For the Long Road

[Flightline, BSN, RN]

We do a lot of giping about our profession. I guess that's natural. But I'll tell you what: it ain't anywhere near as bad as trying to be a salesman of some sort or a stockbroker or the utter mind-numbing experience of a factory worker. It's not hard labor; it's not outdoor work.

I realize the stock market may be at a bottom now and it may even rebound somewhat, but long-term we are on a payback course for the economy. The days are coming when those with a good-paying job will be damn glad they have one. This economy is going to bring the nursing shortage to an end. I'm glad I already have 4 1/2 years of ICU experience.

I'm curious as to what others think about the next 10 years in nursing?

[GilaRRT]

Doubt it. In addition, we are in a relative shortage. We are pumping out nurses left and right. However, poor economy or not, people do not want crap working conditions. This is a diplomatic way of describing the environment many new nurses (and old) have to face.

Actually, good "blue collar" jobs exist. My wife's daughter is married to somebody who works in the methane drilling business. He makes incredible wages, has a great benefit package, and was able to move up the ranks quite quickly with hard work and dedication.

[Sandy_dfw]

This economy is going to bring the nursing shortage to an end.

When someone goes into a field, especially nursing, just for the money

they are usually unhappy and do not last in the field. I my oppion there

may be less of a shortage but there will still be a shortage.

just my 2 cents worth.

Sandy

[TraumaQueenBScN]

I'm still a student (3rd year BScN), but there has not been one single day where I've regretted my career choice and I can't imagine ever thinking I made the wrong choice. I told my Mother when I was 2 years old that I wanted to be a nurse...obviously, I had no idea what that entailed then aside from helping people. Nsg always stuck with me and I'm so thankful such a fantastic profession exists.

Yes there's a nsg shortage, yes we're overworked (as students we're pretty much slaves - we're beyond overworked), yes it's a hard job, but who cares? If you went into nsg because you truly love it...these things don't matter. Maybe I'm still in the "honeymoon" phase, but it's the truth.

In Ontario, nurses make excellent money but I could care less if I made minimum wage as a nurse. When a pt thanks me or tells me that I'm going to be a wonderful nurse, it makes everything worth it.

[meadow85]

Of course I can appreciate that some people have it worse. I graduated and found a job while still in school and started making more money than my father who is a refugee, has the education of a 6th grader because he had to drop out of school to support his family, has been working in a factory since coming to this country, and has lost his job 3-4 times d/t closures and lay-offs. And although I enjoy nursing, lets be honest, it is not a walk in the park either. My father would even have to agree with me. The money is one of the many reasons why I chose nursing, but if its the only thing then I dont think you will last long. Not everyone can be a nurse. And I tell everyone, I would rather have a job that gave me peace of mind and less pay than one that caused me so much grief and paid well.

[TopazLover, BSN, RN]

It is a question I keep thinking about. I think the politics of the moment may be a point worth looking at. That said, Please do not turn this into a political discussion or it will be moved or shut down.

There is a shortage of nursing, but new grads can't find jobs. Older nurses may want to return to nursing but may have been out of the work force for years. In either case skill maintenance is difficult if you are not working. If working condition do improve more nurses may stay in nursing. If the economy improves but nursing conditions don't then expect the continued hemorrhaging of nurses into more profitable lines of work.

I think there will be an upsurge in career re-entry programs so the nurses who are not working will be updated. This, combined with assisting graduates who are having difficulties passing the NCLEX, could be a good niche for someone.