Midwest Market

[cmonlaf, MSN, RN]

I am in school for NP and I asked around to NPs before I started about the market here because of course I researched into what others were saying here on allnurses about oversaturation etc in areas such as Tennessee and Florida, and even the Midwest. The NPs I've talked to don't seem to think it is a problem here in Minnesota. Can any other NPs in the area attest to that? I don't mind moving to a more rural area in MN or WI as long as it's not too far, which I know can help. I currently live near Minneapolis. I'm just worried that by the time I graduate, I will have a hard time finding a job. I will be an adult/gero primary care NP and will either be looking to work in a primary care clinic or SNF.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Good questions. I'm in central IL near a fairly large city. The big hospitals here (level 1 trauma center, 800 beds) is always expanding. Very easy to get a job in this area.

[terfernay]

I also live in MN and would like to hear what others think about the level of saturation in MN.

[cmonlaf, MSN, RN]

It's nice to know that some areas are better. I saw posts stating it's oversaturated in Chicago. Maybe just because it's so large? Which is my worry about the Twin Cities.

[FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP]

It's nice to know that some areas are better. I saw posts stating it's oversaturated in Chicago. Maybe just because it's so large? Which is my worry about the Twin Cities.

Start tracking job listings in your desired area. All of my classmates had job offers from at least one clinical rotation before graduating.

I used these job sites to get an idea of what's out there:

Indeed

Ziprecruiter

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is great because you can sign up for job opportunities based on your desired location. Start building your LinkedIn profile as it is a great networking tool and recruiters will contact you through LinkedIn. Same for ZipRecruiter and Indeed.

Another great resource is the Health Workforce Connector run by HRSA:

Health Workforce Connector

Sign up for the virtual job fairs, which have employers from all 50 states. I got a great response from sending my resume to these employers.

Get familiar with the HPSA scoring system and determine which areas of Minnesota have high HPSA scores and look for employers in those areas. Even the Twin Cities probably has underserved areas within or quite close. You can also research this at the state level. I found this for Minn with a quick Google search:

Health Professional Shortage Areas & Medically Underserved Areas

Growth of nurse practitioner field changing patient care in Minn. - StarTribune.com

That article from the Start Tribune also indicates state averages for NP pay in Minn are excellent.

Don't be worried based on all the negativity on this forum. Good luck.

[cmonlaf, MSN, RN]

Thank you so much! This is very helpful. I am in a DNP program right now on a part-time basis, so it will be another few years before I have to worry about it. Even so, it will be good to prepare and network before then as I don't want to waste years in school.

This Star Tribune article is encouraging. I hadn't seen it before. I have looked on Indeed and LinkedIn, but I have never heard of Ziprecruiter. I have seen openings in those, but I was not sure how competitive the jobs were.

I will look into HPSA scores, and FQHCs. Once I start clinicals I will probably have a better idea of my options too.

Thanks again for your post and positivity!

[RunNP]

Im in Wisconsin and there are jobs in the rural areas. I have heard Madison and Milwaukee can be tough markets for a new grad. However, there are tons of family practice positions in most of the smaller cities...

[cmonlaf, MSN, RN]

Im in Wisconsin and there are jobs in the rural areas. I have heard Madison and Milwaukee can be tough markets for a new grad. However, there are tons of family practice positions in most of the smaller cities...

I'm actually attending school in WI and there are many rural areas over the border, so I will be checking there too. At this point I almost feel like I know more about WI NPs at this point because WI is focused on so much in or program. I am no where near Madison or Milwaukee so thankfully that is not a concern. I can see it being an issue in the bigger cities though. Thanks!

[guest769224]

Some people seem to confuse positivity/negativity with reality.

[aok7, NP]

I was also very concerned about the job market, as I just graduated from NP school in April. I have been applying all over the country, to many positions every day. I thought I'd just apply everywhere, give it my all, and see. I am finding that rather than location being the indicator of likelihood of interviews, appropriate jobs which match my RN experience makes all the difference. That's been my recent actual experience in a competitive environment in the midwest. In the west, on the other hand, I've developed a system of organizing my interactions with potential employers, I'll just say.

Good luck.

[cmonlaf, MSN, RN]

I was also very concerned about the job market, as I just graduated from NP school in April. I have been applying all over the country, to many positions every day. I thought I'd just apply everywhere, give it my all, and see. I am finding that rather than location being the indicator of likelihood of interviews, appropriate jobs which match my RN experience makes all the difference. That's been my recent actual experience in a competitive environment in the midwest. In the west, on the other hand, I've developed a system of organizing my interactions with potential employers, I'll just say.

Good luck.

I work in a SNF currently as a nurse manager and I figured continuing to work there might be in my best interest if I want to look at working in LTC or rehab as an NP. Once I graduate I will have 8 years of working there. One of our NPs used to be a DON in SNF. I figure it couldn't hurt and that I should stay put while in school.

Thanks!