First NP job did not work out..now what?

[tea.ns]

Hello, I just need some input on what to do next. I accepted my first NP job. I was told they did not expect me to know anything and they would give me the training needed. There was no NP there currently because they had left. I just found out I'm the 3rd NP to leave out of 5 for the same reason. We mutually agree this position is not a good fit. The training I was promised was clearly not successful. My personal plan is to go back to bedside while I figure out what specialty I even want to work in. However, I am being offered an internal transfer of my choice. (tbh theres 1 job that I would maybe be interested but again, its kinds forced) I have been advised to take the transfer or I may never be an NP again because of a gap in my resume. Any advise would be appreciated. 

[Rnis, BSN, DNP, APRN, NP]

It's ridiculous for them to insinuate that you will never work again as a NP if you don't take the transfer.... but I do question if going to the bedside would be in your best interest.   If the transfer is something you would be interested in, I would at least explore the opportunity.    I also would do some self-reflection about what supports you need to be successful in next role.  I would work with new manager to advocate what you need.   They clearly aren't good as an organization in setting up people for success, so you are probably going to need to self-advocate but also do work outside of work to get up to speed. The first year is really rough... hang in there 

[FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP]

Ignore whoever is trying to scare you by saying you have to take that NP job or else.  That is nonsense.  Your first NP job turned out to be a difficult situation and it is not your fault - they had 3 NPs leave for the same reason - lack of training!  That place should not be hiring new grads.  That is their problem, not yours.

What is your NP specialty?  If you are an FNP, I strongly advise you to get more experience in that specialty before specializing further.  You might also look into applying for an NP residency program.  If you need to work until you get your next job, nothing wrong with working as RN for awhile, but don't do this for too long.  Focus on getting a good NP job ASAP.

It's pretty common for a first job to just not work out.  Now you know what to look for in your next NP job.

Good luck.

[jorget512]

if at first you don't succeed try and try again. you have progressed to the next level in nursing do not retreat. look for other NP jobs until you find the right fit. to stay and transfer would be stagnation.

[ChristinaFNP, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, APRN]

Just because that specific job was not a good fit does not mean you will not be a good NP in another position. Them telling you a gap in your history means no more jobs is untrue and for that reason alone I would not want to work for this organization. You don't mention what you were doing or what type of NP you are or how long you were a nurse prior to becoming a NP but these are all important parts of the picture. If you are FNP, I suggest getting a primary care job and not trying to specialize at first. If you are acute care or pediatrics, again look for urgent care or primary care jobs that offer on the job orientation and mentorship. If you don't have a lot of experience as a nurse, I would consider going back for some additional education. It is a lot to learn and take it and without a strong foundation, can be overwhelming. It sounds like you took the first job offered. While it is exciting to finally be rewarded for all your hard work, the first offer is not always the best one. There is nothing wrong with working TEMPORARILY as a nurse while looking for the perfect fit as a NP--after all, we all need to eat, right? JUst don't let it be the reason why you don't pursue your chosen career.

[barcode120x, RN, NP]

The fact that they told you may never be an NP again speaks volumes of that employer. Honestly, I would stay clear of that employer and leave overall and take the leave. What if you do end up doing the internal transfer, word gets around that you quit that first job, and things don't look good on you? Leave now on mutual, agreed terms. Again, what they said is super shady.

I was not in a specific situation as yourself when I was a new grad, but I did end up leaving my first FT job within 5 weeks after finding out it wasn't "the right fit" for me. Long story short, I was unexpectedly expected to do RN work and cover for RNs that called out as an NP which was not stated to me on my employment contract job responsibilities or in the interview process. I was devasted, even fell into a short term depression as I had NO idea what specialty or what to do and I thought that leaving 5 weeks into a new job would look awful on my resume.

I ended up working for a super cool DNP doing contract work, medical examiner and annual wellness visits to "pay the bills." After almost a year of doing that (finished out that new grad 1 year), I ended up starting to look for a more stable, full time job with benefits and landed in rehab position. Despite the internet talking about saturated the NP market is, there will always be jobs out there. I'm a huge propronent of doing contract work as it is flexible, can be really good pay, and something to do on the side to build that experience. Work bedside if you want, but at that time, I had NO intention to go back to bedside. But like the other commenter said, we all do have bills to pay. Hope this is some sound advice for you