Bad Job Market? Be a NURSE! (Insert eye roll here)

[BloomNurseRN]

I am a brand new nurse (having just passed the NCLEX June 10th) and am still looking for my first job. The job market here isn't completely saturated, I'm just really trying to get in to a hospital rather than a LTCF. What gets me though, is the perpetuation of the nursing shortage myth, which is NOT true anymore.

THIS ARTICLE has the nerve to point out that "nursing positions are plentiful" and encourages people not to go in to a different field, but instead to go in to nursing. Obviously I think people still need to go in to nursing because if people stop, there WILL be another shortage. That doesn't mean that this idea should be continued or that people who don't WANT to be nurses should be getting in to this field just to have a job.

I went back to school at 29 knowing that I wanted to be a nurse and that there was nothing else that was going to make me happy as a career. Yes, I don't have a job yet but I know it will come and that I'm doing the right thing. If this wasn't something I had a calling for, I can't imagine going in to nursing given all of the things nurses deal with on a daily basis. I know this is talked about all the time but this article really got under my skin. Be a nurse for the right reasons, not because anthropology has a bad job outlook.

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

The people I know who did not have a problem finding jobs had:

1. A BSN

and

2. CNA experience at the hospital they applied at.

[DedHedRN]

There is no shortage for nurses, as long as they are willing to work LTC... the article should point that out. With all the baby boomers getting older thats where the bulk of new nurses are needed I'm sure. RN's better start paying attention to what is going on in these places because thats where most of us are going to be working in 2020. Right now RN unions wont touch them with a ten foot pole to help improve conditions because they are considered LVN domain and LVN's do not have unions, as least not in California.

[nursel56]

I can see why someone would think LVNs don't have unions in California but LVNs and some RNs are represented by SEIU California (Health Services) and have two national professional organizations National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses NFLPN and National Association for Practical Nurse Education NAPNES . I mention those because the line between professional organization and union has been getting a bit blurry lately on the RN side with some former state branches of the ANA severing ties and becoming part of National Nurses United.

[elprup, BSN, RN]

Here is one I just saw on good ole yahoo.

College Majors With The Worst Employment Outlook - Yahoo! Education

"What To Study Instead: Nursing

Unemployment Rate: 4.8 percent

You obviously find people fascinating, so why not take your interests toward charitable practices by studying a degree in nursing?

What will you learn in a nursing program? According to the College Board, you'll train to examine and care for the sick and disabled as well as advocate for better health. You might also expect to take classes like anatomy and physiology, health assessment, and pharmacology.

The good news for graduates from this major is that nursing positions are plentiful and aren't always just available in hospitals. "Nursing is so versatile that graduates who are flexible can go to work for insurance companies and businesses in addition to hospitals and doctors' offices," says Rambo. "Their options to be administrators and consultants are numerous." Blah blah blah, yadda yadda yadda

There are over 700,000 allnurses members. Just think of the things we could do if we all stood together and got the real story out. :)

[green34]

If you can get into a hospital, there are a lot of job posting for nurses part-time and full-time. However, the burnout rate at that particular hospital where most of the postings are is horrible. I think it depends on a variety of factors. Unfortunately, it is unfair to many people who cannot afford to take a CNA in a hospital.

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

I knew going into my LPN to RN bridge program that there was NO shortage and hadn't been one (at least in my area for close to 10 years). It just amazed me that my fellow students would say things like "I can't wait to graduate, I'm going to make some serious bank", or "I'm taking my NCLEX ASAP so I can get a job sooner", "well with the shortage of nurses its going to be easy to get a job, I'm going to work (insert specialty area)'. I did my best to gently break it to them that there is NO shortage and hasn't been one for a long time, that finding a job wouldn't be as easy as flashing that pretty smile and saying I want a job, and that they would probably have to end up back in school to get their BSN because the trend of the hospitals in the area was to go BSN preferred or required, and that the specialty job they covet will probably be out of reach until they get some experience under their belt and/or get their BSN. They all scoffed at me. What does she know!

They are now all realizing I wasn't a crazy old lady who was out of touch with reality. The FEW that have found jobs are the ones who worked in the hosptial as a student tech/PCT and another couple because they 'knew' someone.

The job market around here is just bad even for experienced nurses, the postings for positions are far and few between.

A local private college is always heard on the radio and seen on TV pushing the whole 'shortage' thing. They also push the whole 'you're going to make a ton of money'. Drives me nuts everytime I see the ad or hear it! And while I know it does no good, I crinkle up my face and scowl while saying, THERE IS NO SHORTAGE!!!!

[ORNursetobe33]

I really don't see how it's anybody else's business why someone got into nursing. If they are capable, can do the job and like the money....then it suits them. Not everybody gets "called" to be a nurse. No one works for free....

[lmccrn62, MSN, RN]

The market is bad all over and many factors. One is higher deductible insurance plans. Many plans have 5,000-10,000 deductibles. Patients are just not seeking the elective stuff. So volume decreases and then there are hiring freezes and layoffs. I think this affordable care act will not drive people to seek care but continue to avoid it. It is a very scary time hopefully there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

[mingorn]

This kind of thread really gets on my nerves. It's more bellyaching and complaining that other people have the audacity to become a nurse. What would you have thought if people had gone through these lengths to discourage you? I know in SOME areas of the country there isn't a nursing shortage but in others it's a very real fact of life. This type of thread comes off as being whiny that you may have to compete for a job. To the poster who thinks that they deserve a job ahead of another nurse because it is your "calling" grow up! Rant over lol

[malamud69, BSN, RN]

I am just going off hearsay and observations, but I think it is, at least, a lot easier for new graduate nurses to actually get a job in their field than it is for other majors. Ask a history major which museum they have a paying position at 6 months after graduation and they'll tell you they're working at Starbucks. It sucks out there. Not saying it's easy, but we may have it easier than many.

Finally at least a voice with some modicum of reason...are we not sick of all the complaining!

[BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN]

This kind of thread really gets on my nerves. It's more bellyaching and complaining that other people have the audacity to become a nurse. What would you have thought if people had gone through these lengths to discourage you? I know in SOME areas of the country there isn't a nursing shortage but in others it's a very real fact of life. This type of thread comes off as being whiny that you may have to compete for a job. To the poster who thinks that they deserve a job ahead of another nurse because it is your "calling" grow up! Rant over lol

I would like to be very clear that I am not whining about having to compete for a job. People in most careers have to compete with other candidates. My point was that articles like these make it seem like the nursing job market is a magical place where jobs materialize out of nothing and you will get a job without any work. I am happy to put in work, volunteer and pay my dues. I just think articles like these give a false impression to people.

[BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN]

Here is one I just saw on good ole yahoo.

College Majors With The Worst Employment Outlook - Yahoo! Education

"What To Study Instead: Nursing

Unemployment Rate: 4.8 percent

You obviously find people fascinating, so why not take your interests toward charitable practices by studying a degree in nursing?

What will you learn in a nursing program? According to the College Board, you'll train to examine and care for the sick and disabled as well as advocate for better health. You might also expect to take classes like anatomy and physiology, health assessment, and pharmacology.

The good news for graduates from this major is that nursing positions are plentiful and aren't always just available in hospitals. "Nursing is so versatile that graduates who are flexible can go to work for insurance companies and businesses in addition to hospitals and doctors’ offices," says Rambo. "Their options to be administrators and consultants are numerous." Blah blah blah, yadda yadda yadda

There are over 700,000 allnurses members. Just think of the things we could do if we all stood together and got the real story out. :)

That's the article I quoted in my original thread.