Frustrated New Grad

[AshleelRenee]

I am beyond frustrated looking for a job. I graduated with my FNP in May. It's now 6 months later and I still don't have a job. I have applied for everything. I have sent my CV to countless number of clinics and made connections. No one will even interview me because I am a new grad and have less than 2 years experience as a NP.

Is anyone else having troubles? I'm thinking about just getting a RN job. I have a $1500 student loan payment that's kicking in in December. If I knew this was going to happen I wouldn't have gotten my master's. I'm just so frustrated and discouraged.

[Jules A, MSN]

I think it depends on the areas but with the sheer numbers graduating no doubt things are tightening up in many places. I'd definitely recommend hanging on to your RN job until you have an offer because depending on where you work you will likely have a couple of months to get paneled for insurance/credentialed through the hospital etc. Good luck.

[shibaowner, MSN, RN, NP]

Hello.

First, take a deep breath about the student loan - you can get a payment deferral for up to one year after graduation. Contact your loan servicer(s) ASAP about this.

Second, there are plenty of jobs out there for new grad FNPs. You can also apply for NP residency programs (just google this).

You need to be flexible about location and consider the smaller cities, town, and rural areas. For example, there in California, there are NP jobs going begging in the San Joaquin Valley - they actually pay MORE than the coastal cities and the cost of living is way less.

Third, if you are not getting responses, then your resume needs work. You can research this - plethora of resources on the internet. In addition, there are resume writing services for NPs and it is worth investing in a good resume.

I'm a Western US gal, so I know there is a real shortage of FNPs in the following areas: central and rural California, Nevada, Arizona, central and rural Oregon, New Mexico, Alaska. Be willing to go where other people are not.

Here is a resource to find a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) and these locations may be available for loan repayment programs from the federal or state government.

HPSA Find

Good luck.

[serenitylove14]

What area do you live in?

I just started applying two weeks ago and have 3 offers, but Ive been hustling on these job apps and linked in.

[AshleelRenee]

I'm in Nashville. I actually just sent you a PM!

[AshleelRenee]

Thank you, I will look into the HPSA. Unfortunately, I can't move at this time. I just moved to my current location (Nashville) in May because of my husband's job. I have been applying at places outside of the city. And I am getting responses and they all say they require 1-2 years NP experience.

[RottylvAPRN]

Nashville's a tough area, I spoke to a recruiter and they were saying they're not even trying to place people in this area because employers have such a surplus of applicants for NP jobs.

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

Have you looked at community health centers? They are often willing to hire new grads.

[AshleelRenee]

I have looked and applied everywhere! Just got a few new leads I am looking in to.

[NurseyMcNurserson]

Keep applying! Try to network with NP/PA groups on FB in your area as someone is bound to post something. It's all about networking unfortunately. Have you applied to all the places where you did clinicals? Keep us updated!

[Oldmahubbard]

I went through something very similar. Zero job prospects. I was told the market was glutted. I drove 50 miles for an interview at Planned Parenthood. I would have taken it. The pay was less than what RN's were making.

I was desperate, and the main support of my household. I applied for RN jobs, without disclosing my NP degree. I took a part time RN 3-11 position just to survive.

A couple of months later, I found an NP position with the State. Again, the job paid less than what the RNs were making. But I learned. Today, almost 15 years later, I have a thriving career.

Employers don't view us as immediately prepared and ready to handle a full case load. Unfortunately, they are largely correct. We have to prove ourselves.

I wish I had an answer. You may have to greatly expand your job search. My first job paid less than an RN salary for 2 years.

[FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP]

According to HRSA, Tennessee has the greatest surplus of NPs of any state. Perhaps you can look for work in Kentucky? I read there is high demand for NPs there. Here in California, people sometimes live and work in physically distant cities. For example, in Silicon Valley, it is common for people to just rent a room or couch surf during the week for work and then commute home on weekends. Good luck.