I am not even in nursing school yet but I am already a little worried. All you ever hear about is that there is a nursing shortage, but then I read all the time how new grads can't find jobs. Ugh, I hope the economy is better in two years when I will be done.

I often think about that too, but I'm going to continue to work hard through school. No one knows what will happen with the economy in a few years. Hopefully things will turn around for the better.

I'm graduating in a few months, so I've been paying close attention to the posters that say they can't find a job, and I seem to have found a common thread... they decided to take time off after graduation, study for the NCLEX, and apply for jobs after passing. Now I'm not saying that doesn't sound like a good idea, because if you don't need the money, why not take a few weeks, or months off, and just study? But the truth is most hospitals like to hire new grads in a group and have them all start at the same time. They aren't randomly orienting new grads in, say, October, because they all started in June and July. So, I guess I'm saying that if you are worried about having a job after graduation, start applying well before graduation. Places will hire you before you take the NCLEX. Some states will let you work as a "GN" before you take it, other states require a pass before you can start working, but they will most likely hold a place for you. Don't be fooled by the tough economy - there are jobs out there, it's all about timing!

I worry as well. I am in an ADN program that the hospital I work at pays for. Every year they take up to 30 students and the group that just finished this past december is feeling the affects of the economy! They will not be able to place all of the students. Therefore they are doing interviews and selecting about half of the new grads. The others have the option of teching until a position becomes available or just simply not being hired and luckily not have to payback one penny of their education....the downfall is trying to find a position around here! I know here in tucson at least right now hospitals arent really hiring much. I just hope when I am done this december things will be improving! Good luck to those who are having issues with getting a job!

It seems in my area, at worst new graduates are possibly facing hiring freezes. This isn't good by any means, but at least they are not in a field that is currently under threat of massive lay offs. I would assume if you were graduating in something like construction management that your prospects would be a lot more grim. Unless something tramatic happens, the economoy really should get better in the next few years. Sometimes I feel so impatient with having to wait 2 more years before I'll be done w/ school, but then I just tell myself that hopefully the employment outlook will be better at that time

I am in IL where yes there are lay offs and hiring freezes BUT many many many jobs. The new grad may have to start off in a long term facility or clinic.... or take the opening on the night shift in the hospital to get their feet wet BUT they are getting jobs.... and in this economy a job in your field is great!