There has been so much talk about the "supposed" nursing shortage vs. the influx of nurses (and nursing programs and nursing students) that I wanted to see what data was out there. One recent article cites a report that states healthcare will experience extreme growth, resulting in shortages (including nursing) by 2020 (http://www.usnewsuniversitydirectory.com/articles/new-report-highlights-the-growing-demand-for-healt_12469.aspx -- published two days ago)
Another article published in FORBES asks whether or not Nursing has been over-hyped as a career choice. It cites surveys of recent college grads, pointing to the difficulty in obtaining positions, especially for those without a baccalaureate degree (accelerated BSN had some issues as well). That said, the article does end by pointing out that the BLS expects the demand for nurses "to increase rapidly alongside rising demand for outpatient care, long-term care facilities and home healthcare." (http://www.forbes.com/sites/alisongriswold/2012/06/18/has-nursing-been-overhyped-as-a-career-choice/ -- published five days ago).
It seems as if the shortage/influx of nurses can be very regional. In our area, there are healthcare facilities going up every other day. If it isn't an Autozone, it's a medical office/building (though we are getting a Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts! No Target, yet). A couple hours north of us in Columbus, there is a shortage of JOBS for nurses. Then again, there is also a shortage of teaching positions (with thousands applying for ONE open position). A sign of our struggling economy? Clearly, that can be another reason for the lack of positions AND the influx of new nurses (bad economy, losing a job--go get more training, start a new career!).
So, while I will graduate with an ADN in 2014, I may have to wait to find a job until 2020? Who knows? With drastic changes in our economy, healthcare policy, culture, technology, science, there is no telling what tomorrow or the next will bring.
After graduation I'll probably get my BSN and maybe my MSN and then teach . . . or, I'll win the lottery. Try out for a reality show. Write a best-selling memoir . . .
