Any advice about new grad NP NHSC positions?

[JenNurse1972]

I just graduated FNP school last week. My primary concern with a job is being able to repay my student loans while maintaining my values. One problem seems to be that new grads want these positions for loan repayment, but many do not truly want to work with the underserved. My clinicals in a couple federally qualifying clinics has shown me how terrible a job can be if you actually like caring for these patients, but other employees (including NPs) hate their jobs and are much too vocal on the subject.

I literally have only 2 deal killers...1. I want to work in a clinic that employs people like me with a passion for helping this population. 2. I do need a clinic with a HPSA score >13 for the loan repayment. Money is not really the issue, I have been under crushing debt the whole time I've been working and going to school and I just mentally can't handle any extra debt.

I am finding job hunting difficult as a novice instead of the expert level I have had for years. I knew this would happen, but frankly I am finding it depressing.

I am currently working as a travel ED nurse in LA. My contract ends in June and the decision to extend in Cali, go to another state as a travel nurse, or attempt a NP job placement needs to happen soon. I worry that if I am obligated as a travel nurse until Sept, then it will limit my NP job opportunities (schools are cranking out new NPs like crazy as you know).

I feel as if I would be an excellent candidate since I am willing to relocate, very flexible with patient populations, hours, etc. and I have excellent work and NP clinical references.

After attending a NHSC virtual job fair this week, I sent my résumé to 4 places that hire new grads. It has only been 2 days, but I expected some response since the clinics said they needed NPs.

Any advice would appreciated. I am just feeling...lost

[zmansc, ASN, RN]

First, hiring of professionals often takes weeks to months, not days, so I would suggest giving it more time on the first four applications you sent out.

Second, it sounds like you are sending out application to people outside of your network, so your application is just a piece of paper or an email, nothing more to them. I'm not saying that's not an important piece of paper to them, but they don't have a face or a voice to attach that to. I would suggest a couple of things:

1) I'd suggest sending 2-5 applications a day for a couple of weeks. Cold calling (or in this case cold applying has very low rates of getting a response). The NHSC has a good database where you can get info on many facilities that might meet your needs. You can use this database as well as other online resources to research each facility you send an application to and personalize the application to that facilities specifics. You may have to do this for longer than a couple of weeks, depending on how fast they are going through their process and how many other applications they are receiving, but the likelihood of getting a response from a cold application is relatively small even in the best of markets.

2) I'd suggest calling to follow up 2-5 days after emailing/mailing your application. Be pleasant, and informed about why you want to work at that facility. You are just calling to make sure they put a voice with a piece of paper. Often this can get your application brought to the top of the list of unknown candidates and gives it a much better chance of being given more than a glance. You do not need to wow them, I would just tell them something to the effect of "your facility seems ideal to me because of x, y, and z. I sent in my application on xxx day, and I just wanted to make sure you had everything you needed from me because I'm really hoping to be able to discuss this opportunity with you soon." If they seem interested in you, and ask questions, you can certainly talk more, but you really don't want to keep them on the phone asking them too many questions when they seem like they want to get on with their day.

These two things will give you a much better chance of getting into the beginning stages of the interview process and then you will be able to make a more lasting impression.

Good Luck!

[JenNurse1972]

Thank you very much. I appreciate the information. I think I've been stressing with needing to decide now about extending my travel assignment or picking another assignment. Either thing will "lock" me in until September. This thought made me feel like I could lose a good opportunity because I would be unavailable. When I thought I was going to finish in December, there was a job I really did want and that job did go away because they said they needed it filled before Feb. That was a very big disappointment for several reasons. I will definitely follow your advice and call the clinics to follow up. It sounds like extending my contract in LA will be the best thing to do. Much better to take my time looking for the best fit.