New Grad FNP, trying to find RN job

[Jojo716]

Hello everyone,

Looking for some advice. I recently graduated (May 2025) with my MS FNP and have been searching for a job since about August. I waited to start applying after I had my daughter (July), which IDK if thats the mistake I made, but I had figured being certified and getting my NPI beforehand would make me more appealing. Anyways I have had 3 interview in total, a handful of recruiters who reached out and I never heard from again, and only 1 offer which locked me in for 3 years for less pay than an RN in my area, plus a noncompete clause that would have forced me to move if I left...I obviously rejected this offer. I cannot leave my current city, so moving is not an option, but I have applied to places up to an hour drive away. But nothing, crickets. I am in WNY and understand the area is saturated, but even postings offering 15k less than average for NP in the area do not get even a recruiter call. I have been using Zip recruiter and Indeed, many times the applications get viewed and nothing happens. The rural settings seem to be the only places that reach out to me. At this point my PT clinical instructor position is not cutting it, I reached out to nursing agencies and they are refusing me as I need med surg experience to have been within the past year....my last Med Surg position was in 2023....although I teach med surg clinicals they do not consider that experience, despite the 6+ years experience I have in Med Surg/Tele. So now I am applying to RN positions and getting rejection emails. I would not mind working in an ED and improving my skillset while I slowly wait for the right NP position....does anyone have any experience trying to get an RN job while being a board certified FNP. Do I leave it off my resume, my concern is if I do and they find it on the NYS website that they will immediately reject me. Any tips and advice would be appreciated. 

[mdsRN2005, ASN, BSN, RN]

Wow that is horrible.  To clarify, you mentioned that the rural offer "locked you in" for 3 years.  I assume this means via contract?  If so, do you know what the penalty is for breaking the contract?  I'm thinking if it's minor (like repay a sign on bonus), you could take that job long enough to get NP level med sure experience, then after about a year break it to go somewhere with higher pay.  Obviously if you do this, be planning in advance to repay the sign on bonus (I would just set it aside in a separate account and not touch it).  However, if the penalty for breaking contract is that you have to buy out the remaining contract (as in pay the remaining salary!) then I'd avoid it at all costs.  But if it's the first option, could this job be a temporary solution while you keep looking?  

[Jojo716]

The offer they gave me was 95k, 3 year contract, with no wage increase. If I left prior to the 3 year mark I would have to pay back all benefits used, so CME credits, what they offered towards insurance, malpractice that they covered ect. And then there was a noncompete clause of 30 mile radius which would have forced me to move to look for work elsewhere. This was after attempting to negotiate on the salary and the terms. That was the most he was willing to give me. I am actually going to an interview tommorrow for a nurse manager position that a friend set up for me, I assume they will inquire as to why I am interviewing for a manager when I have an FNP but I have my responses ready so fingers crossed it works out. I personally do not know if I will attempt to look for FNP in the future, as this whole processes has been very stressful. It is very disappointing since many of my provider friends are constantly complaining about needing more staff.

[Hakrueg]

Full disclosure, this post probably won't be helpful. Just here to say I'm in the same boat and I have applied and interviewed for an RN Case Manager position through the VA. It kind of sucks a little BUT I definitely feel like my degree made me more competitive. They haven't offered me the position but having that MSN also brings me up a pay grade so I'm hoping if offered, I will get close to or about what an NP makes. 

I have talked to several people about the provider shortage as well. It definitely exists. The problem (I believe) is that these organizations don't want to budget for more staff. So while the need is there, the positions aren't. 

Good luck!

[Mergirlc, MSN, APRN, NP]

What I have seen is, although the jobs are out there, the places don't have the staff or do not want to spare staff that can mentor a new grad NP.  Many places just want somebody who can step in, minimal training, so they can start up quickly.  It's that old "dog chasing its tail" situation: how can I get experience if nobody's willing to hire so I can get experience??

@Jojo716, have you tried to contact a healthcare recruiter agency directly?  These types of recruiters sometimes have access to jobs that aren't posted. I'm not familiar with the area you are in, but try looking up some healthcare recruiter agencies and sending an email with your cover letter and résumé. You never know where that might get you.

[Hakrueg]

@Mergirlc, that's so true too. I've noticed that even among my own management. They want some one quickly which means they aren't willing be mentor their own. So sad.

Also, that's solid advice!