New NP's- any job placement difficulties?

[raindrop]

Hello,

After 16 years of bedside, I'm thinking I may bite the bullet and go for the FNP. It seems to me that everyone and their grandmother are in NP programs these days. Which makes me wonder how saturated the field will be once I graduate in 3-4 years. Any input welcomed!

[sailornurse]

It depends on the geographical location as to the opportunities. You can do a search on these forums. I personally am on several internet sites, have my cv posted and get daily emails with multiple job listings. It does sound reading the posts that some areas of the country may have over-saturated. I live in New Mexico which have many small rural communities and there are always jobs, it just may not be in a major metropolitan city. Many states have similar settings, where providers are always in need.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

It seems to vary quite a bit. In my area, there are multiple job postings every day. However, it also depends on how picky you want to be. One nurse waited about six months after licensure before accepting a job with pain management because she was looking at urgent care or ER. However, they really want them to have experience as an NP. Another one was able to get a job in the same ER she worked. A handful of RNs have switched to working in practices such as peds till they get licensed and then switch to NP roles.

I know one accepted a role as an NP getting HPI for surgeons. Her role won't involve a lot of skills but she gets experience in the hospital with great benefits and day hours. I don't think she is on call for them. There are openings for hospitalists too.