Do you think the job market for nurses will improve by the time you graduate?

Warrior504th · May 1, 2010

Some of what I read is disheartening, but I remember a few points.

-Not everyone is as motivated to search every area of healthcare as you. Some may post "I cant find a job ANYWHERE!" and apply only to one particular area.

-Many people are not willing to relocate in any way.

-Many if not most are in a larger city and only want a job within those confines.

On a personal note...

-I have a few years till I graduate - Hooray for working full time and going to school at the same time.

-Unless things change, I will relocate and/or float without looking back.

My opinion (having not actually graduated), is put your head down, and lean into your stride. Dont let anything slow or stop you. We as students have more to worry about than what will happen in 1-3 years. If you are willing to do what it takes to "get a foot in the door", i have a feeling you'll have zero problems. As for obamacare, I believe most of us half-grasp what is being thrown at us and only time will tell.

wahwahgerman · May 2, 2010

Sorry if this has already been addressed but I have a quick question. When I looked into traveling internationally as an RN, it looked like you had to have a BSN. Does anyone know if there are countries that will accept an associates RN degree?

Silverdragon102, BSN · May 2, 2010

Australia currently accepts ADN but not sure of any other countries. I know UK is 3 years so would image the EU would be similar due to the sort of compact agreement they have regarding nurses moving around the EU if from the EU

allnurses Guide · May 2, 2010

Most travel nursing positions want you to have at least one to two years of experience as a floor nurse.

polka-dot, RN · May 2, 2010

I talked to a nurse recruiter at a university hospital here in town and was told that he receives around 300 applicants for M/S jobs and around 200 for ICU. Of those, he disqualifies 50% right off the bat because they're not BSN. Of those remaining, he disqualifies another 50% because they did not precept in that area (did not precept M/S, or did not precept ICU...whatever the case may be). So, even though they get hundreds of applications, BSN grads are usually only competing with about 50-70 other applicants...not great odds, but it's better than 1:300!

fayejum48 · May 7, 2010

I currently work in Home Health and there are plenty of jobs. Some Home Health agencies take new grads and some want you to have a years experience. I love Home Health. I love one on one patient care.

eternalbride · May 8, 2010

Lack of nursing jobs is pretty much on top of everyone's mind right now. I feel like it's the biggest issue out there for aspiring nurses. As a pre-nursing student it's made me question my career choice a couple of times, however, I keep hearing about how demands for nurses is cyclical and it will eventually go back to the way it used to be with an abundance of work opportunities everywhere. So for now, I'm holding still and not making any major changes.
What about you? Do you think things will be better by the time you graduate and you're ready to work? Or do you think it'll be like this for a long time? If you don't see the situation improving within the near future, what's still making you pursue this field?

I believe it will get a little worser before it gets better.

There are people everywhere in this world who is going to need are care...whether its in third world countries or anywhere else... thats what would keep me in this field.