Can't get ACNP job

FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP · Mar 4, 2019

It is hard to get the first job. Have you tried contacting U Penn to see if they can put you in touch with alumni? Most schools have an alumni network and have job services for alumni and new grads.

Perhaps you need a resume review/revamp and also perhaps your interviewing skills need some improvement.

I am not familiar with the Atlanta job market for NPs - is there a surplus of NPs in the area? You might want to research areas that have a shortage of NPs and apply in those areas. Many smaller towns and rural areas are desperate for providers of all types.

ArmaniX, MSN, APRN · Mar 4, 2019

Look out of state

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Mar 5, 2019

Let's start with looking at your experience as an RN and what sort of jobs you've applied for. I agree with reaching out to UPenn, we have some of their grads where I work and they do get emails from other alumni asking for leads as far as jobs. You may have to look out of state as stated above. If you are competing with many Emory grads, it's not unusual for local grads to be preferred.

core0 · Mar 6, 2019

I will add something else. At 2 years without practice is something else you have to think about. Its one thing if someone with years of experience takes a year or so off. But you never practiced after school. If you are given the choice between someone with fresh learning and experience and someone who's learning and experience is two years old who would you choose? I would strongly consider an ANCP residency. Both Piedmont and Emory have a number of NP residencies. Some come with attached jobs and this will address your lack of experience.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Mar 6, 2019

@core0, how competitive are those fellowships? I ask because we have one too but it is quite competitive and grads of our AGACNP programs will get preference as well.

Cococure · Mar 6, 2019

Hey Zee,

I hear your frustration, have you tried WellStar, Southern Regional Med Ctr, Northeast Ga Med Ctr, Floyd Med Ctr, St Marys Med Ctr? Or Select Specialty Hosp. I know the healthcare systems listed are north and south of Atl. But they be an option if you are willing to travel a bit also finding an NP job at Emory, Grady, and Piedmont is be very competitive, it all about who you know.

Good Luck

Cococure

core0 · Mar 7, 2019

12 hours ago, juan de la cruz said:
@core0, how competitive are those fellowships? I ask because we have one too but it is quite competitive and grads of our AGACNP programs will get preference as well.

They are fairly competitive depending on when you apply. Emory takes 6-8 per year in two classes and gets around 50 applications total. So fairly competitive. But when you count in the fellowships in heme/onc, cardiology and transplant there are a lot more. Also there are fellowships at Piedmont in a number of specialties.

ToFNPandBeyond · Mar 7, 2019

I also agree on contacting alumni and the residency route for experience. You may also want to try career fairs in healthcare. This was the primary way I got interviews and landed my first job. Careermd.com is what I used. Create a portfolio rather than handing out your resume to stand out amongst the crowd. I wish you the best of luck!

allnurses Guide · Apr 29, 2019

UPenn is a well regarded program. This baffles me, because I am in Pittsburgh and I can't hire enough ACNPs. I have FNPs applying to my critical care jobs often. Are you getting interviews and not being hired? Or not getting interviewed? Are your salary expectations too high? Or not even getting to that point?