Are BSN prepared Nurses having a tough time as well?

[pnmia10]

We all know of the strain on new grad nurses. I'm having a hard time deciding whether or not I should try to get into a ASN degree granting program or a BSN one. I've also noticed that in my area (Miami) the hourly salary for LPN's and RN's alike have gone down considerably...

[JulieCVICURN, BSN, RN]

Yes, yes, yes. Opossum is right. Getting a job as a CNA will give you a huge advantage over other candidates.

[pnmia10]

I hope to put my PN license to use soon for the advantages! (sigh)

[eriksoln, BSN, RN]

1. As others have said, it's absolutely true that it's who you know that matters in order to get a job.

2. However, there are jobs to be had for those who are not connected, and a BSN will probably give you a leg up on others going for the same job with a lesser degree.

Based on what I've seen in my facility lately, I think the hiring has got to start opening up soon. There's just too few people carrying too much work and something, somewhere is going to give.

Its like that at my hospital. I can get OT any week I want. When you go in for a shift, you just know they are going to ask you to stay. Yet, they refuse to hire anyone. Odd approach to saving money if you ask me (increased OT and all) but, from what I've been told:

Easier to work who you have to death and pay some OT. You end up paying 5 people to do the work of 7...........and gain much money from not paying the extra two people's benefits (more than you loose in OT). People get burnt out and quit and then are replaced with someone willing to accept a couple dollars less. So on so forth.

Blah. No wonder the moral on most units in my hospital has gone down down down.