Economy/ Nursing Students

[RN-4Ever, DNP]

Does anyone think or know if this economy is affecting pre-nursing students from wanting to apply to nursing school? The reason I ask is because the hospital I work for has message stating, "NOT HIRING NEW GRADS" under the job search engine. My friend and I were discussing this today. I wanted to know what other people thought???

[JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN]

Depends on where you live. The hospital system in my area has a regular schedule for hiring new grads. There may not be a ton of openings but it is a well run organization that know it needs to be constantly training its future work force. I don't see the lack of jobs as a detraction for most people who really want to pursue a nursing degree. Maybe we all think we are just a little bit better than the person sitting next to us in class : )

[FDI1216]

Nurses will always have a job. Now, you can't be picky. I know some new grads that want to work in the NICU. That's GREAT! But if a hospital is hiring for Med-Surg...you better jump on it! I've also heard it helps when a new grad has their certifications (CPR, ACLS, etc..) because you will stand out from the others. You are ahead of the game and in their eyes they are spending less money on your training. You've mentioned you are a pre-nursing student wanting to apply to nursing school. To be honest, I'd be more concern with how the economy will affect you getting into a program due to possible budget cuts. Good luck!

[happy2learn]

Does anyone think or know if this economy is affecting pre-nursing students from wanting to apply to nursing school?

Nope, if anything, I think the economy is making MORE people go to school. Enrollment has risen drastically at all my area schools since the economy tanked.

Now, I wish people would actually do their research before choosing a career. I've met too many that still think there are tons of nursing jobs. Or because they work at a hospital, they automatically think they will get a job. Then I burst their bubble and they give me a dirty look, haha!

[favthing, APRN]

The media is still fueling the idea that nurses are in demand. While some nurses (most likely those with experience) are in demand, it doesn't take much research to get an idea of the state of health care at the moment and how it's affecting job training for new grads. While I think there will always be a need for nurses, I'm concerned about the number of people (and schools opening up for them) who are going into nursing BECAUSE of the propaganda about nursing being 'recession-proof'.

A good number of people in my class are going into nursing because they don't have jobs in their original field. Our first semester one of these students came out of a pt's room very upset and asked me for help. The help she needed was emptying a bed pan. While I did the emptying for her, she proceeded to tell me that she will be working in ER when she graduates, that she doesn't want to work with "old" people, and how grateful she is for my help...anyway, to answer your question, I think it will take another 6 months or a year for this cohort of new nurses to prove the realities of nursing to trickle to the media. Hopefully there will be some other 'recession-proof' career in the spotlight!

[RN-4Ever, DNP]

favthing,

nurses wear many faces...tech, secretary, etc. how is she going to work in the er if she can't empty a bed pan??? i am hopeful as well that there will be another “recession” proof profession. i am eager to become a nurse but i am also ready to jump in with both feet. nursing is something i have always wanted to do. i am finally in a place in my life where i feel like i can accomplish my goals. i am concerned this economy is going to hold me back. i agree, the experienced nurses are the ones in demand.