new NPs working as something other than NP...

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · May 27, 2008

Right out of school, I interviewed for a CNS position at a hospital unit and as a clinical instructor at a community college. At the time, I was unable to take the ACNP exam because ANCC closed the test and was not going to reopen it until 4 months after we graduated. I did not pursue the CNS role but I ended up accepting the clinical instructor position. Incidentally, I also got hired for an NP job a few weeks after I started the teaching job but told the employer I preferred not to start my NP position until I've passed the boards. In the end, everything worked out - I finished teaching one semester of clinicals at the college and then started my first NP job after that.

As far as holding non-NP jobs affecting one's credentials, it only matters when re-certification comes because that's when we're asked if we've actually practiced as an NP during the 5 year period prior to re-certification. However, the practice hour requirement is usually minimal - 1000 hours can easily be met with contingent work as an NP. To me, the downside of not practicing as an NP is that you end up not able to apply the skills you learned as a provider. Eventually you'll end up losing these skills and will get left out of the loop because so much updates get added to the clinical practice arena as time passes by.

mom and nurse · May 27, 2008

Thanks for your reply! Yes... I have also considered interviewing for CNS positions or possibly a teaching position at the local community college.

My main concern also is I do not want to lose my skill level in certain areas.

That's true about maintaining certification. I checked after posting this and the amount of clinical hours required to maintain my certification is minimal.

Thanks again.

Trauma Columnist · May 28, 2008

Much depends on how different APN positions are licensed and the scope of practice in your state. I'm an adult health CNS who only interviewed for NP positions. In IL, there is virtually no difference in scope of practice.

Buckeyejunk · May 29, 2008

I continued working as a floor RN and nothing changed. It took me 6 months to find a job. I did feel that I was losing clinical skills but it worked out ok - I was family-certified but ended up working in Women's health and took on a very specific clinical skill set.

Trauma Columnist · May 29, 2008

I should add that I did cont to work as an RN for 3 months after I graduated because of lack of APN positions.