FNP graduating today...thoughts on jobs, salary, school, etc.

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I graduate from the FNP program today. It took me 4 YEARS. I took one class at a time and didn't miss out on much on the homefront. I still got to coach my daughter's sports team, go on field trips, be the room mom and keep things at home running relatively smooth. At times I worked 1-2 twelve hour shifts/week in the ER; at times I didn't work at all and then at other times I worked about 15 hours per week in my old cardiac job.

I had no less than 3 job offers before I graduated...heck, before I even finished my practicum clinical hours. These were all word of mouth i.e. none of the jobs were advertised. The offers ranged from 40.00/hr. to 48.00 an hour ($84K to $99K). Some had an amazing bonus structure and great benefits and some not so much.

In the end I chose an office that had patient care values and a practice style that melded with mine with a quick advancement scale that will have me earning what other NPs at the office make within a reasonable amount of time. All of the offers included an option for flexible part-time scheduling since that was my request. For all of you who hope to work part-time...it just simply wasn't an issue. If the office wants you it seems they are willing to let you do part-time. Of course, I have made it clear that I can increase my hours on days or weeks when other NPs are on vacation, etc.

The highest I ever made as an RN was the equivalent of $66K (not including shift diff, weekends, etc.) so I have no issue with being a brand new grad making anywhere from $84-99K. Especially for a job that will not require holidays and weekends! For NPs in my area, it is simply not true that we are being offered jobs at RN rates.

Just thought I would offer this up since I know students read these forums and become sometimes discouraged because of posts talking about salaries that are no better than RN salaries, lack of offers, lack of jobs, etc.

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Congratulations! All of the information you passed on is good to hear. Can you tell us in what state you are located?

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Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

Congratulations!! Best of luck to you!!:yeah:

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Specializes in women's health, NICU.

Congrats on your new job!!!!! That's what I like to hear!!! Flexibility in hours, salary, benefits, etc!! Just out of curiosity, what type of specialty are you in now as a new FNP? I'm trying to get to where you are one of these days!!! ;) I especially LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the part of not having to work nights, weekends, and holidays too!!! I just dont understand why some people would say that there is not much of a salary increase from an RN to NP, especially when you're making at least 84K WITHOUT working crazy hours!!! I just started my FNP program and was a little curious as to what type of job opportunities are out there!!

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Congrats on your new job!!!!! That's what I like to hear!!! Flexibility in hours, salary, benefits, etc!! Just out of curiosity, what type of specialty are you in now as a new FNP? I'm trying to get to where you are one of these days!!! ;) I especially LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the part of not having to work nights, weekends, and holidays too!!! I just dont understand why some people would say that there is not much of a salary increase from an RN to NP, especially when you're making at least 84K WITHOUT working crazy hours!!! I just started my FNP program and was a little curious as to what type of job opportunities are out there!!

I will be working in a family practice clinic 2.5-3 days per week. I will have set hours so when I say flexible I don't mean I can just come and go when I want.

You know, these offers just started rolling in AFTER I stopped being hesitant and apologetic for needing to work just part-time. My new motto became "it is what it is."

I'm in Texas, BTW. Most of my classmates have been approached by at least one office offering a job.

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Yeah, my friends in TX all have great jobs, making $85-$95 as new grads. That seems to be the state that has the best NP jobs. Congrats to you!

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Just wanted to say thanks so much for this post, congrats on graduating AND getting a job! I'm still a student and have quite a way to go, but it's always good to hear things like this.

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Wow, that is a wonderful story and sounds like a dream come true w/ the hours and salary. Great to hear you can make such a lucrative salary while working only part time. I really don't know many careers where you can do that.

This really motivates me so much more as I start my FNP degree in the next 2 weeks. I still have a younger son at home w/ special needs and he will no doubt live with me for a very long time. For me to have the choice to work part time and still earn a good salary would be an absolute Godsend. Well, it would be for most parents. Salary isn't the only thing that compensates. It's also time spent and quality of life experienced.

Thanks SO much for the positive story.

BTW, I see you worked in the ER. Was that a good place to work while in school? I am being offered a part time position on my same floor I'm on now. I am comfortable there, although it's still stressful at times. Part of me wants to go to a freestanding ER clinic, but I'm not sure if I can get that job. Is it ok to just park it on a med/surg/tele floor while in school? Any advice? Thanks.

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Specializes in Med Surg,.

Congratulations, I graduated in May but yet to have a sound lead or job offer.

What am I doing wrong.

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Wow, that is a wonderful story and sounds like a dream come true w/ the hours and salary. Great to hear you can make such a lucrative salary while working only part time. I really don't know many careers where you can do that.

This really motivates me so much more as I start my FNP degree in the next 2 weeks. I still have a younger son at home w/ special needs and he will no doubt live with me for a very long time. For me to have the choice to work part time and still earn a good salary would be an absolute Godsend. Well, it would be for most parents. Salary isn't the only thing that compensates. It's also time spent and quality of life experienced.

Thanks SO much for the positive story.

BTW, I see you worked in the ER. Was that a good place to work while in school? I am being offered a part time position on my same floor I'm on now. I am comfortable there, although it's still stressful at times. Part of me wants to go to a freestanding ER clinic, but I'm not sure if I can get that job. Is it ok to just park it on a med/surg/tele floor while in school? Any advice? Thanks.

I went back and read my post and meant to make it clear that the salary quotes (84-90K) are based on full-time salary. I will not be making that working part-time....sorry and I didn't meant to make it sound more than it was. Still, 42K -50K working 2.5 days per week is not a bad gig.

I made myself work ER because I had been in my "cardiac bubble" for so long. I had NO experience dealing with acute injuries, abdominal pain, gyn issues, etc. I think whatever you can do that works for your family while you are in school is what you should keep doing.

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Congratulations, I graduated in May but yet to have a sound lead or job offer.

What am I doing wrong.

I have no idea! I think a lot of mine was being in the right place at the right time. Are you going to regional NP group meetings, signing up with recruiters and dropping by offices with resumes?

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I went back and read my post and meant to make it clear that the salary quotes (84-90K) are based on full-time salary. I will not be making that working part-time....sorry and I didn't meant to make it sound more than it was. Still, 42K -50K working 2.5 days per week is not a bad gig.

I made myself work ER because I had been in my "cardiac bubble" for so long. I had NO experience dealing with acute injuries, abdominal pain, gyn issues, etc. I think whatever you can do that works for your family while you are in school is what you should keep doing.

No, I dont' think it's a bad gig either, as I have to work double that now to make that salary. I think it's awesome.

I am on a stroke/med/tele floor right now. My managers have agreed to let me work 2 days a week. We see a good concentration of neuro w/ cardiac issues woven in. We also get medical overflow at times. It's stressful, but I've been there 2 years and I know the floor pretty well. Part of me wants to go to a local urgent care center where I'll see more and have to improve my assessment skills. I don't know how important it would be to move from where I am now. Most people tell me to stay put, but part of me also wants a new learning experience. I do have nice bosses and they work w/ me on my schedule. Not sure what to do.

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