seibeb2012

Hello. I'm sure I'm not the only one, but I am an Ohio NP having trouble finding a job. There are lots of jobs out there and I am applying for just about everything. I am even willing to move! I am a new grad and so many postings say that they want experience...but how are we suppose to get that! I have worked for my current employer, a small community hospital, for 17 years and, while they have no openings right now, they say "just be patient, we're working on some things." I can't wait for them forever but it's looking like I have no other choice. I have the Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP certification - I did not want peds and/or OB. This is the population I work with the most and am most comfortable with. I have found that many jobs say either family or adult certification, so I don't think that it's my specific degree holding me back. For those of you who had trouble... how did you get through it? Do you have any advice on what more I can do? After I apply, I typically get an email saying "we'll contact you if you meet our qualifications." And some say do not call us. So I have avoided calling anywhere. I'm so frustrated right now! And since I have worked for the same company and did all of my clinical time with NPs and a Dr at my facility, I don't know anyone at any other facility!

I have a BSN and work have worked my entire nursing career (9yrs) at a local hospital. I currently work day shift on a med/surg unit, 3 12hr shifts. I enjoy my job but it is very stressful, we often work short, and I am a float, so I never know where I will be working or for how long, adding to my stress. I should note that I have many health issues recently (mainly GI related). I have also been a substitute classroom and clinical instructor for an LPN program for 2 years, which I absolutely love doing. I recently decided to go back to school and will be starting next month for MSN-AGNP. I need a change and have for some time. A position is now available full time at the LPN school and there are 2 of us being considered. At first, there was no question I wanted this position; but after thinking about it, now I am wondering if it's the right choice. Working for the LPN school will mean less pay (way less!) and it will affect my availability for clinical hours next year in school. But it is better hours, less stress, and something I love doing. I have a list of pros and cons for each, and the pros for the LPN program far outweigh the pros to stay at the hospital. But...I am worried about not being able to complete the 144 clinical hours in each of my 11 week quarters. I don't start the clinical hours for a year, so I have time to figure that part out. I keep going back and forth and it seems like when I think I have decided, I change my mind again. I may not even be offered the position, but if I am..I honestly don't know what I will do. Any advice? Has anyone faced a similar situation?

I have worked in a hospital my entire nursing career, from LPN to now BSN. I don't know where you live, but here in northeast Ohio, you do not necessarily have to have experience to be hired in a hospital. I do feel that continuing my education was worth it, but no, I do not make any more money than I did as an RN with an associate's degree. My facility is talking about making a BSN a requirement by 2020, and I know several hospitals are going to this, so I would say that if you can further your education now, you should. Employers do tend to prefer and 'seek out' a BSN-prepared nurse over ADN, however, experience counts too. As much as you dislike your current position, it is giving you some experience. Good luck to you.