This is absolutely horrible!!!

[msmith]

Anywone wanna listen? I decided to go back to school 6 years ago and pursue and career in nursing and was hoping one day to work as a nurse practitioner. Well, now I am getting ready to graduate with my NP only to my dismay that there are no jobs out there or if there are, I guess I'm just not a candidate. I have had some interviews but still nothing. I decided to do the ANP with a cardiac focus. I have sent my resume everywhere. AND NOW, I am stuck in this dead end staff RN position in a hospital that is only part-time (I had to go part-time for school) and I will never be able to work there full time because the hospital I am employed for is doing absolutely horrible financially. We're talking major layoffs, including nurses. So, I'm stuck working PT in this dead end job. School ends in three weeks. I don't have a job lined up and the prospects are awful right now. And, to make matters worse, I have a huge mortgage to pay.

I just never thought nursing would be doing as bad as it seems. I don't know what it is, but nurse and nurse practitioner jobs are very hard to come by now, even where I live in the Chicagoland area. Now, I am second guessing myself and wishing I had done something different even though I like being a nurse. I am thinking of just taking a nurse job in a doctor's office but even that is hard to get. The economy is just so bad right now and I think nursing is feeling it too.

What's worse is this dead end RN job has been just awful, so stressful making me work many weekends and taking a huge toll on me mentally, physically and emotionally. I just can't do this anymore and I feel as though I've neared the end of my rope.

Any thoughts, suggestions?

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

Just so you know, I graduated on May 18th and I'm taking my boards July 13th, so it's been less than 2 months. I picked up my final transcript the day I graduated and overnighted my application to ANCC. I got my authorization within 4 weeks and could have tested the last week of June, but I didn't feel ready. Fortunately, I'm able to work boards pending-I don't know if that's allowed in every state.

I hope things move quickly for you!!

[msmith]

Hi BCgradnurse,

That's great that you are able to work license pending! I wish I was in your shoes. What state are you in? Did you do ANP, FNP? And out of curiosity, where will you be working? Here in IL, I think we can start license pending. It just it just depends on the workplace. I graduate July 24th and I will start the paper work process that day. I think it's great too, you are taking boards just less than 2 months after you graduated. Thanks for sharing. It helps to know there are others out there and your news to me is very encouraging!

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

I am in MA, and am working as an FNP in an urban community health center (in urgent care). There's a fairly strong demand here for NPs, as all residents are mandated to have health insurance and a primary care provider. A lot of practices are hiring to meet the increased patient load. Hopefully, I'll pass my boards on Monday and will be able to keep my job!!! Keep your fingers crossed for me!

[msmith]

Hi BCgradnurse,

Congrats on your new position. Yes, I will keep my fingers crossed for you on monday. Good to know that jobs seem plentiful where you are. I am still struggling to find a position, but hopefully something will come my way soon. Good luck to you and let us know how it goes.

[Sheri FNP-C]

I can't believe I have to wait that long. I really need a new job now. I know things will get better once I'm completely done with school in a couple of weeks because I will have more time to actually look for a job. I had several phone interviews with a practice in TX so we'll see. I am open to relocating. I just can't get over how bad things are right now in terms of the job market. I feel like I'm stuck and can't get out.

I feel exactly the same way...I am so ready to be "official". I graduated 5/22, mailed my application for certification to AANP 3/25ish and got my permission to test the end of June. Took the test 7/8. My school STILL has not filled out their part of my state licensing paperwork and it takes AANP a minimum of 3 weeks to finalize scores. Basically, I am in limbo although I have done everything in my power to speed things along. Luckily I have found a great job, but if things don't get moving I don't know how much longer they are going to be willing to wait. There is a lengthy hospital and insurance company credentialing process for my position and nothing can start until I am licensed. So frustrating:angryfire

[msmith]

Yes, I also feel as though this process is taking FOREVER! I feel like I've been in school for an eternity and now I have to wait until the cows come home for my testing and licensure, etc. This is enough to make anybody crazy.

[skmitch]

It is unfortunate about the crunch for jobs now; especially in nursing and for advanced practice nurses. I am aloso running into the same situation, but I have to say that some of it is due to my refusal for the position. All things being equal, however, I do believe that the market for APNs is a bit stagnant if you're looking for something that best fits your professional and personal goals. I hope that you find something...it is a terrible feeling not having a position that you're properly trained for. I am in the same situation, except that I have been graduated for 2 months and still have no APN role. Keep searching and hang in there...

[msmith]

so I do have another interview, but it's not anywhere near Chicago. There's a practice in TX that's very interested in meeting me so looks like I will be taking a trip down there next month. I'm kind of excited. I'm not exactly enthralled with the idea of moving, but if that's where the job is... and it's a good opportunity, then it just might be the thing for me.

[jillbug]

There are several cardiology openings in my location which is Southern Ohio.

If interested check out KDMC in Ashland Kentucky for job descriptions.

Something will come along...don't give up hope.