What was your first NP job?

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine.

I am having the hardest time finding a job in my area. Not to mention, everyone I seem to deal with is not nice nor wants to give me the time or day because I am a new grad :/. I am getting so discouraged. Has anyone else noticed the jobs are scarce?! There is like a hiring freeze where I live (ky:tn). What was your first job? I have applied to everything around here and haven't heard a word so now I am going to go in person and hand deliver my resume to put a face with the job. I know God will provide but I am just down right now. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciate as far as a new grad getting a job and a good range of a salary to start with as a new grad. Ha! I did have one interview with a pain management doc and he asked me how much I wanted and I said $110k he laughed and said good luck. I didn't really want that job anyways but I had no idea what to ask. Ugh. Any help would be much appreciated!!!

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

I went directly into independent practice right out of school. I bought into an established consortium. We share the building overhead, share the expense of a RN and an office manager, coder, and the DME. Other than that, we are all independent of one another. We don't see one another's patients, typically- (that's called poaching in these parts and considered bad form) and don't cover each other. We do consult each other and do refer to one another in matters that we know someone else is more proficient, etc. I don't have a collaborating physician, but there are physicians and a more experienced NP in the building whom have all been kind enough to give me an ear and some advice from time to time. It's been great for me, really the perfect set up.

Specializes in ICU & LTAC as RN. FNP.

I also had difficulty finding a job. I got a job with the physician whom I did clinicals with, working along side his full time NP on Friday, which was the docs day off. It worked out well, and even though I was only paid for one day a week, I showed up the other days too. I saw patients, etc, but still was looking for a job at least for mon - thur, without much luck. But, the drug reps who called on us were very helpful in landing my current job, that I start next week. They know who's looking for an np and put me in touch with those docs. Just as I was getting discouaged, I got about 3 leads on who was looking for an np. Getting one doc in particular to call was a challenge, so I dropped in with my resume. I'm glad I did, he called HR and sent me to be hired. Timimng was everything as I had just interviewed with another doc, and I had a little leverage to negotiate a better salary. So, I understand where you are coming from, I went from no leads to 3 in about 2 weeks, don't get too discouraged. If you know any drug reps, ask them to ask around, as the ones I mmet were super helpful.

Getting one doc in particular to call was a challenge, so I dropped in with my resume. I'm glad I did, he called HR and sent me to be hired. If you know any drug reps, ask them to ask around, as the ones I mmet were super helpful.

thank you for the great advice. what state are you located in if you don't mind me asking?

Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

My first job was primary care/urgent care at an urban community health center. I got this position through the National Health Service Corp, and also got loan repayment. Check out their website (google it) and see if they have any positions available. You may have more optionsif you are able to re-locate.

Good luck.

Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

My first job is in pediatric pulmonology (mainly asthma). I totally got lucky. A doctor emailed me one day to say he had seen my resume on indeed.com and asked me to come in for an interview. The rest is history. I started out working 2 days/week but as of 2 weeks ago I started to work full time.

I went through hell and back trying to find a job as a new grad RN before i gave up and went back for my master's. To have a job fall into my lap like this was from heaven.

I won't say it's perfect (for reasons I won't get into on a public board) but for a first job I couldn't ask for better.

ETA: If your resume is not up on careerbuilder and indeed.com, I recommend that you post it ASAP. I still get about 1 email a week from recruiters or employers looking for an NP. As of now I just pass on the leads to friends, but I still stay on the lookout if a better opportunity comes up.

Specializes in ICU & LTAC as RN. FNP.
thank you for the great advice. what state are you located in if you don't mind me asking?

I live in Louisiana. Please excuse all the typos on my previous post, my IPAD wannabe device was touchy.

Specializes in Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine.

Thanks guys! I will try all those things!

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Specializes in PICU.

I would also suggest having a set response for when you are asked salary requirements. You don't want to price yourself out of an opportunity. What salaries are your classmates getting? I've never heard of a new grad getting $110k in primary care. I have friends in Alabama who have gotten offers around $60k and another in the DC area who has gotten $70-75k. You may just want to say that you're flexible on salary and see what they offer.

Specializes in Urology NP.

I graduate in a few weeks with my FNP. I have worked in a private specialty practice for nearly 10 years and will continue to do so as an FNP when I pass boards. I realize I am very blessed. We have not discussed salary yet but I am expecting around $80,000-85,000 base starting pay and he has mentioned I will be paid extra based on productivity. He paid for 75% of my BSN and 50% of my masters. I also get a very generous bonus each year. Needless to stay, I will be sticking around as he has been very supportive of me returning to school all along and has always been extremely generous.

Specializes in Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine.

I just moved to KY.

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I don't know anyone who got $110K fresh out of school except maybe a few ER NPs. I think that is unrealistic but I guess it depends on where you live. Starting hourly wage in Texas seemed to be 44.00 / hour up to 50.00 an hour.

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