Frustrated with NP Job Search, Need Help!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Geriatrics, Orthopedics, Occ Health.

Will try to keep it short. CNA x 1 yr, Ortho RN x 1 yr, got my direct entry Masters, became Adult/Geriatric NP, have worked x 1+ yr as Geriatric NP, driving around all day in community doing house calls. Enjoy the job, but not the commuting and feeling alone all day, would like something different. Have looked for jobs, especially specialties and office practice, they all want 3+ years experience, don't know if I can stick it out 3+ years at this current job while I get the experience.

Questions:

1)Go back to being RN (shorter commute, set schedule)? Maybe go into a specialty unit (ortho, cardio, oncology) to get experience for specialty NP jobs down the road? Or would I shoot myself in the foot, taking a "step down" to be RN instead of NP?

2) Try to be a nurse educator/clinical instructor? I do enjoy teaching CNAs/LPNs/RNs that I work with now, and I have an MSN.

3) Move away, hoping jobs are better outside a big city? I don't think my husband would like this answer - his job is not flexible!

Sometimes I feel like you have to know someone to get a job and I don't have many contacts.

Thanks for any advice!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in mostly PACU.

It can be difficult to get a job as an NP. I was able to find a job 4 months after graduation. Some of my classmates don't have a job yet. I notice that you are an adult/geri NP. Why don't you try Evercare? I'm not sure of the website, but they are owned by united healthcare. Their NPs take care of nursing home residents. They often hire new grads. If you need to work in the meantime, nothing wrong with working as an RN. Keep looking! Try your state's nurse practitioner association website. Try the AANP website as well. There are job postings on those.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

Apply for jobs even if they ask for more experience than you have. The worst that can happen is they ignore you. You have nothing to lose.......

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

It would probably be to your advantage to get experience.

This is exactly what NON experienced RNs will run into.

If you consider this a "step-down", let me put it to you this way--My hospital has 12 NP openings and many NPs have applied.

The ones with NO experience--They are NOT being hired. So, what do you think?

Just because YOU think it is a step down--means that those who do the hiring think the same.

Good luck...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, Orthopedics, Occ Health.
It would probably be to your advantage to get experience.

This is exactly what NON experienced RNs will run into.

If you consider this a "step-down", let me put it to you this way--My hospital has 12 NP openings and many NPs have applied.

The ones with NO experience--They are NOT being hired. So, what do you think?

Just because YOU think it is a step down--means that those who do the hiring think the same.

Good luck...

Hi JoPACURN.

Thanks for the response! It left me a little confused about where to get experience though. I don't really know how hiring managers think, so I don't know if they care where the experience comes from, whether I get it doing NP work or RN work. Is it all the same to them?

Would they wonder why I went from working as an NP to being an RN? Would they consider that backwards?

Thanks for any help. I guess I feel like HR departments are black holes sometimes, they don't tell you why you aren't being picked! :angryfire

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

For networking:

1. Join your state's advanced practice organization and go to meetings.

2. Sign up for local conferences for CEUs - this accomplishes two goals of getting continuing education as well as networking.

3. If you are credentialled at a hospital, or somehow affiliated with a hospital, join their APN council.

As to taking an RN position: it is not a step backward but it might not be wise because as an APN, you will be held to that standard. Also - you would be considered a new grad RN as your skill set as an APN is different than that of an RN.

IMHO - you would be better off continuing to pursue a different NP position.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, Orthopedics, Occ Health.

I really appreciate all of the guidance that everyone has given to me. It's such a great resource to have so many experienced people available on this board. Having mentors is so important! I'll be going to an NP conference next week, so that will be a great way to get the wheels in motion. Thanks again! :yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Occupational health, Corrections, PACU.

Work locum tenens, there is a lot of need to fill in at this time of year. NP's that have steady jobs are going to need coverage when they go on holiday time off. Also, have you considered corrections? It is very exciting, and I assure you that you will learn A LOT. Lots of needs usually, too. Check your local state prison or jail websites. Good luck. (And yes, going back to RN would be a step in the wrong direction)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Addictions, Acute Psychiatry.

VA hospital. Benefits will smear any job you've ever had. Same with Army hospitals hiring civilians. Depends on your area.

For the record, I'm jealous of your NP but I'm on the tracks now!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment