Nursing market cools, new grads have a tough time finding jobs

FINALLY! I have been wavering on my decision to apply to an accelerated program for a while now, due to rumors of newly licensed folks being unable to land jobs growing louder. I've stopped discussing this with people because I was so tired of hearing that there was nothing to worry about. Especially other hopeful RN-to-bes. Is it just the wrong time to be doing this?

WHAT THE.....???? Um....yeah, I did this CRAZY thing and decided to get a nursing degree AND I hope to have a job....shocking, I know Sorry, but let's be realistic here.

Well it is about time some of the newsmedia is catching on to what is going on as far as market for nurses, especially new nurses in this country. It is like there was an 9 on the Rhicter scale earthquake and 6 months later they go, "Oh, something happened".

You are certainly not alone with feeling vindicated by this information. I am currently eligible to sit the NCLEX for the PN and have been searching for a job (which has been minimal thus far) Fortunately I currently have a non health care type job but its a paycheck which I am grateful. Its unfortunate but I feel that to find a nursing job is going to require a long commute.

One of my clinical instructors told me to apply at every LTC and hospital and also be persistent, she said not all places will advertise openings. I live in Michigan and do not currently have the ability to pack up and move. I have been at my sisters home in Florida (vacation) so out of curiosity checked the listings for this area (north of Tampa) now of course I know nothing about this area or the facilities here but there were listings for both LPN and RN. Still no guarantees anywhere..

Thank you for bringing up the topic its been on my mind heavily lately...

I live in Midland, TX and there are job openings for RN's at the hospital in Midland and Odessa. Midland Memorial is starting the Versant program for new RN's this June. They are still accepting applications for June. I know not everyone wants to live here, nor can eveyone up and move, but if you can you might check into the hospitals around here.

I have been told that there is really no shortage of nurses to being with, just a shortage of nurses who remain in nursing. The field I used to work in I ran into many nurses who no longer wanted to be in the profession for many different reasons. Many said that if nursing/nurses ever get better treatment from the hospitals they work for, got better respect in general, respected each other more, rather than cut each other's throat to make themselves look better, and finally got paid better, then there would be no shortage of nursing, there are plenty of licenced nurses right now that have elected not to remain in the field. Some are older, but there are plenty younger ones too, some move on to other careers like pharm. sales, others get their NP or CRNA for more money and to get away from the abusive environment that nursing can be. Again, this is not first hand experience just what I have been told. I was planning on my 2nd degree BSN, but between the high tuition cost and speaking to many nurses not sure this is a good move anymore.

"Move to Texas where there is more demand?"

I have two close RN friends who live in TX and can't find jobs.

I am glad I found this site and very grateful too. I was accepted into a few "high cost" BSN programs. Now that I keep reading, I decided to go to a community college and get a RN (very cheap) and see what happens in 2 years (well less because I have a degree already) when I graduate. At least I won't have a student loan to repay

Indeed. Whoever is telling nurses to "move to Texas where there is more demand" is highly misinformed.