Does this bother anyone else?

[stdntnurse]

I was just reading a post in another thread and came across the following statement that alarmed me: "i wish that i had chosen nursing in the first place because i need a recession Proof career".

I understand that the economy is facing, and will continue to face, hard times. I also realize that as a result of this people are now more then ever looking into job security when choosing a career. It scares me however, that people are now choosing nursing as a profession based on the thought that it is said to be 'recession proof' and not because they truly have a passion for it.

All I know is that if and when I am a patient in the health care system, I want a nurse looking after me who actually wants to be there and is dedicated to looking after her patients, not one who chose her profession based on job security and is more concerned about cash flow. Am I living in a dream world?

[pwg1219]

I went to nursing school because it takes more years to get a teaching degree than a nursing degree, and the pay is better. Once i got into school, I realized that I absolutely LOVE nursing! I think that if everyone went into a profession for the same reasons, this would be a very boring world. As far as nursing being recession proof....HA! I am a new graduate who has looked into every place in town that employs LPNs and at every place I hear the same "sorry, but we don't have any openings right now". I am now going to have to work in a non-healthcare field to provide for my family until a position opens up at a facility. I am not against this, but it proves the point that nursing is certainly NOT recession proof.

I, too, am a new graduate (December 2008) looking for a job. I was 56 when I graduated so school was not the easiest thing I have ever done in my life; however, I loved going through the classes and learning so much from both my instructors and my younger classmates. I was in the clerical field for 25+ years prior to going into nursing. I went into nursing because I felt God calling me to do this. He had prepared me for nursing through my lifetime experiences of being a mother/grandmother and caring for aging parents. I have gone on and gotten my RN but have been unable to find an RN job. Currently I am applying for LPN and front office jobs just to get my foot in the door. I am hoping to be able to eventually get an RN job but am very grateful for the clerical experience I have to fall back on. Good luck to you in finding an LPN position soon.

[VanLpn]

I was just reading a post in another thread and came across the following statement that alarmed me: "i wish that i had chosen nursing in the first place because i need a recession Proof career".

I understand that the economy is facing, and will continue to face, hard times. I also realize that as a result of this people are now more then ever looking into job security when choosing a career. It scares me however, that people are now choosing nursing as a profession based on the thought that it is said to be 'recession proof' and not because they truly have a passion for it.

All I know is that if and when I am a patient in the health care system, I want a nurse looking after me who actually wants to be there and is dedicated to looking after her patients, not one who chose her profession based on job security and is more concerned about cash flow. Am I living in a dream world?

If this forum is any indication, nursing is not "recession proof". Where I live (B.C) there is still a shortage and my wife graduates in 2 months and already has several offers. I do not feel that nursing is my "calling". I have always liked to help others and for a long time I entertained the idea of police work and social work. I chose nursing because: 1. pays more then those 2. I am interested in healthcare 3. I like working with people 4. Lots of opportunities for advancement 5. Many areas of specialization 6. I like fast paced work environments.

I do not feel bad for choosing nursing nor do I think that simply because it is not my calling I won't be as good a nurse as someone that feels it is.