Direct entry NP grads and getting a job

Hi,

I'm in my last semester of a DE NP program, and have the same concerns that you do. Before break, we met with a recent grad of our program, and she stated that all of her class had NP jobs relatively soon (within 6 mos) after graduation. Some had worked as an RN, most had not. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my class will have the same success, what with the economy and all. Do you know if your state has any type of NP association or coalition? Mine does, and I probably get 6 or 7 emails a week about job openings, and some of them encourage new grads to apply.

Best of luck to you!

Well, you are entitled to your opinion, even though I respectfully disagree with you. There are studies out there that show that DE NPs are just as competent as those with RN experience, and some feel they are even more competent. Whether or not that is 100% true is up for discussion. I know that my clinical preceptors have been very pleased with my abilities and those of other DE students in my program. I only ask that those opposed to DE programs keep an open mind if you work with a DE grad, and let his or her performance speak for itself.

I live and work in an area with a very tight APN/mid-level market. We have several universities/colleges that graduated mid-level practitioners and few get jobs right after graduation.

Would be interested in any anecdotal or first-hand accounts of getting a job as a DE NP with no RN experience.

We don't have a tight APN market in my area but Michigan is one of those states where direct-entry MSN programs are not available at all. Having said that, I am not sure how a direct entry grad from another state would present as a competitive candidate among applicants with considerable RN experience here. I think the best way for a direct entry NP student to get jobs as a NP is to work as an RN after having passed the NCLEX portion of the program and accumulate nursing experience that way.

I find it so interesting how much the market varies from place to place. Do you think that mid level providers are better accepted in some parts of the country as opposed to others, or is it a supply vs. demand thing? I also live in an area where there are tons of schools, but there's also a million hospitals/medical practices, so maybe the demand is just higher here.

As far as stories of getting an NP job w/o RN experience, I know of several people who have and are doing fine. I'm starting a clinical rotation next week with the understanding if it works out well for both the MD and myself, I will be asked to stay on as an NP. A few of my classmates have also been offered this type of opportunity. So, there are obviously people out there who have faith in our program and the quality of the graduates.

BCgrad - consider yourself fortunate to have such an opportunity. I personally know of two very experienced RNs who graduated in May 08 and they are still looking. I think our economy is certainly a factor.

I am very grateful for the opportunity, no question! I know there are also issues in my area with RNs trying to get jobs. The hospital system I currently work for is, unfortunately, in the process of reducing the nursing staff. Most of the NP jobs I've seen advertised are for private practice, however. I wonder if that's because primary care/outpatient visits have picked up since everyone in my state is mandated to have health insurance.

There's definitely many factors that affect job hunting success for NP's regardless of whether they are direct-entry grads or experienced RN's. I think supply vs demand is a big factor. I'm an Acute Care NP and in the setting I am in, we tend to look at RN experience more closely and whether this will be a good match to the NP position the candidate is applying for. Primary care positions are probably different. Not many experienced RN's who are FNP students currently work in primary care settings. You also have to factor in how specific NP programs are received in you metro area. It could be possible that physicians are aware of direct entry programs in your city and accept that grads of the programs are competent enough to work with as NP's. It also helps that you've spent clinical rotations with a prospective employer who knows exactly how you work.