Is nursing a good career?

[htharpe_24]

Hi everyone! I am still in high school, and I am considering nursing as my career. However, I have a few concerns/doubts that I am hoping you guys can clear up! My first and major concern is the job market. I have saw horror stories of new graduate nurses who can hardly ever find work. I was wondering what the nursing job market is and how and it will change in the years to come? I would just also want some advice in general whether or not you feel that nursing is a good career or not. Thank you so much!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Best bet is to research the job market in your area or the area in which you might consider working. There is a great amount of variation across the country, although it seems like the areas with the tighter job markets happen to be those with a larger population. How that is going to be can only be predicted, and predictions aren't always right.

As for whether it's a good career or not, you'll need to provide some insight into what you would consider a good career. Do I personally have a stable job with a decent income? Sure, but I also think I'm worth more than I'm getting paid. Do I enjoy my job? Most days. Some days I wonder why I still do it.

[htharpe_24]

I currently live and plan to work in North Carolina. I know that there are many new grads who struggle to find jobs, and I don't want to be stuck in that situation. Thanks for the response!

[VerticalHorizon]

I dont know how North Carolina is compared to my area, but I live in East Tennessee and almost all new nurse grads have jobs before they graduate.

[htharpe_24]

Yes, I have heard that NC is much better for new grads than the West Coast or New England. I just feel nursing is for me and I'm willing to take that risk. Thank you!

[Missie Hannie]

Is there a particular area of nursing that fascinates you? In my experience, nursing homes always seem to be hiring, while other specialties in hospitals may be a bit more of a challenge to get. The job market is constantly fluctuating, so predicting what it will look like a few years from now is just about impossible.

As to your question about whether or not nursing is a good career, I agree with Rose_Queen's statement - what do you consider a good career? The rate of pay depends on your location and your job, and there are good days and bad days, just like every other career out there. Nursing isn't for the faint of heart, and it's not something one chooses to do on a whim (well, maybe some people have, but as a general rule it takes a lot of thought to make a decision). But in my opinion, nursing is a wonderful profession, and it will change your life. That wasn't meant to sound so cliche, but it's true. Best of luck to you!

[htharpe_24]

Thanks everyone! As far as what I look for in a career, I enjoy caring for people and seeing them grow and heal. I really don't have a specific area of nursing, but I do enjoy helping the most vulnerable, the elderly. However, I also enjoy a faster paced environment, such as the ER or ICU. I am also interested about the opportunity for growth in nursing, such as a nurse practitioner or CRNA. Thank you again!

[Missie Hannie]

One nice thing about nursing school is that most programs have a variety of clinical sites, which gives the students not only lots of practice, but also exposure to different nursing specialties. If you decide to go into nursing, take time to review all of your options, make your choice, and then go for it!