How long it took you to find your first NP job

Specialties NP

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I graduated in August and will take my boards in Oct. I like my current hospital and wishes to find a job here. I sent my application to 3 different job listing starting mid July but didn't even get an interview yet. I was told it's all about networking but I only worked in this hospital for two years. I did my specialty rotation with the hospitalist but they currently don't have any openings.

Now I am getting anxious and wants to apply anywhere else too.

How long it took you to find your first NP job? Where did you find the job? Thanks.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Sorry you are having such a difficult time. When I graduated in 2006 I applied at the very large hospital where I had worked for 10 years. I was well known as a skilled and compassionate nurse. However, there were NO openings....so I kept working as an RN for three months after I passed my certification test....grrr.

I applied for everything, even jobs that said they wanted experienced XYZ APRNs of which I had no experience - lol.

I ended up getting a job at a large nephrology practice where the benefits far outway the hospital system's, I have a lot more autonomy and now 13 years later I'm a clinical expert.

So...my advice:

1. Join your states APRN organization - go to meetings, meet people, bring contact info, ask if anyone knows about any upcoming openings.

2. Apply for jobs that may not be the perfect fit but would get you some experience.

3. Don't discount other hospital systems in your area.

4. Consider relocating or commuting a little more.

Best wishes

4 Votes
Specializes in Corrections, Public Health, Occupational Medicine.

I had a tentative job offer before I even did boards. As soon as I passed boards and got the official letter, I had started. Also I did not wait until after passing boards to apply for my furnishing number (you can do this right after your graduate and degree gets posted to your transcript) so I was good to go like a week after I passed boards.

1 Votes
Specializes in NICU.

Relocation may be your best bet. I was open to almost anywhere for the right fit and had an offer a month before I graduated with several interviews that I later declined to take. The region wasn’t my favorite place but I learned a lot and after a couple of years I moved to exactly where I want to be and have a great job.

2 Votes

I graduated in May 2018, took my boards in June, applied for jobs in July, interviewed in August and September, and received four job offers in October of the same year.

I applied to jobs on the other end of my state where I didn't know anyone yet still received four offers. If I had applied to stay at my previous institution, I'm sure I would have gotten a job mostly because of the specialty I was pursuing (plus, a physician and NP in that department were actively trying to recruit me). However, I wanted to leave the area. Plus, I didn't want to work in a hospital anymore.

It sounds like there just isn't a demand at your hospital and I think it's fine to expand out. Networking is a great idea, especially through professional organisations, whether it's your state's NP organisation or a different specialty organisation.

1 Votes
Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).

Once I had taken my boards and obtained my license, it took about 3 months to get my first job offer. Note: I live in California, where it takes a really long time to get the NP license.

Once you have passed the boards and have your NP license, you will get a better response in your job search. You need to cast a wide net and not just apply to one hospital.

Good luck.

1 Votes
Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.

It took me 3 months after graduating to find both of my jobs. For my main gig, I'm still in the credentialing process. For my side hustle, I start tomorrow.

Specializes in FNP.

I had several offers before graduating.

Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

I had 3 offers with in 6 weeks of graduating, one prior to boards two after passing. All three were found through networking and letting people I knew know about my interests. I graduated in June, got my license end of July and started working in September. Admittedly, I do have an hour commute at the moment, but it is worth it to me for the job and I'll be able to move closer to work with in the next year.

I'd really put your feelers out and chat with people - you never know who may think of you down the road for a position or who knows some one who knows someone (which is how I got my job). Additionally expand your area of commute and/or consider relocating for work. I'd also be patient, many places are much more interested once you have your license - some organizations won't offer an interview no matter how interested they are until you have one due to organizational policies.

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