Just need some feedback

[LaLeti]

Hello All,

First of all, I am new so I hope I am posting in the right place. Also, I hope my questions don't sound dumb, but I would love any advice from anybody who has some for me.

So, I've been reading a LOT on these forums, before I registered just now, and I really want to say thank you to everybody who has replied to at least one post from ANYBODY. You've definately helped more than just that person.

I've been planning on getting my BSN and have read ALL through the forums for as much information as I could find and have several questions/concerns.

Going for my bachelor's is a personal choice as I feel that would just be a good step for me right now, but I've read through so much of the forums that getting a job as a new graduate is getting harder and HARDER. I've looked for Nursing Jobs available today (just to see for myself) and there are SOO many waiting lists out there! It scares me a bit that this is going on and makes me a bit hesitant but I REALLY would love to nurse. (Of course, NOBODY life would be easy). I want to ask ALL nurses (ESPECIALLY any new grads, since that's the position I will most likely be in) the following questions:

1. How long did it take you to find your current and/or first job?

2. Did you have any experience?

3. What did you do to help you become prepared for work in nursing while still in school? (volunteer, internships, etc) Do you feel it helped you personally/professionally?

4. If you didn't have experience outside of school, thinking back what would you have done differently to help prepare you more for your Job Search or just be a more qualified candidate?

Okay guys, I hope all my questions make sense lol. I'm a bit sleepy but ANY feedback at all would be appreciated. ! will be going to bed now. Good night! :heartbeat:redbeathe

[Ayvah, RN]

If nursing is your love, then go for that goal.

The job market will likely be vastly different once you complete nursing school. They forecast that a large amount of nurses will be retiring soon (who are currently working and delaying retirement because of the economy) The average age of nurses right now is the late 40s. Also, as the baby boomers age, there will be even greater demand for health care for them.

Yes, many schools have waiting lists. There were 400 qualified applicants for 75 positions at my nursing school. Back when I graduated the market was much more open, and I had a job lined up 2 months before I graduated. Working at a health care place as a unit clerk/CNA is a good way to have your foot in the door for an RN job as well. Being a CNA is a great way to help familiarize yourself with some of the foundation of nursing. Most hospitals have tuition assistance, which I made use of, to help you pay for school if you work there, so that's something to keep in mind too.

Best of luck to you!