Are there jobs in nursing?

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I've reached a point where I feel a career change is the way to go; I'm 37 yikes!!!

I was originally contemplating Dietetics because I have an interest in nutrition and preventive medicine. However, I'm now considering becoming an RN instead of a dietitian because it seems that nursing is in high demand and has more job opportunities and the salaries are higher, these things are very important to me because I'm a single parent to a 6 year old and if I'm going to get a student loan for a 4 year degree at this point in my life I want it to be for a career where I can actually find a job. And I really like the aspect of being able to help people which is something both nurses and dietitians do, just in very different capacities.

The research I've done online suggests that there are tons of jobs for nurses but I wonder if this truly is the reality.

I'm currently working on getting my grade 12 Chemistry and Biology online and next will be math. I know nursing school is very demanding, am I crazy for trying to attempt this when I have a 6 year old to take care of? I would be doing the RN program full time.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Nursing is not in high demand. It should be, since we have an aging population. However, nurses and health care workers continue to be laid off and positions are not replaced when nurses retire as hospitals try to balance their budgets.

Most new grads struggle to find full time employment, accepting either temporary or casual positions. There is no guaranteed hours with casual positions.

With two or more years of experience, it is somewhat easier to find employment, depending where you live.

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Thanks that's very helpful, and I live in Brampton, ON. Gives me something to think about, I'll continue to do my Chemistry and Biology but perhaps will shift my focus back to dietetics... or social work, but job prospects are not necessarily great in social work either. It's funny how you can get misleading information from sites such as Service Canada, RNAO, etc.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Google nurse layoffs in Ontario and note the entries. ON, AB and BC are probably the worst markets for nurses. ON continues to lay nurses off.

You may find work in one of the smaller towns in ON but the GTA continues to be saturated with applicants. Nursing employment has not improved since 2008.

I returned to school at age 31. I also had to take math, chemistry and biology. Many other students worked and or had children to raise. It can be done.

I am originally from ON. I left in 2010.

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2008! WOW!!! where did you move to if you don't mind me asking? and did you move because of work?

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Yes 2008. A very long time.

I moved for work to AB. I had a job before I wrote my RN exam because I wasn't about to wait around for full time work. I took the first offer and packed my bags. Best decision I ever made. My loans were paid in 2.5 years.

I'd likely still be paying those loans in ON. However, jobs are not plentiful in AB either, especially since oil has tanked.

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Definitely the right decision for you, it's great you were able to pay off your student loan so fast :)

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It depends on your province. Nova Scotia is hiring.

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I find that in most places there are always jobs for nurses, you just can't always be picky. You may have to work somewhere you don't want such an ltc or homecare. Hospital jobs are harder to find.

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