New grad RN pursuing masters AND a job!

[JerseyGir1]

I really, truly understand the need for hospital experience before becoming an NP, even an FNP in primary care (my tentative goal). So, instead of beginning the rigorous 1-year Masters-NP program I was accepted into, I decided to do it part-time over the next two years so I can work full time as an RN. Sounds good on paper, right? Well, with this job market I am really having a hard time finding ANYTHING - especially hospital jobs. Even med/surg positions require previous med/surg experience right now. My hopes are deflating every day. My next choice is homecare because I loved it during clinicals and some agencies are actually willing to hire and train a new grad (I know, I know). But a safer choice (for the integrity of my license, that is) are nursing homes/rehab centers. But would a nursing home job be viewed as good experience for FNPs?? Lastly, I've found a couple dialysis companies that hire and train new grads. Would it be a mistake to start in that field if I want to work as an FNP pretty soon after obtaining the degree (2-3 years)?

[JerseyGir1]

Spoiled-- about Mollen... how long did it take them to email you the packet in the first place?? See, they called me after I applied on their website but I didn't have my license # yet. So the other day when I received my # from the state board, I called Mollen back and they told me they'd be emailing me that packet. However I haven't received it yet and its been a couple days. Did it take that long, or do you think I should call back?? It's a shame I'm this desperate for a job, isn't it!!!

[Spoiled1, MSN, RN]

Spoiled-- about Mollen... how long did it take them to email you the packet in the first place?? See, they called me after I applied on their website but I didn't have my license # yet. So the other day when I received my # from the state board, I called Mollen back and they told me they'd be emailing me that packet. However I haven't received it yet and its been a couple days. Did it take that long, or do you think I should call back?? It's a shame I'm this desperate for a job, isn't it!!!

Hey JerseyGirl,

I would call back. I did it all on the telephone with them. My packet was there the same day. The entire process didn't take that long. Let me know how it goes.

[misplaced1]

I have heard of some NP's that never worked as RN, went straight through and graduated with NP, then worked as Rn a few years. Then had trouble getting an NP job because they were too far out of an NP school. Seems best to do whatever RN stuff you can during NP school.

[celclt]

Where in NC are you? What school?

I graduate in December from CPCC in Charlotte and would love to do RN-MSN in Fall 10, are you in NC?

[FNPdude74]

I have heard of some NP's that never worked as RN, went straight through and graduated with NP, then worked as Rn a few years. Then had trouble getting an NP job because they were too far out of an NP school. Seems best to do whatever RN stuff you can during NP school.

My other ex-instructor from my bachelors program told me that he was worried that I may lose the NP License if I don't work as an NP for 2 years or more AFTER obtaining the NP license. Is this true?

I plan to join the Air Force active duty after two years of full-time FNP school. In the Air Force, I would work as a bedside RN for two years. The Air Force healthcare recruiter said they'll train me more to transition me in working as a FNP during the rest of the two years of the 4 years I have committed for. I may want to stay in active duty for more than 4 years and the healthcare recruiter said they'll be very happy with that and told me because of that long-term prospective, even for two more years of active duty service (totaling 6 years), they'll work to train me to the fullest to become one of the best mentally, physically, and of course clinically. Others may disagree with me of what the military has to offer but this is strictly of what I want to do and look forward to. :wink2:

[Spoiled1, MSN, RN]

I graduate in December from CPCC in Charlotte and would love to do RN-MSN in Fall 10, are you in NC?

Yep I am in the Charlotte area as well, but went to school in Concord. What schools are you considering for RN-MSN?

[celclt]

funny- small world! Did you go to Cabarrus? A gf of mine just grad in May and loved it!

My short list: UNC-CH, Vandy, Loyola, Ole Miss, WCU (in Ashville area, their program looks great!), UAB (I went to Alabama), WVU (dh went there).

[BigIsleBound]

I'm not currently in that position, but I fear I may be, depending on how long this recession lasts. If the job market doesn't loosen up by the time I get my RN, I'll take whatever I can get while I keep pushing on to my FNP or PA masters. That is my ultimate goal, so this recession can only slow me down or make me take some detours but it cannot stop me from getting there!

[Spoiled1, MSN, RN]

funny- small world! Did you go to Cabarrus? A gf of mine just grad in May and loved it!

My short list: UNC-CH, Vandy, Loyola, Ole Miss, WCU (in Ashville area, their program looks great!), UAB (I went to Alabama), WVU (dh went there).

Yes I did go to Cabarrus! UAB is on my list of programs as well. Have you applied there? How competitive is it?

[celclt]

did you just grad in May? I bet you know my friend Jen! I know there are grads from CP still looking, how about your class?

I have not started applications yet and I really am not sure abt competitiveness- I 'm going to put my best foot forward and keep my fingers crossed- if this is the right time for me it will happen!

I have a gf that works @ Troy State online (Troy,AL is near Montgomery)- check out their program too! I went to Alabama (in Tuscaloosa) so I am biased towards UAB (med branch of Univ system).

[Spoiled1, MSN, RN]

did you just grad in May? I bet you know my friend Jen! I know there are grads from CP still looking, how about your class?

I have not started applications yet and I really am not sure abt competitiveness- I 'm going to put my best foot forward and keep my fingers crossed- if this is the right time for me it will happen!

I have a gf that works @ Troy State online (Troy,AL is near Montgomery)- check out their program too! I went to Alabama (in Tuscaloosa) so I am biased towards UAB (med branch of Univ system).

Yes I do know your friend Jen--well there were several Jen's in our class. I am thinking of the one who has the pilot huband. Both of them are very sweet people. how is she doing? I will check out Troy State online as well, I am seriously considering UAB because they have the GRE Waiver!