Is there really a "nursing shortage"

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I was just wondering if all this talk about a nursing shortage is true, because I've also been reading on here how difficult the job market is. Does it depend on the area perhaps? I live in Oklahoma so if anyone from OK would like chime in that would be great. I am interested in all comments and would just like come knowledgable clarity on the issue.

The outlook for nurses, even new grad nurses is definitely better than for teachers or social workers. There is less and less money being spent on education, where I live in upstate New York, you can't even find substitute positions!

Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day:

Nursing Shortage a "Myth", New Survey Suggests just came out yesterday.

I've read similar articles for the past few weeks.

Personally, I'm not letting such news discourage me (I recently applied to nursing school for their RN program) as this can change over time; and as I'm sure will vary from region of the country to region of the country.

Thank you.

Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

There is absolutely no nursing shortage in California. In fact, upon reading this board we may be one of the most impacted by this, as we also seem to be the first choice of foreign-trained nurses. There's a long "support for unemployed new grads in California" thread here.

I was going to link to the survey pmabraham did (thanks!)

Recently, allnurses teamed with CNN and money reporter Annalyn Kurtz, which is very well done. It's always best to do lots of research into this with as many sources as you can, as statements and predictions in nursing these days are all over the map.

CNN article on nurses and job growth

Specializes in Emergency.

Been talking to a bunch of old time/long time nurses I know...they see it like this...all things move in cycles...some years its up some years its down...And they have been seeing the same thing for 40 years!Its what you make of it. There will always be nay sayers. People are essentially scared/superstitious/misinformed- what have you... and the media does not help...so stay true to your path and you will find your niche.

Specializes in being a Credible Source.
I think it does depend on the area. I know people who couldn't find a job in large metro areas but had no problem landing a job at more rural hospitals.
This has been my personal experience and that of several people that I know.
Specializes in being a Credible Source.
I heard the shortage is mainly on the west coast.
I couldn't speak for our neighbors to the North but there is NO SHORTAGE at all in California. I think it's mostly due to (1) generally excellent compensation, (2) fabulous weather, and (3) legally mandated RATIOS.

Sure there is...if by "nursing shortage", you mean that the hospitals are requiring nurses to take on more and more patients and increase work loads without staffing much needed additional help. It's not because there aren't enough nurses to fill the positions, it's because hiring more nurses affects the bottom line. The nursing shortage exists in hospitals looking to save money. Hospitals are consistently short staffed, which has translated to the media that more nurses are needed. While this is true in some areas, it is self-imposed by many hospitals who are not willing to hire additional staff.

Wow thanks so much for all this great info! It really give me a much better perspective!

For the past 12+ years, I have been an exhibitor at several national nursing conferences (for OR, critical care, neuro, OB, Black Nurses, Hispanic Nurses, etc.) as well as the national student nurse conference (NSNA). There are still healthcare systems actively recruiting nurses in specific areas (OR nurses with 5+ years experience, experiences neuro ICU nurses, Neonatal NPs, etc). But very few facilities need to travel to recruit new grads. Last year there were under 12 employers that attended the National Student Nurse Association convention in Pittsburgh -- they were vastly outnumbered by the 50+ schools of nursing there. In 2007 at this same conference there were over 150 hospitals actively seeking new grads.

Colleagues in nurse recruitment indicate that they do not need to look for new grads at all. One hospital in DC received over 1300 applications for 40 positions for new grads in 2012; they did not even call any ADN graduates as they had 400+ BSN grads submit applications. Other major academic medical centers which used to travel to recruit reduced the window when they accepted new grad applications (8 hours at one 1000-bed hospital, 2 days for another 900-bed facility).

So yes there is a shortage for RNs with many years of very specialized experience. But it is a very tough market for those with no experience (especially for those from community college and the multitude of for-profit associate degree programs). At a recent meeting of community college nursing faculty in my state, there was a report that up to 35% of ADN grads did not have nursing jobs 12 months after graduation.

Good luck.

Specializes in Trauma | Surgical ICU.

There is a nursing shortage of Experienced nurses.

Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

Thanks for that, UVA Grad Nursing. That kind of "boots-on-the-ground" information is vital for all of us in making our career plans.

There is a nursing shortage of Experienced nurses.

And depending on where you are, even experienced nurses don't have an easy time finding employment. People with GOBS of experience have found themselves submitting alot of applications and getting few bites.

Only those with the RIGHT experience at the RIGHT time in the RIGHT place will be finding work without too much trouble.

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