"Need Experience..." WHAT TO DO!?

[abbyniziol]

Hi fellow nurses,

I am a new FNP graduate and am having a heck of a time finding employment. Just like my RN job search, my FNP search leads to many jobs that "require experience." I'm not sure where to go from here. It's looking more and more like I'll have to work as an RN until something works out.

I'm willing to commute up to four hours daily, work in any setting, any hours, holidays, weekends, call, etc. I apply to jobs throughout the day when I can, and have applied to somewhere around 200 jobs. I've set up profiles on Monster.com, Indeed.com, SimplyHired.com, etc. I'm working with about 10 different recruiters. I have gone in-person and dropped off my resume to every healthcare center within a 75 mile radius. I thought my array of experiences, great references, good grades, and going to Boston College would count for something, but it doesn't seem to have any effect on obtaining a job.

I'm located in a rural area in northern VT, near the Canadian border, and I thought that there would be more need for providers. I guess I'm feeling pretty let down. Bills are piling up and I'm getting pretty stressed out and frustrated.

Is there anything more I can do???

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Hopefully, someone has some solid ideas for you; I wish you well.

Meantime, I also hope that your post serves as something of a warning to the hordes of newly-minted RNs who cannot find employment and therefore are flooding into APRN schools in hopes of finding better options as NPs.....and failing.

There is another post on this same forum discussing the problems faced by those without experience as nurses, but with advanced degrees. A problem, indeed.

Good luck!

[Jules A, MSN]

Have you worked as a nurse? I always urge people to cultivate and use their contacts. Was there a Doc you worked with you really liked you and has a private practice? Is there a NP you worked with you might be able to offer some pointers specific to your area? The best positions I have gotten were because someone knew me and thought to get in touch when something was about to open up.

Good luck.

[Farawyn]

Have you worked as a nurse? I always urge people to cultivate and use their contacts. Was there a Doc you worked with you really liked you and has a private practice? Is there a NP you worked with you might be able to offer some pointers specific to your area? The best positions I have gotten were because someone knew me and thought to get in touch when something was about to open up.

Good luck.

This.

Also, I don't know I you are allowed to do this, but can you work as an RN until you find something? That may not be smart, or even legal??? But if you have bills...