Will it ever get better out there?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I am still getting my prerequisites for a BSN degree. Im not going to attend nursing school till my youngest starts kinder.

Well my question is this. I will be graduating from nursing school in spring of 2018 (that is the plan). That is about 4 1/2 years from now. Wow, that sounds so far away. Will the job market improve for RN's by that time? I really can't rely on government projection, I just don't trust them. What do y'all see for the future for us aspiring RN's when it comes to jobs?

It turns out the government (and many other sources) are not good at predicting the future of employment.

Yes, I was feeling that way when I was reading up on current and future employment for nurses. I forgot which magazine it came from but becoming a nurse was in the top 10 jobs to have in terms of demand. Then a couple of government (scared to type the word government now, lol) websites later I just felt confused. It was like rainbows and unicorns. So I thought I would come to AN and see what y'all saw happening.

What I got out of it is, like you said, no one knows. Things are changing rapidly and everyone just has to role with the punches. I just need to let this nervousness about finding a job go and stay focused on just becoming a nurse. It is something I really want to accomplish. It is just a bit scary to know it maybe a real struggle to find a job, but hey I'm up for a challenge. Thanks for the post.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am still getting my prerequisites for a BSN degree. Im not going to attend nursing school till my youngest starts kinder. Well my question is this. I will be graduating from nursing school in spring of 2018 (that is the plan). That is about 4 1/2 years from now. Wow that sounds so far away. Will the job market improve for RN's by that time? I really can't rely on government projection, I just don't trust them. What do y'all see for the future for us aspiring RN's when it comes to jobs?[/quote']

When you leave nursing school and begin your first pursuit for a job when you pass your boards, you are going to apply for positions that you could see yourself working in, and enjoy it. There are plenty of opportunities, and they are of all sorts and shapes. It's about finding where you want to be, what your passion is. Chasing the dream job takes time, there are steps to build and then follow and it will be some time before the open doors will appear. Take your time, take your steps, learn from every single experience, don't make your mistakes twice, and aspire for your goal. You'll be fine. Just remember we ALL started at the bottom and had to get there someday. Less time stressing means more time being proactive. Also... Know your role when you do work. You're there to be a nurse, take care of your patients, and do so according to best practices and standards. Don't let workplace crap get in your way. And enjoy the ride. We all start at the bottom and make our way up. Sometimes it's the journey that matters because the road you choose at the fork can lead to different career outcomes. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When you leave nursing school and begin your first pursuit for a job when you pass your boards, you are going to apply for positions that you could see yourself working in, and enjoy it. There are plenty of opportunities, and they are of all sorts and shapes. It's about finding where you want to be, what your passion is. Chasing the dream job takes time, there are steps to build and then follow and it will be some time before the open doors will appear. Take your time, take your steps, learn from every single experience, don't make your mistakes twice, and aspire for your goal. You'll be fine. Just remember we ALL started at the bottom and had to get there someday. Less time stressing means more time being proactive. Also... Know your role when you do work. You're there to be a nurse, take care of your patients, and do so according to best practices and standards. Don't let workplace crap get in your way. And enjoy the ride. We all start at the bottom and make our way up. Sometimes it's the journey that matters because the road you choose at the fork can lead to different career outcomes. Good luck!

Thanks so much. I will not be too particular about my first job. My only requirement is that it be in a hospital. Need to build my skills. Thank you so much for the encouragement.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Forensic Psychiatry.
Thanks so much. I will not be too particular about my first job. My only requirement is that it be in a hospital. Need to build my skills. Thank you so much for the encouragement.

Just an FYI: the "Hospital" requirement - is actually a pretty HUGE requirement (unless you're willing to move anywhere). It is almost impossible to land a first nursing job in a hospital in many, many different metro areas. When you talk about first nursing job - pretty much the only standard you can hold is this: "That it is a safe place to work and I don't worry about my license being at risk." That's it.

Also: There are many different types of nursing skills, it's a broad career. Many new grads start off in corrections, psychiatric nursing, home care, addictions, public health, long term care, subacute care - and just because some of their skills are different than acute care nursing skills - doesn't mean that they're not building a unique and important nursing skill set.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

Not too many hospital jobs on my area; even LTCs have little to offer.

It's definitely not like it was ages ago when I was a new grad. Nurses in their late 50-early 60s retired or went part time/per diem. Because of the economy, baby boomer nurses need to keep working for income and insurance.

Asking what the job market will be like years from today is kind of like asking how the stock market will be doing. There's really no way of knowing. If you think nursing is what you really want, then you have to just jump in with both feet. Just make sure you've educated yourself about what's going on.

Out of curiosity, where are you from? I noticed some of your spelling looked like you were from Canada/UK. I didn't know if it was an affectation or if you were from outside the US.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Not too many hospital jobs on my area; even LTCs have little to offer.

It's definitely not like it was ages ago when I was a new grad. Nurses in their late 50-early 60s retired or went part time/per diem. Because of the economy, baby boomer nurses need to keep working for income and insurance.

Asking what the job market will be like years from today is kind of like asking how the stock market will be doing. There's really no way of knowing. If you think nursing is what you really want, then you have to just jump in with both feet. Just make sure you've educated yourself about what's going on.

Out of curiosity, where are you from? I noticed some of your spelling looked like you were from Canada/UK. I didn't know if it was an affectation or if you were from outside the US.

I'm not from the UK or Canada. I'm not being affectatous (sp?) either. Maybe I'm spell things wrong. Who knows? Lol. I'm from the USA in good ole Texas.

I know it is hard to know what is going to happen. I'm just nervous about it. After this post I have come to realize, like you said, to jump in with both feet and just keep on going. What happens will happen.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.
I am passionate about nursing. I get nervous sometimes about it but things worth while aren't easy. Thanks.

ok i may be old, but I do know with your "passion" you need to get back in nursing now ! :) please look into reinstating your lis, there will be a refresher course etc, come to LTC, be a charge nurse...... and then work upward mobility towards your RN..... :nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

well mam, in deep east Texas....your spelling looks just about fine :yes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
well mam in deep east Texas....your spelling looks just about fine :yes:[/quote']

Thanks fellow Texan. It has been 13 years since I was an LVN. I need way more then a refresher. Lol. I always planned to go back for my RN when my kiddos got older. Well, it is that time.

Oh, I reread your first post with the East Texas accent i know so well singing in my head. Nothing like that sound. ;-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

honestly, you have not forgotten much in 13 years, read some professional magazines online......advantage has some free magazine subscriptions, this will intensify the return to nursing itch, if you at least have your lis reinstated, you can do upward mobility to whatever RN program you may want, and if you do traditional classroom, getting admitted which is very competitive, will be enhanced ....... "mammmmmmmm........ "

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment