Job Search New FNP

Published

I had a preceptor tell me I should be applying for a job during my final semester. It sounds a bit odd since I will still need to take my boards and apply for the license.

Anyone have any input? Did everyone apply prior to graduating?

I plan to move to another state and that adds a degree of difficulty.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I had two jobs lined up before I graduated. One from a clinical placement and one from a physician I knew.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I didn't really start seriously looking or applying for jobs until after I graduated.

I didn't know anyone at the place where I work when I applied, either. So don't panic too much about moving. I saw an ad on indeed.com and called them. It took about 3 months from first call to start date to get my license and paperwork in order (I work for the state so that's actually pretty quick).

It would probably be a good idea to contact the state nurses association and any local NP groups to get a feel for the job market and get to know your future colleagues.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would definitely start the process during middle or latter part in your last semester. Certainly evaluating job market for the area. See if the area also has an NP program, as it may make it tougher if competing in a new market with local candidates.

Be certain that you know the process for licensure in the state you plan to reside (i.e may need to have your RN license in new state first). It may cause a delay in career and income.

Best set of luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just passed my boards this week!! I began scoping out the job market in my area at the beginning of my last semester, started networking, and seriously began applying mid semester.

I had multiple interviews and none of them seemed to care that I was still in school, still needed to pass my boards, and realistically wouldnt be able to start for 3-4 months.

I let everyone know I was searching for jobs, used websites such as indeed.com, my local NP organization, and hospital websites to apply. I also relocated so my clinical placements could not hire me. I was able to have mult interviews through cold calling and applying online, even from out of state and in a large, metropolitan area.

Most of my classmates also have been hired. There were only a few who decided they didnt want to start looking until after graduation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

I think your job search experience will depend strongly on where you are relocating to. I don't see any issues with applying for jobs before you graduate, but depending on the job market in the area you may get a lot of "call us when you're licensed". But that doesn't hurt anything and gives you an idea of what the market is like. Hopefully your experience is totally different, but here's my cautionary tale with some advice: I graduated in May, took my certification exam quickly, licensed quickly . . . and still don't have a job (and no RN job because I relocated with my husband). Just based on personal experience, I would look at individual hospitals and organizations in the area you're relocating to and see what kind of job openings they have vs. job boards. I only looked at job boards at first and got a false sense that there were plenty of jobs when in reality most of those were old postings or only for those with experience, etc. When I actually got down to contacting hospitals and offices there were basically 3 openings in my local area and none wanted a new grad. When I started talking to recruiters I also got told, "yeah, you're in one of our worst areas for job openings" and now I'm having to look at jobs hours away.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.

Apply now. It doesn't matter. Network. Hey yourself out there.

I applied and was hired three months before graduating but my field is in short supply. I think it's regional and situation dependent.

Nonetheless apply now a d tell them you're finishing up your internship. I referred to my last year as internship. Makes it sound more professional than "clinical."

Up Vote Up Vote ×

that scares me a bit. I am looking to relocate to a smaller town up north and basically work in a more rural setting. I have done some research and the pickings are slim, but there are zero NP schools nearby and most postings will consider new grads. I guess I won't know til I get there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

They'll probably be willing to wait for you as rural areas are often desperate for help and the work they do get tends to be transient as people decide either they don't like how isolated it is or (honestly) the job sucks but there isn't much competition to be a better clinic/hospital so they just keep going through people.

I would just contact a few in the rural area you are interested in, let them know your situation, they might interview you beforehand and get a lot of stuff out of the way so that when you do get your certification it won't take as long to on-board you.

I don't know your personal situation but finances were tough when I graduated and I was eager to get some money to pay my bills.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion