Is Nursing Becoming Over-Saturated?

[Mr. Confused]

I'd like to start by thanking all those who responded to my previous posting - I did learn a lot from it. I recently met a nurse who's been in the profession for a very long time. She mentioned to me the nursing profession is becoming over-saturated, and it may not be as attractive in the future due to lack of opportunities. She voiced her concerns and frustrations to me regarding private schools ( especially for-profit schools) that are graduating students at a number the job market can't handle -According to her, most of those graduates were not properly prepared to become a nurse. She stated it used to be easy for ASN to get great nursing jobs in the past which now requires a BSN. She said to me her hospital has only been hiring BSN for entry level positions instead of ASN, and most leaderships positions positions are left for MSN. Since I am exploring Nursing as a possible career change, I would like some feedback from other nurses in the field or current nursing students about how the job market is now for new nursing school graduates. With this, I would like to ask the following questions:

Is the nursing field really over saturated? Is it hard to find a job? Is it now ridiculous to only get an associates in nursing? Is it still possible to get an associates first and then complete a bachelors while working or is it recommended to go straight through to obtain a bachelors in nursing? Thanks to all for taking your time to read my post- I would appreciate any feedback.

[Rionoir, ADN, RN]

It depends where you live. Here in Wisconsin I’ve got one semester left to get my ADN and I’ve already been hired on at one of the major hospitals as a nurse extern (and it was my first choice). If I stay on after I graduate I have 4 years to finish my BSN and they reimburse $7000 a year. There are definitely plenty of jobs in my area for those graduating as far as I can tell.

[morbidlycurious]

Ho boy.

So a lot of people on this site would tell you that yes, the job market is over saturated and employers only want BSNs. With that said, some of this will depend on where you live, but my opinion from what i've seen in my area is that the only jobs that are over saturated are the good ones. In other words, if you are expecting your dream job straight off graduation, well so does every one else your graduating with, and they will also be applying even though the employer probably only wants experienced nurses anyway. If you're willing to take less than desirable positions, or travel for work, then you will find it. Cast a wide net and don't be too picky to start off, and you'll gain the experience necessary for those better positions.

As for the BSN -- you really gotta look into the job market near you. A lot of hospitals will say BSN only, but will hire ADN/diploma RNs under the condition that you get your BSN within three years or so -- often providing tuition assistance along the way.

[nursestruggles, BSN, RN]

It really all depends on where you plan to work as well as the unit you try to get in to. I’m in florida now and I know some peers who graduated last year who are still in the process of looking for a job. Important thing is not to give up and also to be realistic.

[ChristmasNurse]

It's weird. The job market can be tough for new grads, but most of the hospitals in my area are constantly understaffed, schools (urban especially) have a high turnover of nurses, and homecare can never seem to get enough people. If nursing is truly what you want, go for it.

Sure - there are concerns in nursing and education/training/orientation is not the same as it was fifty years ago. But I'm not sure if over saturation of grads is the problem.

[2BS Nurse, BSN]

There are plenty of RN jobs out there. Like "morbidlycurious" mentioned, your first job may not be your job of choice. In my area, signing bonuses and recruiting abound for new grads. You will save TONS of $ by completing the ADN then finishing your BSN while working (employer paid tuition). All facilities here require BSN completion within 5 years of employment. There are way too many job vacancies and competition between hospitals to only hire BSN grads. Maybe your friend works in a small hospital?

A lot of experienced nurses state that new grads are not "properly trained". My opinion is that new employee training programs are sub par. Floor nurses are overwhelmed and are expected to train new grads on top of caring for their own patients.

If this is a possible career change for you, keep in mind that nursing is an extremely stressful career. Don't do it just for the $ or job prospects. You will be exhausted at the end of your shift and most likely won't get out on time. You will probably be working every other weekend and half of the holidays. If this family time is important to you, think hard about this profession.

[Mr. Confused]

Thank you for your input. I appreciate it.