Some seem to thinking nursing shortage means not needing to pay dues?

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

I notice some students or others seem to think that because they've heard about a nursing shortage, that means that they will get a day position in their dream unit, and be welcomed with open arms as if they are the reserve troops come to save the day.

I don't think that's really the case. You still have to take the less desirable shifts, prove yourself, be accepted by your co-workers, and earn respect. Yes, there are toxic units, and those ones are probably more in need of extra help, so you might be more likely to get a job there.

If you are a newbie, you still have to 'pay your dues' in some way, that's usually the way life works in many arenas.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

When I was a student in an LVN/LPN program 3 years ago, one of my middle-aged classmates said to me, "I plan to work at the bedside for 3 years, and then find a desk job."

It seems that some people enter nursing with no intention to hang around at the bedside for long. Unfortunately, the bedside is where all the help is needed.

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

I remember when I started nursing school, there was a terrible shortage and we thought we had it made in the shade, then by 4th semester we started hearing about difficulties in getting jobs for new grads. That was a reality check for me.

[nebrgirl]

Yes but....there is nothing wrong with seeking the best deal you can find.....just don't be shock that no job is ever really "perfect" Big Bucks come with headaches, and the "great hours" might come with a bad location.

[Valerie Salva, BSN, RN]

jlsRN-

I agree 100%.

Many of the so-called "cake" jobs in nursing require an extensive clinical background to be able to perform well.

I've seen quite a few second career BSN fast-track grads in these positions. They click down the halls in their heels and pearls, and have absolutely no clue.

I'm not generalizing here- I'm just saying that there are a number of new grads who really don't give a flip about nursing, and want nothing to do with pts. These are "nurses" we don't need.

[cpkRN]

I'm not criticizing this threat because I think it is so true! I just wanted to add my student perspective!

Anyhow, I'm only in pre-nursing, but my goal is to be in Hospice. I am fully aware that this will involve several years at the bedside, especially med-surg. A friend in the area spent 2 years in the ED before being hired with a local Hospice and I think even that's a short time! I guess my expectations are set for spending years "training" as a working nurse before I can be competent enough to be entrusted to such a position.

On the flip side, I get really aggravated to hear fellow students talking about how much they're going to make and how "easy" the job is going to be. These are usually the same people who act like fools in class and treat other students like they're beneath them - what great nurses they'll make .

While I don't know how things will really be until I actually get there, I fully intend to "pay my dues" especially by respecting and learning from the knowledge of the more experienced nurses.

[kythe, LPN]

I don't think there is a shortage of new grad RN's in my area, so I don't expect it to be "easy" to get a job when I graduate. It has been easy to get a job as an LPN, but not because the jobs themselves are easy. It's quite the opposite. There are fewer LPN's than RN's and it seems there are relatively few people willing to put up with some of the working conditions in many LTC facilities. I've learned to assume that if a job is very well paying or easy to land, as in they hire anyone who is breathing and has a license, then there is something wrong with the position.

By the time I go back to school and finish, I will have been an LPN for 3 years. I'm hoping to use this nursing experience to my advantage in applying for jobs, since many other new grad RN's have no prior nursing experience. However, my first year as an LPN was certainly quite the learning experience and I don't expect my first year in a hospital setting to be a piece of cake either.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

This phenomenon is not limited to nursing... it has been recognized as a characteristic of the millenial generation.

The jury's still out as to why they expect such an easy time of it -- maybe overprotective parents, exposure to hypermedia throughout childhood, formalized "self esteem" programs in schools?? We just know that they're different from us oldies.

Transitions are difficult - especially in this case, when the workplace requirements (high accountability, hard work, etc) are simply not compatible with the newly emerging attitudes. Who knows where it's going to end up? In the meantime, I hope the boomer nurses hang in there long enough to provide my care when I need it!!

[NsgChica]

jlsrn...I am a new nurse and let's not mention the less desirable patient assignments....the old paying dues attitude...gotta love it.

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

At no point should someone assume that because a facility needs nurses that they will get that great days rotation, or not have to work the holiday, etc....

I have been on my floor for 3 years(only 2 months as a RN) and I know that my senority has been wiped out. I personally have no issues with working holidays, as I know that I have to put in my time.

The nurses who think that they will just coast by the bedside role are fooling themselves. It's those eye-opening years that will make them really reevaluate their career choice. Hopefully, those who do put in the time will carry it with them always and allow that time to shape their perspectives.

[Ivanna_Nurse, BSN, RN]

Hey there, I do have to pop in and say that I agree with the above post mentioning something about the generation. I think it also depends on alot of other demographics too... Single parents, second careers, first careers following kids, etc.

I know that for our area, it is the only profession hiring... we are a small town without much in it, except many folks living under the poverty line.

Personally for me, financial aid, nursing school and having the ability to step into this kind of job freed my family from another generation of food stamps and medicaid. I'll gladly pay any dues. ~Ivanna

[missjennmb]

I may be misinterpreting this, but why so much hostility towards people who go into nursing intent on a specialty outside of bedside nursing? They do exist, and I don't understand why it is bad that someone wants to do them?

Personally, I have no idea what I will do once nursing school is over. I will probably do a little bit of a lot of things as time goes on. I would really like to work in education, either as a school nurse, nursing instructor, or maybe a hospital based or community based nurse-educator. Not because I hate patients, but because I love the idea of being a nurse AND being a teacher, and since I could never accept the idea of forgetting either forever, I just cross my fingers and hope I can stumble upon my dream job before I retire.

I think there is a big difference between wanting a nursing desk job or a nursing education type job, and being bad for nursing. I don't know how long it would take to get that type of job, or if I will even still want to do that once I find myself in the work place, but I think all jobs are open for someone to strive for, if the urge hits them. :)

That being said, nobody starts at the top (and for political correctness, everyone's "top" is probably quite different from others'). I think it would be neive to expect the perfect anything when your resume is still green, but it doesnt hurt to have goals and dreams. :)