Published Jun 7, 2017
Skippy97
109 Posts
I have been researching, and from what I am reading it's getting increasingly more difficult for new grads to find jobs, and it concerns me even though I would love to go to nursing school and eventually become an RN, but I am worried about employment opportunities after 2025 or so... seems like too many people are graduating from RN programs with new online options, etc. does anyone know of any other Allied health occupations that are in demand, or any other occupations you can have as back-up with a nursing degree? Thank you.
Purple_roses
1,763 Posts
You won't have a hard time finding a job if you're willing to follow a couple of guidelines:
1) Location location location. Some areas of the US are saturated, some areas of the US are very new grad friendly. If you're willing to move, you'll probably find a job somewhere.
2) BSN vs. ADN: If you live in a saturated area and wish to remain in that area, you'll need to get your BSN. If you live in an area that's hiring a lot of new grads (many states in the Midwest), you'll be able to get hired with your ADN while signing a contract that you'll get your BSN in 3-5 years.
3) Your school's accreditation. All nursing schools must be accredited by the state, but respected schools seek further accreditation though organizations like ACEN. This is probably the most important factor. You absolutely must choose a school that has the appropriate accreditation.
My entire class has secured jobs, and most of us secured our positions months before we graduated. The Midwest may have rotten winters, but it is good for something!
NICU Guy, BSN, RN
4,161 Posts
The surplus of nurses seems to decreasing by the unofficial postings on this website. There have been less new graduates complaining of not being able to find jobs on this site. There are still areas that it may still be difficult, but it is better than a few years ago when I graduated. As time goes on there will be more baby boomer nurses retiring and the supply will meet the demand.
caliotter3
38,333 Posts
It is like any other line of work. If you can not secure, or easily secure, a job in your area, then you move to a place where you get a job. Nursing is still a better choice than English Literature, Philosophy, or archaeology, for example.
ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP
1 Article; 2,594 Posts
Also you have to keep in mind that there are some baby boomers looking to retire from nursing and in the next two decades will be using healthcare services.
Nursing is still secure, especially if you are willing to move.
Flatline, BSN, RN
375 Posts
LOL. The Baby Boomer nurses may be holding on but eventually they will die, they might die at the bedside but they will all eventually die.
You will hear lots of whining and crying from those who have had a hard time finding jobs but rarely ever hear from those who do get hired. What most have trouble with is getting hired into their unit of choice, not necessarily getting a job at all.
Go for it, excel and succeed.
llg, PhD, RN
13,469 Posts
If nursing is the type of work you really want to do -- go for it. Even in tight job markets, the nurses who are really focused and flexible have been able to succeed. The best job candidates have always been able to find some way to feed themselves while they wait for better opportunities to open up. Just be sure you get a good education and prepare yourself well to be successful.
If nursing is not the kind of work you really want to do -- then don't do it. It's almost never a good idea to pursue a career doing work you don't really want to do.
Also you have to keep in mind that there are some baby boomers looking to retire from nursing and in the next two decades will be using healthcare services. Nursing is still secure, especially if you are willing to move.
Yes I am currently in the North East, Will be leaving absoloutly!
sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN
2,398 Posts
Come on down to south east Texas Rural as woodville, jasper Texas....apply before you move just "to prove"
I read somewhere that the best states for employment as an RN for now are TX, FL, and PA. I would definetly consider going to a rural area in Texas...
ProlificRN, ADN, BSN
66 Posts
How do you know there will be more baby boomer nurses? reference please.
AACN stated that in in 2008 the average age for a nurse was 47 years old and American nurses Association stated in 2014 that 53% of RNs were over 50. We cannot count on it but it's safe to assume that this will be a cause for more job openings.