If you could do it again, would you?

[47inBrooklyn]

I read on http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1141.00 that the market appears "strong" and "bright" for nurses, yet I also read stories where graduates can't find work after many years. Considering returning to school for another masters (in nursing this time). Bad idea? Age discrimination? Concerned about being able to pay student loans if I can't find work. If you could take a moment to write your thoughts they would be appreciated very much. Thank you.

[MrsICURN14]

I can't speak for other markets, but I graduated May 10 with my BSN and already have 2 jobs. A full time CCU position at a major metro hospital and a PRN HHC job with a pediatric HH company.

I agree with the poster that said you have to be flexible coming out as a new grad. I was lucky enough to land a residency at a Level I trauma center in a critical care area, but I also had connections that helped me. A lot of my friends have had to take things they didn't set out to do, but realize it's better than nothing.

I think a big problem is that new grads feel so entitled to get what they want right away. We all have to start somewhere and pay our dues. I would have been just as thankful to get a M/S position at a local community hospital if that was my only option.

There are plenty of jobs available. You just have to be open.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I would do it ALL over again...I'm in an area that had had virtually NO nursing shortage for over 20 years; I have been able to find a job and remained employed as a LPN for 7 years and an RN for almost 2 years...I have had leadership positions and considered a leader at my current job.

I knew that the market was tight in this area; the area had large hospital closures starting in the early 90s and the building of large health systems by the smaller hospitals with the large health systems since then. I remained flexible, got great experience, as well as made money to pay my school loans; currently I'm applying for income-based repayment (which is available) and will go from there, which does help. I keep honing my practice while increasing my income, and I still enjoy traveling and my work-life balance while I do it.

[Nonetheless]

I wouldn't go into nursing again. I like nursing, but the things I have had to do to get my job (relocating to smaller towns where I have no friends, no family, and nothing in common with the people who live there) have destroyed the person I used to be. I don't recommend anyone relocate alone, and it seems like that's what it takes for a lot of new grads to find jobs these days. I always thought I was rather stable and secure mentally, but I finally broke after 10 months of isolation. You'd be surprised at how much being away from everyone you've ever cared about, especially if you are unable to make connections in your new location, can sap your spirit. It's a horrible feeling to feel like you don't have roots anywhere and that there's nowhere you belong anymore. I can't recommend this field to anyone anymore if that's what it takes to get a job. At what point is a job worth your sanity? I think I would have rather worked a minimum wage customer service job, and still had my family and friends, than take a slightly better paying job and lose my whole support system. I wish I had known that was the cost of nursing before I started.

this is why I am bitter about the prospect of relocation. Someone got mad online that I was so bitter about relocating, and said I was not passionate enough. Life is not about how passionate you are about your career. I am also passionate about my friends, family, and sanity. I am praying you find something close to home!

[Nonetheless]

I can't speak for other markets, but I graduated May 10 with my BSN and already have 2 jobs. A full time CCU position at a major metro hospital and a PRN HHC job with a pediatric HH company.

I agree with the poster that said you have to be flexible coming out as a new grad. I was lucky enough to land a residency at a Level I trauma center in a critical care area, but I also had connections that helped me. A lot of my friends have had to take things they didn't set out to do, but realize it's better than nothing.

I think a big problem is that new grads feel so entitled to get what they want right away. We all have to start somewhere and pay our dues. I would have been just as thankful to get a M/S position at a local community hospital if that was my only option.

There are plenty of jobs available. You just have to be open.

What at about a med Surg position at a community hospital 2,000 miles from home?

I am sick of hearing new grads are entitled. I will take ANYTHING within 200 miles of my home- home health, LTC, ALF, private practice, prisons, etc, but I am called entitled because I don't want to relocate to somewhere far away and alone.

[MrsICURN14]

What at about a med Surg position at a community hospital 2,000 miles from home?

I am sick of hearing new grads are entitled. I will take ANYTHING within 200 miles of my home- home health, LTC, ALF, private practice, prisons, etc, but I am called entitled because I don't want to relocate to somewhere far away and alone.

Hence why I said in the beginning of my post it depends on the market in your area. All I can give is my experience, and my experience in a major metropolitan area is there are tons of jobs, it's just a matter of being willing to adjust your expectations. I cannot speak for someone in another area of the country.

And from what I've seen, the majority of new grads do act entitled. That's a generalization, but that's what I've seen in my area, and from the new grads from my program.

I never once said anyone needed to relocate. I meant be open to anything outside the traditional hospital setting that most new nurses want.

I know several nursing homes in my area who would hire a BSN off the street right now, as well as some HHC agencies. I had psych hospitals offering sign on bonuses, and one called me for an interview literally 30 mins after applying online.

I have no idea what employers are looking for, but I know 1/2 my class of 115 had jobs MONTHS before graduation. Took me a little longer, and I still don't know what determines whether you get hired over someone else but I know there are jobs to be had where I'm at.

[Nonetheless]

Hence why I said in the beginning of my post it depends on the market in your area. All I can give is my experience, and my experience in a major metropolitan area is there are tons of jobs, it's just a matter of being willing to adjust your expectations. I cannot speak for someone in another area of the country.

And from what I've seen, the majority of new grads do act entitled. That's a generalization, but that's what I've seen in my area, and from the new grads from my program.

I never once said anyone needed to relocate. I meant be open to anything outside the traditional hospital setting that most new nurses want.

I know several nursing homes in my area who would hire a BSN off the street right now, as well as some HHC agencies. I had psych hospitals offering sign on bonuses, and one called me for an interview literally 30 mins after applying online.

I have no idea what employers are looking for, but I know 1/2 my class of 115 had jobs MONTHS before graduation. Took me a little longer, and I still don't know what determines whether you get hired over someone else but I know there are jobs to be had where I'm at.

Where I am, most jobs will not even look at your application without a license.

I had an interview and they turned me down because I was not licensed yet, and I drove like 200 miles for that interview.

[medsurgrn95]

I'm not sure. I love the money. I needed the ADN to pay off my liberal arts BA. I busted my hump working 2 jobs many hours per week for many years. But I struggle with the work/life balance basically because I don't have a life outside of work. I LOVED having the structure of something to do every day. Not sure what the heck to do with myself when I'm off. I'm starting BSN classes so hoping it helps open up my world.

[Gentleman_nurse, MSN]

I graduated last year and still haven't found a nursing position yet but I would still do this. The knowledge has been valuable. But if I had it to do over again I would have networked while in school by joining professional associations (NSNA doesn't count) and attending chapter meetings on a regular basis. It's really true that it's who you know not what you know.

[MrsICURN14]

Where I am, most jobs will not even look at your application without a license.

I had an interview and they turned me down because I was not licensed yet, and I drove like 200 miles for that interview.

I'm sorry to hear that ?.

I realize I am fortunate to be in the area of the country I am in. But I still have many friends who are jobless, too. I hope you find something soon!

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

I think the market is turning around. We are impossibly short staffed -- not because management is trying to save money by cutting staff, but because we cannot seem to find and hire the kind of quality candidates we need in our critical care unit. Other large, urban teaching centers seem to be having the same difficulty.

[MrsICURN14]

I think the market is turning around. We are impossibly short staffed -- not because management is trying to save money by cutting staff, but because we cannot seem to find and hire the kind of quality candidates we need in our critical care unit. Other large, urban teaching centers seem to be having the same difficulty.

I agree. One of the ICUs I interviewed with, the charge nurse told me they're in a hiring frenzy because they are understaffed by at least 2 nurses every shift.

The facility and unit where I did my capstone rotation right before graduation was also understaffed.