I start nursing school tomorrow and I'm having second thoughts...help!

anon456, BSN, RN · Jun 8, 2010

I'm halfway through nursing school, AND have a financial agreement with a local hospital that they pay for my school if I work for them. And of the last class of graduates in this program they let most of them be released as they were not able to place them. I graduate next March and am getting nervous.

However, I know that there are nursing jobs out there. The reason it's bad right now is that economy discouraged the older nurses from retiring as planned, and the part timers are now full timers again. But eventually they will have to retire, right? LOL And the economy will get better, the new healthplan will take effect, and I will have a job.

Home health care is still growing, too. And some states are hiring still. If you are flexible you can make it. You have come this far and you are finally in the program. Just hold onto your dream!

If I don't get hired right away I plan to volunteer somewhere like a low cost clinic just to get that experience and keep my skills.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 8, 2010

You say that you will be graduating in 2012, correct? Well, the economy's tide might be turning by 2012, which might mean that nursing jobs for new grads may become readily available again. Plenty can occur in two years. Even though the economy is slumping today, tomorrow brings the promise of a new day.

RNMeg · Jun 8, 2010

There were plenty of jobs when I started nursing school 3 years ago. Look how much has changed since then! Like The Commuter said, a lot can happen. Also, my understanding of the ongoing "shortage" is that it's regional, and New Mexico is one of the regions in need. You've come so far as to complete your prereqs and get accepted to a nursing program. Don't give up before you even start the part you've worked so hard for :heartbeat

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · Jun 8, 2010

There are Nursing Jobs in New Mexico?!? Quick everyone! Jump on it!!!

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · Jun 8, 2010

Ok sorry I had to say that LOL. Don't give up your dream on being a nurse! You are starting tomorrow and that's super! :) And like other posters have mentioned, the tide will turn. Follow your heart and the money will follow you. :)

SummitRN, BSN, RN · Jun 8, 2010

I'm having the same thoughts...

RPN_2012 · Jun 8, 2010

I was just reading some posts on the nursing "shortage" and became extremely down...I really really want to be a nurse and not for the money...Its all I have ever thought I would become when I was a child! So I live in New Mexico and know that there is no longer a shortage but the local hospitals seem to have at least 40-50 listings for nurses at any time...But they are all for EXPERIENCED nurses...How the heck am I going to get any experience if they aren't hiring new grads? Im just being negitive nancy right now and want to know if there really is hope out there for new grads? btw I will be graduating in June of 2012.
Oh and another question...I was thinking of becoming a volunteer at one of the hospitals while in school so that I can gain some kind of experience...What do you think? Is it worth the time? Any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks :-)

If this is what you really want, then go for it! By 2012 things will be picking up, so you'll be fine, just keep an open mind about where you want to work, both facility and location wise, just in case if you need to relocate for a new grad position when you graduate, be open to that adventure, you can always move back after you have a couple of years experience!

As for the volunteer part, that is a great idea! I say go for it and good luck with school!

I'm starting in September :) no regrets or second thoughts. this is what I want. If this is what you want, don't keep yourself from pursuing your dream! You go girl!

Danielle27 · Jun 8, 2010

I graduated from nursing school in May 2009 and I just recently accepted my first RN job. Unfortunately I have to relocate 6 hours away from home but I'm lucky to have a job as I know there are still people I graduated with that don't have jobs. I even graduated from a nursing school that is well known for its co-op program and even though by the time I had graduated I had worked at 3 major teaching hospitals in Boston I couldn't get a new grad job at any of those hospitals. I had no idea it was going to be this hard to find a job when I started nursing school but I truly believe that by 2012 the economy will be getting better and hospitals will start hiring new grads again. Like you said, all of the job openings right now are for experienced nurses so its really difficult for new grads.

I had one hospital tell me to consider looking at new grad programs out of state and then move back after 6 months to a year of experience. So I applied to a lot of new grad programs out of state and I ended up getting about 5 interviews. The problem is none of those hospitals wanted to hire me because they knew once I got some experience I would move back (of course I didn't tell them that). So I couldn't get hired in or out of state. Finally one hospital hired me and I couldn't be happier. I just wish it didn't take over a year to find this job.

But now, I'm starting my new job in a few weeks and starting a masters program in a few months so everything is going even better than I had hoped.

So don't worry about it too much. Enjoy nursing school and don't worry about jobs. Even if I knew I was going to have a hard time finding a job when I graduated I wouldn't have changed my career. It truly is a passion more than a career.

Good luck!

ItsTheDude · Jun 8, 2010

it's relative to what else is out there. nursing is still one of the better jobs out there (pay and demand). then consider most nurses only have a 2 yr degree, it's no brainer, go for it.

decartes · Jun 8, 2010

I was just reading some posts on the nursing "shortage" and became extremely down...I really really want to be a nurse and not for the money...Its all I have ever thought I would become when I was a child! So I live in New Mexico and know that there is no longer a shortage but the local hospitals seem to have at least 40-50 listings for nurses at any time...But they are all for EXPERIENCED nurses...How the heck am I going to get any experience if they aren't hiring new grads? Im just being negitive nancy right now and want to know if there really is hope out there for new grads? btw I will be graduating in June of 2012.
Oh and another question...I was thinking of becoming a volunteer at one of the hospitals while in school so that I can gain some kind of experience...What do you think? Is it worth the time? Any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks :-)

If it has been your dream job, absolutely go for it, always strive to do your best, be empathetic, collect clinical instructors to give you references and do whatever it takes to make you stand out to future recruiters. Sure many institutions are being more cost effective now by interviewing experienced nurses but there are a few out there who will take in a few new grads. Someone mentioned to enjoy nursing school. I think it's excellent advice and if you do that, it will show in your cover letter, resume, grades, letters of recommendation, interviews, etc. That might be the key to land one of those few new grad openings.

HM2VikingRN, RN · Jun 8, 2010

sometimes we have to walk by faith not by sight.....