New Grad NP applying for RN job?

[Summers3]

Hi everyone,

In the near future I'm going to be attending a NP program (will probably choose family NP) and graduating in a few years.

However, I'm afraid about the job market for FNP as new grads so as a PLAN B, would it be weird if a NP apply for an RN job after graduation?

Would this increase chances of getting the job since new grad NP will already have more experience than an new grad RN? Or do places rather not hire someone like that since they don't want to pay extra for NP to fulfill RN role? (if this is their reasoning for not hiring, what if I accept the salary and responsibilities as RN?)

I thought of this only because I might not get a NP job right out of graduation and by starting out as an RN, it's a way to get my foot in the door so I can move to a NP position in that same place later on?

Thank you so much!

[chouxpastry]

hi Tina N. :)

i would like to echo the sentiment that the new grad FNP job market is a lot more welcoming than the new grad RN market. in CA, the demand for FNPs is high (i see new job listings every week), and i do not believe this will dramatically change in the next few years. in my experience, it paid off to work as little as possible during NP school. i am encountering multiple job offers even prior to graduation, and i attribute 70% of this to extensive student clinical experiences.

of course, if finances do not permit (as you have mentioned) and/or you can capably juggle NP school, a RN job, personal dealings, etc...the aforementioned advice need not apply! you can be extremely successful in this scenario as well - and not to mention stave off some debt!

i shared the EXACT doubts you shared in your OP, but i've come to believe that in the medical field you reap what you sow. to augment marketability and probability of attaining a job, i highly recommend having extensive clinical experiences and acquiring a strong knowledge base during NP school. preceptors will sense your commitment and be more than willing to support you.

don't worry! you will be fine :)

[aprnKate]

aprnKate,

I sincerely appreciate it! I'm a huge worrywart, always scared about the "what-ifs" in life. So that's why I want to be as prepared as I can asking all the crazy questions beforehand. ^^

Again, thank you for your advice, it truly does make the world a bit less scary when you have someone share their encouragement for you from time to time.

THANK YOU AGAIN!!! :)

Your welcome...I was a worrywart like you! but you'll find HUGE relief once you finish your schooling. :) I agree with chouxpastry's comment on reaping what you sow also. When you graduate from FNP school...I know there will be many jobs out there you will be so overwhelmed which one to choose. I know we all want to be compensated well however, think carefully what kind of nurse practitioner you would like to be in the future and as to how you want to practice. Don't just focus on being well-compensated but also focus on how well the practice will suit you and as to how you want to practice. Finding the right practice for yourself will help you set a solid foundation in the future towards your marketability, confidence, & autonomy/independence.

[Summers3]

Dear chouxpastry,

I didn't even know the market was better for FNP, I thought it would be for RN, thank you for correctly informing me!

You shared that your job offers were majorly due to your extensive clinical experiences, may I please ask if this meant specifically meant your experience during RN school or did you also do something extra on the side (like volunteering in your own time, another side job, etc)?

This is because as a new grad RN, I will only have as much clinical experience as the program sets up for students and of course, as a new grad I have zero working experience. Chouxpastry, were your job offers include new grad programs? Or were they simply regular job postings that you applied to that were willing to count clinical experience as "work experience"? (it's just that I had some people tell me that some places are VERY strict on whether they take actual work experience or clinical experience from during school).

Again, thank you for taking the time out of your day to share you advice with me and help me plan for my own future. I really do hope everything will be okay.

Thank you again for your time and consideration, chouxpastry. :)

[Summers3]

I am looking forward to that huge relief after I finish schooling. XD I do hope that the market will improve for everyone in the next few years. But yes, as you have stated, compensation is a part of every single job out there, but I am also worried about the kind of practice I will be working for as well as the job responsibilities that goes with that particular job position (like you said, as a good fit). :) But regardless, that's worry for a few years down the road. :)

Again, thank you for taking the time to share your own experiences with me. I sincerely appreciate your encouragement and thoughtfulness, aprnKate.

I wish you the best in your own nursing endeavors in life!

[chouxpastry]

i tried to maximize my NP clinical hours and took advantage as much opportunities as i could while in school. none of my interviewers have considered my lack of RN experience to be an insurmountable disadvantage. they have simply acknowledged it and later discussed the extra training i may require. these offers are not for new grad programs (i don't believe there are many "new grad NP programs" out there although i have seen some schools/hospitals offer NP residencies/fellowships in various sub-specialties). i clearly convey my new grad status prior and during every interview. i don't know how to explain it very well but the RN vs. NP job hunt/training process are each quite different. the opportunities for NPs are abundant, and the more related experiences you have, the more these doors will open for you. i hope that kind of answered your questions :)

[Summers3]

Dear Chouxpastry,

Thank you for your reply. Yes, you have answered all my questions in great detail. thank you!

I ask if the positions you applied for were new grad programs because I feel that if it's a regular job posting, then anyone with experience at all (even one year) will potentially have a greater chance of obtaining that position than a new grad. This is what I naturally thought at first and others have echoed a similar opinion as well.

But know your story gives me much hope and confidence that lack of RN experience is not a insurmountable disadvantage as you have stated.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your experiences with me. I appreciate it greatly and I wish you the best for your own journey in life, in nursing and beyond. :)