Job market for nursing.

onni161 · Aug 14, 2012

I'm a recently accepted student too, and I've heard the same thing from a few grads.....I've been told that most institutions are focusing on students who aquired a BSN or have previous experience working as CNA's or LPN's.....Admittedly, I'm feeling pretty deflated as well. My current financial position is pretty grim and it's difficult to justify risking further financial ruin to pursue a program that may lead to a dead end. I've also been told attempting to work over 20 hrs/week while in the program will inevitably cause you to fail. It's starting to feel like a rock and a hard place kind of decision.

mr cooper · Aug 14, 2012

Yeah, its just upsetting that a career I have poured a lot of energy and money into already may lead to a dead end. Granted I'm going to work as hard as I can and will relocate ANYWHERE to get that experience, but I have no backup plan. Nursing IS my backup plan, I initially wanted to be a psychologist but decided I did not like it. Its like, what will I do if jobs are that scarce that I can't get a job and my degree becomes worthless. I have nothing to fall back on and I'm 25 already. I guess I'll cross that bridge in a year when I finish the program...

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Aug 14, 2012

While it's true that there is no nursing shortage and new grads frequently do have a tough time finding employment, can you think of ANY career right now that has wide job openings and great starting pay?

Anyone graduating college these days is going to have a hard time finding a job, period. At least you know that going in, so you aren't shocked (as some are) to find this to be the case.

And remember: the "fall back on" job doesn't have to involve a college degree. Might not be glamorous, but bills do get paid by driving cabs, waiting tables, and working department stores. Just saying people make money where they can, not necessarily what they wanted, but.....wherever.

Wolf888 · Aug 14, 2012

I wouldn't worry about it for now. Everyone talks about this so called upcoming nursing shortage. I think that once the economy picks up (and eventually it will, always does) things will perk up. A lot of the nurses who were forced to go back to work or put off retiring will eventually retire. Couple that with the massive amount of baby boomers and the fact our population seems to require more from health care, things will eventually pick up. The only downside now is that nursing schools are pumping out a lot of graduates. If your willing to travel then you have a lot of options. A well informed nurse told me that Colorado is always hiring nurses (I don't know why). Also depending on what state your in there is a nursing pact among certain states that if you reside and are licensed in a state that is a part of the group then you can work in any of the states in that group. So don't worry, nursing is still one of the best professions you can get into for a multitude of reasons, job security being one of those. So just keep going and don't let it get you down.

onni161 · Aug 14, 2012

If you're 25 and worried about money/career/degrees, you have PLENTY of time to worry....They say the average person changes careers 3 times in a lifetime. You will find alternatives to being a nurse should you decide to find an alternative. But if you're dedicated and ambitious, you will become an RN because that's what you've decided to do and you're committed to it. As far as money goes, I can honestly say- I'm a bartender and the money is phenomenal. It's a great trade to have when times are hard. And there's no reason to "go to school" for it. You can work your way up through barbacking or serving jobs, all of which pay pretty well too. It's certainly a far cry from being an RN, but trust me- the money aspect isn't and if there's one industry that never sees a decrease in demand.....it's booze.