Any projections for nursing employment in the current and near future economy?

[Saifudin]

Hello Colleagues,

As the economy worsens with huge numbers of layoffs, it seems to me that loss of jobs means of loss of health care coverage leading to decreased utilization of hospital beds and health care services. Any projections how this will effect nursing employment at all levels of the industry?

[mom35]

www.bls.gov/oco this is the ooh occupational outlook handbook posted by government. it gives all kinds of details of projected growth, earnings in every state, awesome site!!! my professor gave it to me

[Otessa, BSN, RN]

I am originally from North Dakota. Would move back there in a heartbeat but we moved back to hubbies home state instead (Wisconsin) Great healthcare in North Dakota. Ask away-not sure how many opening there are with about 7 nursing programs in the state (that I can recall anyway).

otessa

[Otessa, BSN, RN]

I would say, take a look at the current unemployment rates nationally. Michigan is currently #1 in unemployment. Where you see high unemployment, you know the ecomony is going downhill. I also heard on NPR radio that North Dakota is booming economically. Anyone from that neck of the woods?

You are right that North Dakota is booming economically. It is probably one of the few states where the cost of real estate has gone up not down.

Otessa

[SoundofMusic]

Hopefully, meaningful health care reform comes soon.

LOL. Well, the problem here is that the problem plaguing us is the same problem plaguing the rest of the country. There is no money for any meaningful reform -- counties, cities, and states are broke and are looking towards the federal govt to bail us all out. Problem is, the govt. takes it from taxpayers. And the more they tax the worse off our economy will get.

The thing our country needs to do is stop w/ the bailouts and massive govt. spending and allow the free market to correct itself. Until this is done, get ready for more of the same -- and worse.

I'm a conservative -- (if you can't already tell. ) And I'm not in agreement w/ ANY of what has gone on w/ the economy -- either w/ the Republicans OR the Dems. We need to get back to fiscally conservative policies that have made our country work for generations -- or we face a very uncertain future as a nation -- nevermind the healthcare system. Sorry, folks -- Medicaid/Medicare is in deep trouble -- and it only gets worse as the baby boomers start to require more healthcare soon.

I personally see salary cuts and reductions in the future for nurses if this doesn't "correct itself." I see eroding quality and lower expectations. This current situation is not sustainable in the long term. But you're seeing this across the board in every industry, every line of work.