Best New Grad Experience?

[newenglandRN36]

Hello everyone. It seems as though finding a job as a new grad will become more and more difficult as time goes on;almost every employer is looking for NP's with experience. I know that my first job as an FNP will most likely not be my dream job, but when seeking out my first position, what things are important to keep in mind in order to land my "experienced" position? What is attractive to employers? Also, I am used to working 12 hour weekend night shifts (baylor). I welcome the idea of working M-F days with no holidays or weekends since the night/weekend thing has really gotten old (and so have I lol!), but I'm not sure if going from 24 hours a week to 40+ hours a week will be the right move for me either. Are there any positions out there for FNP's working 12 hour shifts? I am hoping to work in either rural New Hampshire (lakes or mountains regions) or rural Maine (lakes region). Of course, landing a position that assists in loan repayment is always a plus! I know that's a lot all up front so let me just break it down:

• What is the best type of experience as a new grad FNP to land a better "experienced" position?
  
• Are there any 12 hour shift opportunities for FNP's? If so, are they only hospital based r can you find them in clinics, offices, etc?
  
• How do you go about landing a position that will assist in loan repayment? Do you need to apply through State loan repayment programs/Federal loan repayment programs before you find a job?
  

Any ideas or advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks to everyone in advance! :)

[BermudaTriangle, DNP, APRN]

I'm also a new FNP and its disappointing not getting call backs from employers. I have applied to alteast 20+ places this week. I'm hoping for replies next week. My ideal is working primary care full time/part-time for 6 months to a year and then applying to urgent care where I'm hoping for 12 hours shifts.

[sadiemae1123]

If you're looking specifically at employers that are eligible for loan repayment you might look on the HRSA website. They have online job fairs and a list of criteria that the different loan repayment programs require to apply.

[newenglandRN36]

Thanks! I will definitely do that. My projected graduation date isn't until May '17 but I have quickly realized that doing research and applying early to these things is critical in being presented with such opportunities. I'm just unclear about when to apply to these programs; before looking for a job that is eligible for repayment or after taking a job that is eligible. Thanks for the reply

[HLeeFNP, NP]

I worked in Emergency Nursing for 7 years before graduating with my FNP this past May. A lot of potential employers loved that experience. I also asked for certain clinical sites to pump up my experience. Never forget that you are networking while in clinical, I had some job offers after I had finished my hours.

[sadiemae1123]

Thanks! I will definitely do that. My projected graduation date isn't until May '17 but I have quickly realized that doing research and applying early to these things is critical in being presented with such opportunities. I'm just unclear about when to apply to these programs; before looking for a job that is eligible for repayment or after taking a job that is eligible. Thanks for the reply

For the loan repayment programs I looked at application process opened up in January and you had to confirm your employment to apply, but your start date could be as late as July. You can still get an idea of what sort of places are eligible so you know where to look for employment.

[bethymaester]

I don't really have good advice except that all of my co-workers and classmates who found jobs quickly had some association with their employer through clinicals. I had to move before graduation due to my husband's military orders (was able to finish everything early to accommodate) and am having no luck in my new area. I don't have any connections and am finding out that there just isn't the population in my area to support many providers at all, much less new grad NPs.

[hunnybaby24, BSN, APRN, NP]

Here is the website for nhsc....

NHSC Jobs Center

I didnt know about this website until last week.

[PG2018]

From the outside looking in, I would think urgent care would be your shiniest marble even if you only moonlight at a UCC. Why? You get the entire mixed bag. You manage the acute, you manage the somewhat emergent, and you manage the chronic. You get the whole bag, and to me that says you can handle clinic and learn sub-spec work.

[newenglandRN36]

I don't really have good advice except that all of my co-workers and classmates who found jobs quickly had some association with their employer through clinicals. I had to move before graduation due to my husband's military orders (was able to finish everything early to accommodate) and am having no luck in my new area. I don't have any connections and am finding out that there just isn't the population in my area to support many providers at all, much less new grad NPs.

Sorry to hear that you aren't having much luck finding work in your area. I do agree that networking is a major asset in finding a job. Have you thought about telemedicine? I hear that is the new wave of clinical care and there is a great need for it; plus, you can do it from home on your computer from what I understand. Good luck!

[newenglandRN36]

Here is the website for nhsc....

NHSC Jobs Center

I didnt know about this website until last week.

Thank you hunnybaby24! Great resource

[newenglandRN36]

From the outside looking in, I would think urgent care would be your shiniest marble even if you only moonlight at a UCC. Why? You get the entire mixed bag. You manage the acute, you manage the somewhat emergent, and you manage the chronic. You get the whole bag, and to me that says you can handle clinic and learn sub-spec work.

I was thinking the same thing. I am not sure how difficult it may be for a new grad to land this type of work however. I wonder if it is easier to get a job in an UCC versus a hospital. Thanks PsychGuy!