Getting back into the U.S. Job Market

allnurses Guide · Jul 31, 2012

Sorry to hear about your situation. What have you done to look for a job? What areas are you looking at? It seems like there are a ton of NP jobs in my area (Pittsburgh).

summerscoopy26 · Jul 31, 2012

REALLY!!!!!! My NP license is in GA and PA. I have gone to conferences, as well as continue education. I've done over 150 CU credits for the last year, just to stay current on topics.

I am looking at areas of primary care and/or women's health. I have a dual degree WHNP and ANP certified.

Well, I am brushing off my resume and am about to plow back in and start applying for jobs. Its just that before I had to leave when I couldn't find a job back in 2010, I remember applying for some many jobs...and with everyone: REJECTION!

I guess the advice I am looking for when during an interview they ask, "why didn't you secure a job as an NP how do I not look like a failure for the past two years?"

caliotter3 · Jul 31, 2012

No advice to offer, just wanted to wish you good luck.

noahsmama · Jul 31, 2012

I guess the advice I am looking for when during an interview they ask, "why didn't you secure a job as an NP how do I not look like a failure for the past two years?"

I don't see how working as an RN for two years makes you a failure. You tell them the truth, which is that there weren't any jobs when you graduated, so you went somewhere where you knew you could get a job. No shame in that. Even though you hate your current job, you don't need to tell them that. Tell them all the positives of your current job -- there must be some, even if it is only that you've learned to deal with difficult people in challenging circumstances.

And don't feel bad about the rejections, which are sure to happen -- you only need one job. So, keep applying till you land one. The more flexible you can be about location and specialty, the better -- it will be easier to get your second job as an NP than to get your first. (I'm not an NP, I'm an RN, but I believe this advice applies to pretty much any field).

Good luck!

johnnybravo8802 · Aug 1, 2012

To all the NPs out there, I really would like some honest advice on how to get back into the job market in the US.
A little background: I graduated from an excellent NP school in 2010 (in the US, I am a US citizen as well), however, when the bottom fell from under me and the economy imploded I was unable to get a job as a NP or as a RN. Running out of money, I had to move back to the place where I was born (I hadn't been there since I was a baby).
So I work as a Med-Surg Registered Nurse here (I don't want to name the place, because it is awful. Nursing standards are low and archaic. I feel like I'm working in the 1940s). I HATE it!!!!! I never wanted to be a hospital nurse. The insults, verbal abuse, threats, hostile/sexist remarks from physicians, and unethical treatment of patients I cannot take anymore. I learned in a much more advancing and empowering environment. All I do is clean poop, the patients don't care, and the residents don't want to listen to anything I have to say. The nurses are not allowed to think, intervene, or advocate for their patients.
I feel like a true failure. I went to school and struggled to become a Women's Health/Adult Health NP. I did everything right (I thought). 2 yrs post graduate degree and I am not working as a NP.
I believe I have some experience under my belt. HOW DO I BREAK BACK IN TO THE JOB MARKET?
Thanks in advance.

You know, this isn't the first time I've heard this from an RN. I heard that same story back in 02' from a coworker, which was before the economy went in the crapper. I was told, in 02', that "if you had a heartbeat, you had a job." Of course, that's no longer true now. However, the concensus seemed to be that you have to sell yourself as a NP because the jobs are fewer in between and it's much more difficult to get a job.

Right now, I'd give anything to have a job as even an RN. I had a patient file a complaint on me back in 09'. I hired a lawyer for $20,000, he said it was a BS case, the charges would be dropped, and 3 yrs later, I get indicted. The result-I just spent the last 10.5 mos in jail and I have 2 yrs of probation-misdemeanor charge. I'm talking with the board about renewing my license but I think we all know what will happen there. The plea states I am not allowed to work as an RN for 2 yrs while on probation anyway. Think about what it will be like in 2 yrs when I try to apply again. I may never be able to get a job as an RN again-I've been in the medical field since 92'. Sorry to hijack your thread but it hit me about job searching and I just wanted to share. I wish you all the luck in the world. SELL YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!

allnurses Guide · Aug 2, 2012

summerscoopy26

If you are not a member, I'd join the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners. They have a website. There is a listserv email list that has jobs emailed out regularly. I know that in my area, they are desperate for people for primary care, and for urgent care type places. I'm sure your women's health and primary care would be sought after there. At interview, they want to know what you have to offer them NOW. How you explain your past couple of years is just a matter of simply explaining that you could not find a suitable job, so you went somewhere you could. I would focus on what you've done to maintain your certification and continuing education, what you have found out about their organization and the job. If you want to message me your email address I'd be glad to forward on any job emails I get.

summerscoopy26 · Aug 2, 2012

Thank you all very much for the advice and information. Now it is time for me to put it into practice.

Psychcns · Aug 2, 2012

And consider getting a recruiter.. I do locum tenens with Staff Care. My original recruiter was a woman named XXXXX who was very good to me and then she transferred to primary care, I was told. I had an unusual situation and she was very helpful..some of the positions are locums to permanent and I think they also have a branch that hires permanent. I get recruiting ads several times per week from different companies for locums and permanent! You could just start making phone calls!!! Or check bulletin boards at Staff Care or other places..

Also to spiff up your resume, google Renee Dahring, NP Career coach. Lots of free suggestions!

There are jobs...just be persistent..good luck!!

allnurses Guide · Aug 8, 2012

Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Pracitioners

donnacarol · Mar 21, 2013

I am a new grad NP and have good luck with applying to job postings on craigslist. Have your resume and cover letter ready. I have applied the last 2 weeks, 6 jobs per week. Have had 2 interviews already and another interest.