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!
By 2012 things will be picking up, so you'll be fine
Upon what do you base that?
OP, I would agree that you should pursue nursing since that seems to be what you really want to do but you should also be realistic and be prepared to be unemployed after you graduate. While the tide may have turned by the time you graduate... it may not have, too. Even if it doesn't, though, you may be one of the fortunate ones who is able to find a job. It's not like there aren't any new-grad jobs... just not nearly enough for all the newly minted nurses rolling off the lines every semester.
The job market is tough no matter which field you choose. However, the medical field is, by far, the most secure. People will always be sick. If this is your dream, then PLEASE go for it! Most hospitals are in need of CNAs. You could work part-time during school and have an excellent chance of stepping into an RN position. I just got hired as a Nurse Extern, and I start final semester in the fall. During my employer orientation, there were approximately 15 newly hired nurses...only about 3 had prior experience...the rest were all new grads. Nurses with experience are hard to find because most find what they love to do and stay there. Of course, hospitals prefer those with experience, as does any industry...but, they're not always going to find it. GO FOR IT!!!!!
Unfortunately, there are few good professions to enter at the moment. Your education and training should be for the long term though (e.g., a 40+ year career), and i believe nursing is still an excellent choice. There's a new focus on national health care and a large aging/retiring baby boom generation. And although there may be occasional hiring freezes, nursing doesn't typically go through the massive layoffs like other professions.
By way of comparison, i'll be getting prerequisites out of the way for the next 6 months, then starting nursing school the following fall. My background is roughly 20-years in another career (architect). And there's numerous others on this site with former careers in accounting, computer programming, etc., all considered 'safe-dependable' professions at one time. For those who have been through a few recessionary meat-grinders, nursing seems like an oasis. Warts and all.
It's good to be concerned, but i wouldn't worry over the long term. Starting is rough in any profession. But the general consensus seems to be that once you get your nursing foothold, it's pretty stable afterwards.
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.
Just because someone else wants the same thing you do doesn't meant you don't have an equal right to it. Go to school. Follow your dream. Keep your head up and eyes open for the opportunities that will make you more employable than the next candidate when graduation time comes. Forewarned is forearmed. There are ways to increase your chances of being one of those who get a job after grad. Things may or may not change in two years but if you want it, go for it and don't look back.
Based on where I am, things looked much worse a year ago, than they do now for everyone... so in a couple of years it might get even better, besides nursing goes in waves (or so I've heard) shortage of jobs -shortage of nurses- shortage of jobs, so if there is a shortage of jobs now, in a few years there will be more jobs...
Why don't we tell future nursing students the truth as to why nursing has these waves of shortage of jobs and shortage of nurses. It has been well documents that a large number of nurses end up leaving nursing all together within 5 years of graduation because of poor stressful working conditions and pay and or choose to only work part time, this is what creates these nursing shortages. These issues have been around for a long time, but the ANA refuses to become involved.
good luck in school. for many of us that have been through it ... it will change your life. as far as jobs go, it is slim pickings out there. i graduated a few months ago and passed my boards a few weeks ago and after 40 apps i still don't even have an interview. the graduate nurse program at umn is hard to get into.. it's not what you know it's who you know. my advise: get a job before you start school in the hospital you want to work at when you graduate. any job, even part time. that way you already have your foot in the door when you graduate. everyone i know of that worked in a hospital during school has a job now as a rn. :)
Follow your dreams! Don't let fear of anything stand in your way! I look at it this way: it's probably easier to get a job in nursing compared to other fields. I remember when I trasferred to my current school to get my BSN and they told us that nursing graduates make the most money compared to other undergrad. degrees upon graduation. Plus like other posters said, once you're in, it's a secure field and there's always a need for nurses somewhere.
If you have the time try to work at a hospital part-time or volunteer a little bit if possible. Our school told us if we do an externship you have a very high chance of getting a job at the hospital after graduation.
Why are people on this "don't worry the economy will rebound" kick. Hospitals, health care centers are CUTTING DOWN to save money. And if you save money, you MAKE MONEY. That happens whether or not the economy is in a funk.
For example, hospitals that once had 5 patients for each nurse now do with having 8 patients per nurse. Less nurses, less salary payout. That's why they want experienced nurses! Oh sure, all new graduates are just rarin' to go, but pretty soon it gets really old really fast for them. Then the negative burnout and attitude ensue. And that's why I got out of thehealtcare field. It's like a cloud of negativity that eats away at others and causes them to visit their problems on you. (And the drama, of course).
Show me one student that says "I went into nursing to help others" and I'll show you 100 that are going in it for the money. Sad, but true.
There's no reason to be negative. Just because you personally had a bad experience doesn't mean that everyone else will. A lot of people do it for the money, but there are still plenty of people who do it to help others so don't speak for everyone else. Hopefully the economy will rebound, but of course there's no guarantee. The healthcare field is still a good field to get into and no one should be discouraged from doing so. It doesn't manner what job field you want to get into - it's hard to find jobs everywhere.
There is no point worrying about it. Nursing hiring freezes come and go... just ask any experienced nurse. I would just focusing on getting through the nursing program
Music in My Heart
1 Article; 4,111 Posts
OP, I would agree that you should pursue nursing since that seems to be what you really want to do but you should also be realistic and be prepared to be unemployed after you graduate. While the tide may have turned by the time you graduate... it may not have, too. Even if it doesn't, though, you may be one of the fortunate ones who is able to find a job. It's not like there aren't any new-grad jobs... just not nearly enough for all the newly minted nurses rolling off the lines every semester.
Be ready for fierce competition.