hey all,

i just made application to the BSN program at new mexico state university and am already thinking about best choices during and after nursing school (i will get in somewhere).

i am reading alot about the current nursing situation in the states and realize that it isnt the "jobs for all" scene that is painted by everyone and am reading alot about nurses not being able to find work and i am thinking about some things. i am currently a CNA and work in LTC periodically. in terms of flexibility and job opportunities i have found that rural LTC centers are a dream for college students. also, these facilities are begging for nurses and people who are in LTC seem to have no trouble finding work especially in rural settings. NOW, while that sounds great for what i am wanting to do, i have heard many things about how LTC right out of school is a bad choice because it funnels you into that area and many nurses cant get out because of the lower skill set utilized in these settings (its not med-surg, ICU or anything like that). so i am wondering what is the best way to set myself up during/after nursing school or if these rumors are even true? i am trying now to get on with a hospital but i am stuck in the experience irony that many find themselves in (no hospital experience...cant get hospital experience...haha).

thanks for reading and responding!

If you find another speciality that you are interested in then I would puruse a job in that area but if it isn't possible then LTC is a great option. Imo when times are tight like they are now it is difficult to break into different areas but in times when nurses are in demand anything goes so in my experience I haven't ever been too worried about being stuck doing one speciality.