What is the job market like for new NPs?

Newyorker22 · Jan 15, 2013

I also posted a similar question on this issue. I am starting a second degree program for people with a Bachelors Degree in another field to earn a BSN. My friend is a recent college graduate with a BSN degree. She had a lot of trouble finding nursing jobs. I plan to go into nurse practitioner school, but I want to understand what kind of situation I am getting myself into before I spend thousands of dollars on education.

Trauma Columnist · Jan 15, 2013

What I'm seeing is that posters are having a wide variety of experiences finding new NP jobs. It seems as if you are willing to move, not be too picky, willing to take a shift position or work in a specialty that maybe wouldn't be your first choice, you can find something. If you are not willing (or can't) relocate, have to have certain hours, must work in a very specific specialty or hospital, then those posters seem to be having more of a difficult time.

It also depends on the area of the country it seems....I live in central IL and there are tons of hospital jobs available. There are also some oncology and urology jobs available here.

Newyorker22 · Jan 15, 2013

Just to clarify, you are referring to new NP graduates, not just those with previous experience. Am I correct?

tejon, DNP, NP · Jan 15, 2013

Yes - I'm looking at what things might look like when I first become an NP. I'm hoping I don't end up in a similar situation as a new NP as I have been as a new RN - almost no jobs with most of them requiring experience that I couldn't get without being hired first. I figure it's worth a long, hard look before I commit to grad school.

FurBabyMom, MSN, RN · Jan 15, 2013

From talking to friends who have went on to NP school (or back to school as it is)...it varies greatly. I think it totally depends on the area you live in and/or would consider moving to. To some extent it also appears the ease or struggles had in obtaining initial employment as an NP (granted only the people I know) - it seems to depend on either networking, who you know and if one can apply within the same hospital system (ie moving from an RN to NP job). One of my coworkers has an NP job lined up because she had a working relationship with the specialty physician practice prior to interviewing for the job (she will be transitioning from an RN to NP job, likely about 2-3 weeks after she passes her NP exam).

Maybe it would be worth discussing with people in your area who are NPs? Or talking with the school you are considering? My university sends us all kinds of surveys to "track" our post graduation lives...

netglow, ASN, RN · Jan 16, 2013

Same here. I've heard a huge variety of things for NPs. But remember, an NP is worthless without a good amount of RN experience. You do really have to prove your salt, especially with MDs. I think the most versatile and safe NPs are those who pretty much can hang up a sign over their door and run the show. If you can, you've got options. But, I fear as things for healthcare keep changing with the wind - which ever way the mighty dollar blows, things are going to be very uncertain. I have heard scuttle that a network south of me had decided against NPs as they gobble up every private practice near them (the crusades), for 3-5 year acute care trained RNs in specialty for their offices - a lot of haw over "you betta know your stuff!!!, and ability to take on major responsibility!!!" in their ads too.

coast2coast · Jan 16, 2013

Personally have seen a good job market for a range of specialties. Graduated from a direct entry program and had a job 2 months prior to graduation, across the country, in one of the worst job markets in the US (California). All my classmates (30+) were hired within months of graduation as well. Never worked as an RN and this has not been a barrier to getting interviews and offers.

goteamgo · Jan 16, 2013

coast2coast,

What do you think are good specialties for NP's? & Do you mind saying what school you went to? I live in CA and am thinking about doing a non nursing accelerated RN and possibly my NP in psychiatric

coast2coast · Jan 16, 2013

From what I saw with classmates, FNP, ANP, and psych had the easiest time finding jobs. PNPs and WHNPs struggled a bit more but were eventually employed. But you should be choosing a specialty based on interest, not one stranger's opinion on hiring!For privacy's sake I can say I went to an east coast program with a long and good reputation for making nurses. Came with a hefty price tag but has been well worth it. Will PM you the specific school.

WildflowerRN · Jan 16, 2013

I currently work with 3 different NPs who are working as RNs. Depressing. But I understand PAs are having an even harder time - less of a centralized, organized national organization.

myelin · Jan 16, 2013

I think it really depends on the area. I'm in a direct entry program in CA and our grads don't really have problems getting hired, but it depends on the specialty. I'm in psych, and it seems like there are a lot of jobs along the entire west coast for this specialty (that pay well). I also think that RN experience isn't necessarily vital and I haven't seen it be an issue for grads from the program. However, that being said, I do plan on working as a RN for about 2 years (during my MSN). I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get a job (bay area is a nightmare), but apparently the class ahead of me is working (per diem mostly, typically outpatient and/or behavioral health), so I am more optimistic. My goal will be to have about ~2 years of part-time/per diem RN work in behavioral health before I am licensed as a FPMHNP.