How to get entry level NP jobs?

[NYU_Grad]

I'm changing careers. I have a BA and an MPA and am now entering an accelerated BSN program. My goal was to get my NP while working as an RN. I want to start practicing as an NP ASAP since this is my second career. However, I've noticed that, at least in NYC, most of the NP job postings (even RN jobs) require that applicants have years of clinical experience. Are there entry level NP jobs that I can get with only 1-2 years experience as an RN? And, what are the starting salaries for RNs? NPs?

Thanks!

[B52-H]

Finding an employer who will hire a brand new NP with only 1-2 years experience as an RN will be extremely difficult. NPs have a lot of autonomy and trusting one with that much responsibility, when they probably just finished their RN hospital residency, is asking a lot. Even by 2 years, most new RNs are still learning a tremendous amount on the job and slowly being given tougher patient assignments.

I am not sure I understand your rush to work as an NP as fast as possible. Is it the pay? Take your time and soak up as much as possible, the current job market is really bad and getting even those 1-2 years of RN experience is really difficult.

[NYU_Grad]

I turned down two MSN direct practice programs for a less expensive accelerated BSN program, so I was under the impression that becoming an NP was not as difficult as I am learning (considering places like Columbia University are charging an arm and a leg - 70K - for these MSN entry to practice programs). My goal is the NP, not the RN. I have a friend who is an RN. It's not that I'm above being an RN - I can't imagine doing what she does, she's brilliant. It's just that the NP fits my personality profile a bit more. I've been a supervisor and leader for many years. If I entered the field of nursing, I would want to be a leader and educator.

So, how is it that schools are offering MSN entry to practice programs if their grads cannot practice as NPs when they get out? Seems like people should go for the BSN and then have their MSN paid for while they work, no?

I've also heard that getting entry RN jobs is really bad right now. Don't know what to do. I have 20K of my own money that I'm putting down on this. Getting nervous that this was all a lot of bells and whistles for the banks and schools to get more cash from people.

[Jules A, MSN]

If I entered the field of nursing, I would want to be a leader and educator.

Entering as a leader and educator? I agree that it is difficult to get a job as an advanced practice nurse when you haven't ever practiced as a nurse and my answer to your question is that universities are often in it for the almighty dollar. Truth is I can't believe they are graduating NPs without nursing experience but then again I feel the same way about MSN clinical nurse leaders which might actually suit you if you like management and education. My big thing is how the hell can you delegate and make critical decisions to those of us on the floor when you haven't ever done floor nursing? There are so many nuances that you only know because you have lived them, imo. I'm discouraged by new wave of people becoming nurses that have no desire to work with patients but thats just my two cents. Not that there isn't a need for educators and leaders but the ones I have worked with who are competent have plenty of nursing experience under their belt.

[NYU_Grad]

Thank you for your honest feedback. I really do appreciate it, because the "man" is always looking for the next way to make a buck. The schools who are setting the standards seem to be moving in this direction, so this is where non-nurses are getting their cue. I'm already finding that the health care hierarchy is very competitive. I have social workers and telemetrists telling me that new nurses don't know anything, but come in barking orders at them; and I myself am amazed sometimes (just talking about bad nurses here) when I go into a health care facility and get treated by nurses who I cannot even imagine leaving my cat with, let alone how they managed to get any sort of degree. Seems like the whole system needs to be reevaluated.

[NYU_Grad]

Sorry. Meant to stay the schools that are not "who" are. The schools are spreading the message that direct entry MSN is reasonable.

Also, while I have worked in the trenches in a non-profit for quite some time (so I want to help people), I noticed that people are getting upset that others are turning to nursing for the money. This concept in other industries is not new - people became doctors, lawyers and bankers for the prestige and income. This is capitalism. No one wants to advocate for fair living wages, universal health care for others, education reform, overhaul of the banking industry. This economy is getting out of control, and with everyone having an "every man for himself, don't touch mine" attitude, people are going to do what they have to do to put food on the table.

[Jules A, MSN]

good insight and a large university in this area actually stopped offering the accelerated bsn program instead funneling those candidates into the cnl program which imo has a large number of bachelor's level courses that are charged as graduate credit hours. i understand that people will go into careers for the money and in truth there is no way i'd be a nurse if i couldn't make close to 3 figures however i really want to care for patients which to me is what nursing is about. best of luck with whatever you decide!