Can't seem to fidn a job

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Specializes in several.

Hi All,

It's been a long while since I've posted. I just completed my DNP and I am having trouble finding a job in academia. I've sent out so many applications and have not had much success. I am a seasoned nurse practitioner with 21 years experience. I'm burned out with NP practice and would like to teach either undergraduate or graduate level nursing students. I would like to think that my DNP degree was not a waste of 3 years of my life!! Any suggestions?

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What area of the country are you in? Have you looked into teaching online classes?

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Was you DNP focused on education? If not, what previous experience do you have in education? Have you researched the ways in which the application and hiring processes in academia are different from the processes in the practice arena?

If not, that may be part of your problem. The academic and practice arenas are 2 different cultures. Your application materials might be appropriate for the practice arena (emphasizing your clinical experience and competence), but missing the mark for academia (research trajectory, publications, likelihood of grant funding, course development experience, teaching experience, teaching philosophy, etc.).

Could that possibly be part of the problem?

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Specializes in several.

Hi IIg,

Thank you for your response and insight! I am living in the Northeast US. I do have much experience in teaching but have more experience as a nurse practitioner. You bring up a good point about focusing my CV on my teaching experience rather than highlighting the clinical experience. I have applied to several online programs and have either received no response or was told that they "found a better candidate!" Also, most online programs require a compact nursing license and the 2 states that I am licensed in are not part of the compact states. I do realize that I may have to obtain additional license (s) in order to qualify to teach online at many universities and colleges in the country.

Thank you!

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Specializes in several.

Hi NurseBlaq,

I appreciate your response. Please read my reply in conversation.

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