the chance to find a NP job for new graduate without experience

SparkleRN · Jun 19, 2010

Hi - I don't have any advice for you, but am in the same boat. I'm a new grad who can't find a job and have been thinking about going back to school for my NP, but I won't have any nursing experience either. I'm interested in what people have to say...I'll be following this thread and thanks for posting the question! I've seen some jobs for NP's no experience but mostly in clinics and doctors offices...which is fine by me!

happy2learn · Jun 20, 2010

I think you should expect to have to work as an RN once you graduate NP school, since you have no experience.

That is the route I will be taking. I'll be going straight through school, but won't have much, if any, RN experience. So I expect to work as an RN for quite a few years before being offered an NP position.

I wouldn't feel comfortable working as an Advanced Practice Nurse if I have never worked as a Nurse.

allnurses Guide · Jun 20, 2010

I completed a direct entry FNP program last year and had no trouble finding a job as an FNP. I had tried to find a part time RN job while I was finishing school, but no one was hiring RNs. Virtually everyone in my program had NP jobs within 3 months of graduation. I don't know if that's particular to my neck of the woods or not. You might as well start your masters if the RN job market is so tight. I don't feel my lack of RN experience hurt me in my job hunt, or in performing my NP job. RN experience certainly would have been valuable, but it doesn't preclude you from performing well as a NP. I work in an outpatient setting and most of what I learned as an RN doesn't apply to what I do day to day. However, I'd definitely recommend getting RN experience if you hope to work as an NP in an inpatient environment.

Good luck!!

nurserach2010 · Jun 21, 2010

I was wondering the same thing

tejas-nurse · Jun 21, 2010

Please let us know a good website for NP jobs.

jyager, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Jul 16, 2010

Hey guys,

For those of you who have had to work in non NP positions after completing your masters, how do you (or if this is what you will do, how do you plan to) maintain your licensure as an NP during this time? My understanding is that you need to practice a minimum number of hours per year as an NP to keep your license. Is this correct, or does it vary per region?

I'm planning to apply to direct entry programs in the future and have the same concern about lack of nursing experience upon graduation.

cmn59 · Oct 27, 2010

I have over 20 years experience as an RN and just graduated with an MSN became nationally board certified as a family nurse practitioner and am licensed in my state. I can't find a job either. I too am extremely frustrated having put all that time and money into getting an advanced degree. My only advice is to keep looking, be patient it is the economy.

allnurses Guide · Oct 28, 2010

For finding NPs to shadow, try the local NP groups - they usually have NPs who are willing to have you shadow.

cmn59 · Oct 28, 2010

Thanks but I don't need to shadow I am ready to have a job and practice. I did over 745 hours of clinical rotations with other NP's and am now ready to to practice.

cymphilly · Oct 28, 2010

Thanks so much for all of your reply, suggestion and sharing.

KimberRN · Oct 28, 2010

Thanks but I don't need to shadow I am ready to have a job and practice. I did over 745 hours of clinical rotations with other NP's and am now ready to to practice.

Hey..Did you complete all of your hours with an NP or did you use a physician for any of your hours? I am getting ready to start looking for preceptors soon and I would love to hear your perspective regarding your clinical experiences NP vs MD, etc.

Thank you so much!