I am a new RN in a bridge program to become an ACNP. I am a part-time student, and seeking part-time employment as an RN in a hospital setting- preferably in critical or emergency care. As you already know, finding part time employment as a new RN in a hospital setting is very challenging!
I really want to get my foot in the door, but my applications are being immediately rejected by the recruitment teams due to the combination of being a new nurse + needing part time employment around my school schedule.
I am thinking my best shot is to become a nurse extern to get oriented, and get some support from the nurses on the unit for becoming a part-time RN.
Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on this?
Thanks in advance for anyone who takes the time to respond. You guys are the best.
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
The fact that I've had to be on the defensive with just about every response on here. I'm done explaining myself to the internet for now. If anyone has anything relevant to my inquiry I'm all ears. Thanks.
You haven't "had to be on the defensive". You could have opened your mind and LEARNED from those hoping to educate you. The responses you got to your stubborn clinginess to a controversial (some might say BAD) plan do not constitute nurses eating their young. The fact that you brought this discussion to the forum and then decided to hear only what you want to hear is a problem, but that problem is on YOU and has nothing to do with nurses eating their young.
Open your mind and HEAR what you're being told about the problems with your choices. Then go out and seek some actual nursing experience to potential alleviate some of the problems your choices created.
You're right I may have been a *tad* defensive I think it was the accumulative result of the negative comments throughout the thread. It is actually good for me to hear the general dissent people wouldn't usually say in person, gives me an idea of how much more uphill I will have to climb to gain the confidence of others.
Brace yourself to actually hear this in person also as it is not a secret or issue that professionals, not just nurses, in practice are tiptoeing around. I absolutely would have the courtesy to tell you in person and I continue to refuse to precept NP students without what I feel is significant psychiatric RN experience.
Unfortunately NPs in my area are not only a dime a dozen but also getting a poor reputation and I'm guessing the dissatisfaction with the lack of new NPs' ability to practice to their full scope will only continue to increase. Like someone else said you have chosen a controversial path, unfortunately justified by many schools saying this is all well and good. Remember they have an interest that isn't necessarily about requiring appropriate knowledge, skills or experience. What I have said before with regard to self-regulating my own actions and abilities is that the hospital I work for would happily allow me to scrub in for brain surgery if I was stupid enough to do it so an entity with a conflicting goal isn't usually what we should trust to make appropriate decisions or protect our livelihood.
If as you wrote the hospital you are interested in is supportive of this type of thing I would discuss with them where you can get some experience in their system. Best wishes and know even the hardcore folks on this issue like myself accept there will be outliers and hopefully you are one of them.
Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.
Thanks double helix, you are correct in that the SNF would be better nursing experience than a nurse externship, but thank you for the reminder that SNF experience is indeed highly valuable. I guess really what I am wondering is if a nurse externship might improve my chances at getting hired on at a particular hospital so I can transition into a more applicable RN experience. I'm thinking it would, and wondering if anyone has any specific input on that.
For those who are commenting on new nurses directly entering NP school-
I'm going to refrain from defending my educational path (not the purpose of this thread) other than stating that my institution produces safe and competent NPs. This is how I was able to get to where I am, certainly no changing that now. I will continue to learn from more experienced RNs my whole life; I have all the respect in the world for nurses and nursing in general. I love this field and am so fortunate to be a part of it.
Anyone have any thoughts or experience regarding a nurse internship transitioning into an RN position?
And patients have choices
a patient that may be a seasoned critical care nurse, may have higher expectations of preparation of a mid level practioner
im sorry there are a lot of us out there.....
best wishes
i do do hope you get the experience, you desire and need, and continue in your advanced pursuits....
i personally think apn provides a quality health care mgt. and love you ambitious drive.
Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.
I see what you mean. Although suggesting I am in my program because my tuition check cleared is rude and inaccurate as I have worked very hard to be where I am. I feel much better now that you have resorted to openly mocking me. Y'all have a good night I'm done with unproductive internet banter (this time I mean it lol).
Grasshoper, you have much to experience and learn....
Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.
RubyVand my self have almost 9decades of combined experience, if you lack the ability to use evidence based, advise from some nine decades, of experience, peace be with you
Hey RUby. THanks for your input. It helped me articulate that a nurse externship is more for bridging externs to CNA work rather than RN work.
My plan is to go ahead and apply, and should I land and interview talk all this out with them.
I really do want experience as an RN. I know enough to know I know nothing at this point, and I appreciate the way you articulate you concerns: That I may not listen to experienced nurses because I'm an NP. For the record, I hope that's not the case. As I've already stated I have a lifetime of learning ahead of my and respect nurses just about more than anybody. I'm sorry if you guys have had bad experiences with NPs from non-traditional tracks such as mine- that would very much be frustrating. And yes I probably won't work full time as an RN for five years, but I hope to stay PRN after 2. Honestly I just love it so much, all of it, but bedside nursing is my favorite (yes even over the NP stuff... it's been really strange for me to learn "brevity" and not really get to spend the time getting to know the patient... I already miss that.)
As far as being short sighted/bozo/whatever else, well, as I've already said I'm done trying to defend myself to the nonproductive criticism on this thread (to be clear, there is also a lot of productive criticism on here which I appreciate very much).
Being inexperienced is literally my biggest insecurity, as I am extremely career driven and passionate about nursing. The reason I became defensive was primarily the guy who said "the check cleared" which was both condescending and incorrect. Even if y'all have reservations about my career path, I'd ask that you try not to assume things- like my worth is based off my tuition, or that I wouldn't listen to nurses. Hopefully I've been clear that nurses know their stuff, and not to listen to their concerns in a clinical situation would be both foolish and dangerous .
Even though I don't have nursing experience (other than CNA work, which I did for years) I don't regret saying something at that point, when the dude said we are here because the check cleared. We all gotta stand up for ourselves sometime. And to be honest I'm trying to learn where that line is right now in life- when to stand up for myself vs when to remain quiet and respect others. I tend to do the latter too often and sometimes regret not having voiced my concerns. Other times I regret saying anything :) Still working on it/learning. I'm sure this will be a very important skill as a new nurse, and as someone who is quicker prone to tears than anger. I've been able to make gains in this at my clinical site (a MICU), but still have a long way to go.
Thanks again for your input everybody, especially those who address my topic, and to the naysayers like I said before it's good to know what you think, because people aren't usually this honest in person. I know it will take years, but am also confident that I will be an effective, safe RN and NP. It's amazing how much I learn and grow from my clinical experiences, but also intimidating when I consider there is still a lifetime of learning ahead. I'm sure you guys can relate to that as having once been a new nurse too.
I am a new RN in a bridge program to become an ACNP. I am a part-time student, and seeking part-time employment as an RN in a hospital setting- preferably in critical or emergency care. As you already know, finding part time employment as a new RN in a hospital setting is very challenging!
I really want to get my foot in the door, but my applications are being immediately rejected by the recruitment teams due to the combination of being a new nurse + needing part time employment around my school schedule.
I am thinking my best shot is to become a nurse extern to get oriented, and get some support from the nurses on the unit for becoming a part-time RN.
Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on this?
Thanks in advance for anyone who takes the time to respond. You guys are the best.
Hi, I think the major problem is the part time employment. From what I've seen, hospitals do not hire new graduate RNs in part time or per diem positions (since they expect that those RNs won't need as much training). It may be best to just apply to full time positions, including new grad RN residency/fellowship programs. Residency programs often have set start dates, so perhaps there are some in your area with May-July start dates. I know many RNs that worked full time and went to NP school part time, thought not as new grads. It's worth a shot, as you could work for the first year full time, then switch to a part time/per diem position once you have that year experience.
As others mentioned, you really need the bedside RN experience. Working as a CNA or extern is very different than being the RN. I worked as a tech/PCA/NA for many years, and did a preceptorship capstone in my last semester of nursing school. I just started my new grad RN position in December (first month was classes, started on the unit beginning of January), and being "the nurse", even with a preceptor supervising you to varying degrees, is worlds different from being an assistant or an extern. I plan on ACNP down the road, and I have interacted with a few of the ACNPs on my unit, and they all say that I need to get my bedside clinical nursing experience, as it is invaluable, and I see that every day. Also, I've noticed that many hospitals ask for either RN or NP experience in ACNP job listings (with NP experience obviously preferred), so having that RN experience will help in getting your foot in the door as a new grad NP when you're done.
So, definitely try and apply to full time positions and/or new grad residency programs. Once you get that year experience, you can go down to part time, but you really need that year of full time experience, especially for ACNP.
Another idea is maybe ask your school if you could take a leave of absence for a semester or year. You could then be available to work full time at the hospital for at least a while. Good luck.
This is a great idea. Some schools actually require this for certain direct-entry programs (ACNP, NNP, CRNA). One of my area ACNP programs requires direct entry students to take a leave of absence after the BSN portion for at least a year to gain bedside RN experience before returning to complete the ACNP or CRNA programs. Perhaps the OP could look into that as well. Great idea.
Thanks Mursejj... you input has me thinking about a nurse residency post-grad (I actually graduate in August, just really want more RN experience even though I will be n NP soon)... I am hoping the externship could lead to an RN position, as the externship is only 8 weeks. The hospitals around here are all run by a particular corporation, and their recruitment team has made it pretty clear that my application is not under consideration (It gets rejected within hours of submission). Thus the nurse externship was me thinking a little out of the box because I do want a particular hospital, and I'm hitting a wall with them. I agree the part-time status is killing my application.
I will have to do some research as to the benefits vs harm for delaying an NP position after graduation for RN work, but it's what I want and I think I can make it work. Also, without being too specific, my institution and program are very highly ranked, and the brand-name tends to come with a degree of recognition (not without good cause too, they work us to the bone), so that doesn't hurt the future NP job search- my peers don't seem to have problems finding valuable employment after graduation. So I think it would be OK if not beneficial for me to take a little time "off" for bedside nursing,
However, there is 1 hospital within a reasonable driving distance that isn't run by that particular corporation, and my application to their ICU has actually been in consideration since Wednesday! Small victories lol. But the reason I am writing this response is to genuinely thank you, because your comment just then may have had a larger impact on my career path than you might know. I couldn't agree more that the bedside nursing is invaluable. Although the "bridge student" NPs from my program are safe/competent, I really want to be the best nurse I can be, and would be missing out without direct critical care RN experience.
Good luck to your too on your ambitions to become an ACNP! The schooling is at times unbelievably difficult, but the fact that you are a a nurse says you are up to the challenge. Thanks again.
Thanks Mursejj... you input has me thinking about a nurse residency post-grad (I actually graduate in August, just really want more RN experience even though I will be n NP soon)... I am hoping the externship could lead to an RN position, as the externship is only 8 weeks. The hospitals around here are all run by a particular corporation, and their recruitment team has made it pretty clear that my application is not under consideration (It gets rejected within hours of submission). Thus the nurse externship was me thinking a little out of the box because I do want a particular hospital, and I'm hitting a wall with them. I agree the part-time status is killing my application.
I will have to do some research as to the benefits vs harm for delaying an NP position after graduation for RN work, but it's what I want and I think I can make it work. Also, without being too specific, my institution and program are very highly ranked, and the brand-name tends to come with a degree of recognition (not without good cause too, they work us to the bone), so that doesn't hurt the future NP job search- my peers don't seem to have problems finding valuable employment after graduation. So I think it would be OK if not beneficial for me to take a little time "off" for bedside nursing,
However, there is 1 hospital within a reasonable driving distance that isn't run by that particular corporation, and my application to their ICU has actually been in consideration since Wednesday! Small victories lol. But the reason I am writing this response is to genuinely thank you, because your comment just then may have had a larger impact on my career path than you might know. I couldn't agree more that the bedside nursing is invaluable. Although the "bridge student" NPs from my program are safe/competent, I really want to be the best nurse I can be, and would be missing out without direct critical care RN experience.
Good luck to your too on your ambitions to become an ACNP! The schooling is at times unbelievably difficult, but the fact that you are a a nurse says you are up to the challenge. Thanks again.
Ah, so you'll be completing the ACNP program in August?
I wasn't planing on a nurse residency, but right now am seriously considering it, and again I thank you, something about the way you put it was very helpful. Or hopefully, my current job search for a hospital position will be fruitful, and I can just stick around for a while instead of enetering a formal residency. If I don't land a critical care job for now, I can continue to work PRN at a SNF (fairly confident my experience will land me a job at one of the places I have applied) and begin a residency in one of the teaching hospitals here.
You've apparently missed out on this discussion in the past. Trust me, it is a thing now. And it is causing much debate.
It very much is a thing now and no offense to the OP but I am completely against it. One of my classmates went straight to NP school after we graduated from our BSN program. It wasn't a for profit school, either but rather a well respected state university. If NPs are going to be taken seriously as knowledgeable clinicians, they need to have strong clinical experience as an RN first.
I think it was the accumulative result of the negative comments throughout the thread. It is actually good for me to hear the general dissent people wouldn't usually say in person, gives me an idea of how much more uphill I will have to climb to gain the confidence of others. 
Ruby Vee, BSN
17 Articles; 14,051 Posts
You haven't "had to be on the defensive". You could have opened your mind and LEARNED from those hoping to educate you. The responses you got to your stubborn clinginess to a controversial (some might say BAD) plan do not constitute nurses eating their young. The fact that you brought this discussion to the forum and then decided to hear only what you want to hear is a problem, but that problem is on YOU and has nothing to do with nurses eating their young.
Open your mind and HEAR what you're being told about the problems with your choices. Then go out and seek some actual nursing experience to potential alleviate some of the problems your choices created.