For profit schools/debt/nursing shortage??

Hoosier_RN, MSN · Jan 20, 2016

Nursing shortage? Mostly no, but depends on where you live and other factors. As for the debt, I wouldn't, but everyone is different in their thoughts on this

BrittanyWilkins · Jan 20, 2016

i appreciate your input

SandyScrubs · Jan 20, 2016

I can't speak from experience because I'm still in school, but I've heard from my professors that there is definitely a nursing shortage (they have noticed it a lot with nurse educators with graduate degrees specifically), but it can still be a little difficult to find a job after you graduate, because you have to find a hospital with open spots to orient you as a new nurse. There are many programs for new nurses with limited spots, so I've heard you just have to apply around. Its possible to get a job, but not necessarily your dream job at a specific hospital/unit right off.

joseyjo · Jan 20, 2016

From what I understand (I am still a nursing student) there is a lack of EXPERIENCED nurses, in SOME areas of the country, in SOME specialties. I have heard specifically that there is a lack of nurse educators (MSN or higher degree).

Is there a shortage of new grad RNs? I seriously doubt it. Even here in Kansas some of our new grads have to take less desirable jobs (one new RN I spoke to had to take a job in a small town an hour drive from our large city). In some states, Kansas being one I think, a new grad can still find a job, but there is definitely not a shortage.

Definitely do not believe the line of bull the for-profit schools try to sell you- and research your school very thoroughly! We have a for-profit school here that has been open for 3 years and keeps churning out BSN RN's (at 2x the cost of my top of the line private non-profit school) that can't even sit for the NCLEX because they aren't accredited properly. Why in the world people don't research them better and stop going there is beyond me. Also, many for-profit schools have very low NCLEX first time pass rates (I have heard as low as 50%!). The national average is 85%. The 2 non-profits we have here in our city are consistently above 97%.

BrittanyWilkins · Jan 21, 2016

Thank you! This was very helpful

elkpark · Jan 21, 2016

The US DHHS Health Resources and Services Administration is predicting a significant oversupply of RNs by 2025 (by >300,000 RNs). There is currently an oversupply in many parts of the country. Whether or not there is going to be increased demand (above and beyond the dramatic increase in new grads being produced each year) is debatable and remains to be seen.

Future of the Nursing Workforce: National- and State-level Projections, 2012-2025

The proprietary (private for-profit) schools are businesses looking to make money. They will tell you whatever they need to to get you to enroll and pay their overpriced tuition. I would never consider attending a proprietary school, particularly if I already had student loan debt. Some (most?) of the proprietary schools have v. poor reputations and low NCLEX pass rates (which suggests they are providing a poor "product"). I would really encourage you to think long and hard before committing to one of these schools.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jan 21, 2016

The shortage is of experienced specialized nurses especially highly skilled areas like NICU/PICU/OR etc.

There is no shortage of inexperienced new grad & novice nurses.

For profit private schools market to increase numbers. The costs exceed earning potential

Hoosier_RN, MSN · Jan 21, 2016

The US DHHS Health Resources and Services Administration is predicting a significant oversupply of RNs by 2025 (by >300,000 RNs). There is currently an oversupply in many parts of the country. Whether or not there is going to be increased demand (above and beyond the dramatic increase in new grads being produced each year) is debatable and remains to be seen.
Future of the Nursing Workforce: National- and State-level Projections, 2012-2025
The proprietary (private for-profit) schools are businesses looking to make money. They will tell you whatever they need to to get you to enroll and pay their overpriced tuition. I would never consider attending a proprietary school, particularly if I already had student loan debt. Some (most?) of the proprietary schools have v. poor reputations and low NCLEX pass rates (which suggests they are providing a poor "product"). I would really encourage you to think long and hard before committing to one of these schools.

Just the words that I was looking for in my reply!

Tumbler · Jan 21, 2016

How much would you be adding to that existing 20K? If you can keep your total debt under the federal undergrad limit (about 31K), you can probably manage the loan. More than that? Nope, don't do it.

As for the for-profit program? Be careful. You need to check the state BON and see if grads from the program are allowed to sit for the NCLEX. Don't trust the school to provide you with a pass rate. The state BON should publish that data, too. Don't settle on a program with a pass rate under the national average. BTW, why is a for-profit program the only option?

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jan 21, 2016

It depends on what area of the country you live in. Some areas do hire new grads and actually need them. But not all. This is where you need to research your particular job market. Not the local gossip, but talk to the hospitals and see what they need.

Stay far away from any for profit school. If you live in an area that has a surplus, going to a for profit school will decrease your chances that much more of getting a job afterwards. Most are not even nationally accredited which is what employers look at when hiring someone.

BrittanyWilkins · Jan 21, 2016

Thanks for the input... I have a lot of researching to do