming from, I went from no leads to 3 in about 2 weeks, don't get too discouraged. If you know any drug reps, ask them to ask around, as the ones I mmet were super helpful.

JOJOba · Aug 1, 2013

Getting one doc in particular to call was a challenge, so I dropped in with my resume. I'm glad I did, he called HR and sent me to be hired. If you know any drug reps, ask them to ask around, as the ones I mmet were super helpful.

thank you for the great advice. what state are you located in if you don't mind me asking?

allnurses Guide · Aug 1, 2013

My first job was primary care/urgent care at an urban community health center. I got this position through the National Health Service Corp, and also got loan repayment. Check out their website (google it) and see if they have any positions available. You may have more optionsif you are able to re-locate.

Good luck.

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 2, 2013

My first job is in pediatric pulmonology (mainly asthma). I totally got lucky. A doctor emailed me one day to say he had seen my resume on indeed.com and asked me to come in for an interview. The rest is history. I started out working 2 days/week but as of 2 weeks ago I started to work full time.

I went through hell and back trying to find a job as a new grad RN before i gave up and went back for my master's. To have a job fall into my lap like this was from heaven.

I won't say it's perfect (for reasons I won't get into on a public board) but for a first job I couldn't ask for better.

ETA: If your resume is not up on careerbuilder and indeed.com, I recommend that you post it ASAP. I still get about 1 email a week from recruiters or employers looking for an NP. As of now I just pass on the leads to friends, but I still stay on the lookout if a better opportunity comes up.

Cessna172 · Aug 2, 2013

thank you for the great advice. what state are you located in if you don't mind me asking?

I live in Louisiana. Please excuse all the typos on my previous post, my IPAD wannabe device was touchy.

ENP1987, MSN, NP · Aug 2, 2013

Thanks guys! I will try all those things!

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Annaiya, NP · Aug 4, 2013

I would also suggest having a set response for when you are asked salary requirements. You don't want to price yourself out of an opportunity. What salaries are your classmates getting? I've never heard of a new grad getting $110k in primary care. I have friends in Alabama who have gotten offers around $60k and another in the DC area who has gotten $70-75k. You may just want to say that you're flexible on salary and see what they offer.

uronurse1 · Aug 6, 2013

I graduate in a few weeks with my FNP. I have worked in a private specialty practice for nearly 10 years and will continue to do so as an FNP when I pass boards. I realize I am very blessed. We have not discussed salary yet but I am expecting around $80,000-85,000 base starting pay and he has mentioned I will be paid extra based on productivity. He paid for 75% of my BSN and 50% of my masters. I also get a very generous bonus each year. Needless to stay, I will be sticking around as he has been very supportive of me returning to school all along and has always been extremely generous.

ENP1987, MSN, NP · Aug 7, 2013

I just moved to KY.

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carachel2 · Aug 7, 2013

I don't know anyone who got $110K fresh out of school except maybe a few ER NPs. I think that is unrealistic but I guess it depends on where you live. Starting hourly wage in Texas seemed to be 44.00 / hour up to 50.00 an hour.