is there a future in nursing.

sjalv · Jul 28, 2013

Nursing remains a career with lots of growth potential. There are many paths you can take depending on what you want to do. Salaries differ widely with the different specializations and 'career ladders'. The availability of jobs differs from state to state. I don't think it is a nationwide issue. I only say that because where I live, RN jobs are plentiful, in the hospital setting at least.

Most APNs (Advanced Practice Nurses) start out the same way. They become an RN first, then pursue a higher level of education. They might become a Nurse Practitioner, a Nurse Anesthetist, a Clinical Nursing Specialist, a college instructor, an administrator in a healthcare facility, etc. I feel that, despite the job shortages in various parts of the country, nursing remains a good career choice, because you can actually make a CAREER out of it.

Job environments vary wildly from facility to facility. A nurse's goals vary widely from the next person's. It is what you make it. If that means having to move 2,000 miles away from home to start building your career, then that's what it means.

Editorial Team / Admin · Jul 28, 2013

I really hope someone can give me some helpful advice. I've been a medical assistant for over 9 years and really wanted to go for my RN.....until I started reading post on this site. Now I'm really worried. My plan was to get my associates degree get a job and pursue my bachelors degree online. However now I'm concern I won't even get a job with a associates degree and being anew graduate. So my question is, is nursing still a good field to try to get into?

That depends on what you want. No one can make that decision for you, so what you should do is investigate the job market where you live. There is wide variation in job availability depending on where you live and the type of nursing you want to work in. In my area, hospital positions are receiving around 200 applicants per opening. However, LTC openings are plentiful and nowhere near as competitive. You may need to be willing to relocate or to accept a position that is not in your first choice of specialty.

Also I was told all nurses have to have bachelors degree in 2015, is that true? All and advice will be really appreciated! I just want to be fully informed before invested time and money into anything.

Much of this comes from an IOM report where they recommend a ratio of 80% minimum bachelors degree and 20% associates degree or diploma. As far as I know, there is no mandate/law requiring this ratio be met; however, facilities may institute their own policies. Mine is planning to follow the recommendation; those 20% without a bachelors will most likely be those close to retirement. Other facilities may institute policies that nurses hired must have a BSN within a set timeframe.

sjalv · Jul 28, 2013

I cannot edit my post, but I forgot to answer your question about the BSN requirement. I have not heard anything of the sort.

MrsH2009 · Jul 28, 2013

Thank you for your response. Your right every one had to start out from somewhere. I really want a career even if the start is hard

MrsH2009 · Jul 28, 2013

Yea I know I have to make to decision on my own, I was just trying to get help to make an informed decision. Thank you for your advice. I have been checking hospital postings (in NY) and they all want experience and bsn. However I didn't look at LTC, I thought only LPN's worked there.

ricksy · Jul 29, 2013

This post reminds me of a musician friend who loved to perform and entertain, formed a band and sang. Knowing that he would never make it "in the big time", he pondered what to do with his life. He had a young wife and a baby. Not much money working weekends in little dives in small town USA. No insurance benefits. The answer was pretty clear. Take care of your family with a job and do that on the side. So, that was music. This is NURSING. I do not believe it when people say they won't be able to find a job in nursing. REALLY? It may not happen to be what you wanted at the moment you wanted it, but, for GOSH SAKES, we will always need health care! If you nursing and taking care of others, and it is in your heart, just do it! I can't imagine any degree ADN or Bachelors that would go to "waste". Love it? Do it! There WILL be places that will offer you health insurance and benefits. You WILL win someday. Good Luck!

Keseratops · Jul 29, 2013

At the beginning of my nursing program 3 years ago there was a huge hiring freeze. Our instructors told us that by the time we graduated the job market would likely be brighter. And... it is.... a little bit. Not much. But our experienced teachers who had seen years of the struggles of new grads nationwide said that nursing happens in cycles. Some years obtaining a job is extremely difficult, and then the economy turns around and there is a "nursing shortage." If you ask me, from what I've seen, experienced nurses seem to always be needed. That is why agencies and traveling nurses always get business, even though there is a plethora of eager new grads to take their place permanently. But... new grads are such an investment, that hospitals don't want to take the time to train them. I think this will change... and hopefully before you graduate. Also, it is probably worth getting a Bachelors. We had AD nurses in a bridge program to BSN, and many of them seem to be doing well in getting jobs.

So far, nursing has been worth it. I have an offer locally, but plan to move. I think if you are focused, network while you are in school, and do everything possible to have advantage when your graduate, you will find a job.... it just may or may not take a little time.

Best of luck to you!

hope3456, ASN, RN · Jul 29, 2013

IMO the best position to be in going into nursing is to be able and willing to relocate at any time. The nurses that do so end up with the most experience and are most marketable. They also don't have to deal with the stress of being in a job that isn't a "good fit." I have known nurses who lived out of their campers and i envy them.

However those of us with families, own a home, ect. Have to take it up the @$$ To stay with our families, keep our kids in good schools, ect.

So yeah, I'd put alot of thought into it - if nursing is going to work with your future plans.

MrsH2009 · Jul 30, 2013

Thank you all for the advice (opinions).... I really want to be a nurse... Fear is the only thing holding me back. Its going to be a big for me to go to school. Just want to make sure its worth it.