New NP job market ????

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Specializes in ICU, oncology, orthopedics, med/surge.

I'll be graduating this Dec as an FNP and am worried about the job market out there. I was thinking the new health care bill would boost up the demand, but I really don't see it happening yet... Any recent new grads or old grads out there have any input???

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

It seems that the job market varies by where you are in the states. I live in IL and the jobs are few and far between for new grad APNs but there are several openings for experienced APNs.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I've seen tons of open positions in MI..so I guess it depends.

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Specializes in Emergency, Cardiac, PAT/SPU, Urgent Care.

When I graduated in Aug '09, it took me until Feb '10 to land a job. It is not a very quick process unless you already have something lined up before graduation - and even then it can take a while because you still need to get certified and receive your license.

Just getting your license takes a few months (I sent my app in to the ANCC in Sept and could not test until the end of Nov), then it took about another month for my actual license to appear on the BON Website after they received my app for that. So, I was not technically licensed until the end of Dec, and just decided to wait until after the New Year to begin applying.

So actually, I guess the job hunt wasn't too awful since I applied in Jan. and was hired in Feb., but then I couldn't start officially working until April due to the credentialing process (I work for a hospital).

There are a lot of positions out there; however, many of them want an experienced NP. I think the areas I am seeing the most open positions for are psych facilities and nursing homes.

Good luck with everything - you will find a position!

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Specializes in med/surg, new FNP.

I graduated in Dec- still no job. I am in Arkansas. I am currently interviewing nationwide. We have never- EVER- been this broke. I hope you have an easier time

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I feel lucky to live in Missouri. I had a job interview the same week I tested and got the job offer the next week. I was working two weeks after that.

It is also the best possible job I think I could have been offered. I'm waiting for someone to wake me up!

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Specializes in ICU, oncology, orthopedics, med/surge.

OK... Graduated 5 wks ago; passed board 3 wks ago. Had a job offer, which was too low IMO & to which I countered. Now I'm worried I should have just taken the job just to have some experience, b/c I've applied for 4 other positions but no call back whatsoever. Recruiters say it's harder to place u without experience...

Trying not to worry since I don't even have a license, but can't help it since I hate my employers at the moment (corporate hospitals...you know the kind) and want to quit.

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Alisha,

I am just curious as to how it is going interviewing nationwide. Are you applying for licenses in multiple states- that seems like it could get expensive! Thanks for any info!

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I graduated in Dec- still no job. I am in Arkansas. I am currently interviewing nationwide. We have never- EVER- been this broke. I hope you have an easier time

You need to come to Texas...jobsaplenty!

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Specializes in ICU, oncology, orthopedics, med/surge.
You need to come to Texas...jobsaplenty!

OK. Looking at Houston TX now. Most still want 1+ years experience, which I don't have. Few willing to take new grads. I probably can do rural with loan repayment, but I may have to be away from my family for 2 yrs. Yikes!

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Specializes in tele, MICU.

Can you still work as an RN once you become an NP?

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Yes, you can work as an RN with an NP. You are required to have an RN license in order to practice as an NP. We have an NP that works PRN with us as an RN in the ICU just to keep up her bedside skills.

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